$0 premium plans are popular but widely misunderstood. Here is what they really cost and how to evaluate them.
What '$0 premium' really means
A $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan simply means the insurer charges no separate monthly premium for the plan itself. It does not mean free healthcare. You must still pay your monthly Part B premium ($185 in 2026 for most people), and you pay copays, coinsurance, and any deductibles each time you receive care. These costs accumulate until you hit the plan's annual out-of-pocket maximum. Insurers can offer $0 premiums because CMS pays them to cover your benefits. The label can be misleading if it leads you to ignore the real out-of-pocket costs. A 1-800-MEDIGAP advisor shows you a plan's full cost picture, not just the premium.
How to judge a $0 premium plan
Don't choose a plan on the premium alone; a $0 plan with high copays can cost more than a low-premium plan with better cost-sharing. Compare the total estimated annual cost based on your expected care: look at copays for primary and specialist visits, hospital stays, and drugs, the deductible, and the out-of-pocket maximum. Confirm your doctors are in-network and your medications are on the formulary. Check the CMS star rating too. Done right, a $0 premium plan can be an excellent value, but only when the numbers fit your situation. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) for a true cost comparison.