Key takeaways

  • Missouri residents have multiple Medicare options, including Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage.
  • When choosing a Medicare plan in Missouri, consider factors like coverage needs, costs, and whether you want to include extra benefits like vision, dental, or hearing care.
  • You can enroll in Medicare plans in Missouri if you’re over 65 or have certain disabilities or health conditions. Enrollment periods include an initial enrollment period, an open enrollment period, and special enrollment periods.

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 expenses associated with Original Medicare.

Snapshot of Medicare in Missouri

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Missouri for the 2026 plan year:

  • A total of 1,345,658 residents of Missouri are enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium changed from $10.66 in 2025 to $8.56 in 2026.
  • There are 157 Medicare Advantage plans available in Missouri for 2026, while there were 139 plans in 2025.
  • All Missouri residents with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan, including plans with $0 premiums.
  • There are 10 stand-alone Part D plans available in Missouri in 2026, with the lowest monthly premium being $9.60.
  • Around 44.06% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan receive Extra Help.

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 private plans that cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, and 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 plans are also provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and offer prescription drug coverage. If you have Original Medicare, you can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription drug coverage, you can speak to your insurer to verify if you can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): Medigap plans help cover some of the costs associated with Original Medicare, 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 Missouri, 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.

You can use these resources if you have any questions about Medicare or need help with enrollment:

If you live in Missouri, you have several Medicare options to choose from.

You can sign up for Original Medicare (parts A and B) and decide whether to add Medicare Part D (drug coverage).

Alternatively, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. Many private insurance companies in Missouri offer Medicare Advantage plans.

There are also several Medigap plan options available to you if you live in Missouri and are looking for additional coverage. But you cannot be enrolled in Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time.