Key takeaways

  • In Alaska, individuals eligible for Medicare can enroll in Original Medicare (parts A and B) to cover hospital and medical expenses. However, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are not available.
  • While Alaska does not offer Medicare Advantage plans, residents can still enroll in Part D plans for prescription drug coverage, with 9 different plans available in 2025.
  • Over 100,000 people in Alaska are enrolled in Medicare for 2025, and resources are available to help Alaskans navigate enrollment, plan selection, and coverage questions.

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 is 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

Individuals can also purchase a supplement insurance plan (Medigap) to help cover certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.

Snapshot of Medicare in Alaska

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

  • A total of 120,627 residents of Alaska were enrolled in Medicare.
  • In 2026, 9 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans are available in Alaska, and the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Part D plan is $0.
  • 27.94% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan get Extra Help.
  • As in most states, 10 different Medigap plans are offered in Alaska in 2026.

While most other states offer Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, they are not available in Alaska.

However, there are other parts of Medicare available in Alaska. 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 Part D: Medicare Part D is also offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and provides coverage for prescription drugs. If an individual has Original Medicare, they can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan. If a person has a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription drug coverage, they can speak with their insurer to verify if they can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): Medigap plans help cover some of the costs associated with Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and individuals can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. People cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, such as Part D and Medigap, availability varies by county. Therefore, you can check Medicare.gov to see what’s available in your area.

If you live in Alaska, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 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.
  • 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 Alaska can help you make the best Medicare decisions for your circumstances:

  • Aging and Disability Resource Centers: 855-565-2017 or contact the nearest location
  • Alaska’s Medicare Information Office: 800-478-6065 (TTY: 800-770-8973)
  • Medicare: 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048) or chat online

Anyone eligible for Medicare can enroll in Original Medicare for a federally set cost that changes annually.

This includes Part A, which covers hospital insurance, and Part B, which covers everything else, excluding prescription drugs.

The costs for other Medicare options, Part D and Medigap, vary depending on your location and the level of coverage you choose.