Key takeaways

  • Over 700,000 people in Connecticut are enrolled in Medicare, with options including Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and prescription drug plans (Part D).
  • Medicare Advantage plans in Connecticut are offered by private insurance companies and bundle Parts A and B with extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage. Plan availability and costs vary by location.
  • Connecticut residents can supplement Original Medicare with Medigap plans, which help cover out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles and copays, but these plans are not available to those enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as people of any age who have certain health conditions and disabilities.

It’s made up of four parts:

  • Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) are known as Original Medicare
  • Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare
  • Part D, which is prescription drug coverage

You can also purchase a supplemental insurance plan (Medigap) to help cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are not eligible for Medigap.

Snapshot of Medicare in Connecticut

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), 760,082 people in Connecticut are enrolled in Medicare.

The CMS reported the following trends for the 2026 plan year:

  • About 32.67% of people with a stand-alone prescription drug plan receive Extra Help.
  • The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium is set to decrease in 2026 to $18.66 from $19.19 in 2025.
  • There are 47 Medicare Advantage plans available in Connecticut in 2026, compared to 51 plans in 2025.
  • All Medicare beneficiaries have the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, including plans with $0 premiums.
  • All Original Medicare enrollees have the option to buy a stand-alone prescription drug (Part D) plan.
  • There are 11 stand-alone Part D plans available, and the lowest monthly premium is $8.40.
  • Everyone with a stand-alone Part D plan has the option to enroll in a plan with a lower premium than they paid in 2025.

Medicare is more than just one part. Different plans and components cover various aspects of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: Original Medicare is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Medicare Advantage plans are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and cover the same benefits as Original Medicare. They may also cover benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: Part D is also provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and covers prescription drugs. If you have Original Medicare, you can enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription drug coverage, you can check with your insurer to see if you can also purchase a stand-alone Part D plan.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): Medigap plans help cover some costs associated with Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

If you live in Connecticut, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 years if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65 years, you may also qualify through disability or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. You may be able to join a plan or modify your coverage during one or more of the following enrollment periods:

  • Initial enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday.
  • Open enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment: Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31, if you already have Medicare Advantage.
  • Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage.

If you’re eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re eligible based on age, you’ll need to enroll yourself.

The following resources in Connecticut can help you make the best Medicare decisions for your circumstances:

  • Medicare has a helpline with staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (excluding some federal holidays) to answer your questions. You can call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY: 1-877-486-2048).
  • For personalized health insurance counseling, contact CHOICES, Connecticut’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), at 1-800-994-9422.

More than 700,000 Connecticut residents are enrolled in Medicare.

Several private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and stand-alone prescription drug (Part D) coverage throughout the state.

Overall, monthly premium costs have decreased for Medicare Advantage plans in Connecticut.