Medicare in Alaska: 2026 Plans, Costs, and Enrollment Guide
- 0 Medicare Advantage plans available for 2026 (CMS 2026 Fact Sheet) — Alaska is the only U.S. state with no MA plans
- Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D is the only managed-care alternative for Alaska beneficiaries
- 15 Medigap carriers offering Plan G in Alaska (TPP rate database, CY2026)
- 9 standalone Part D plans in CMS PDP Region 34 (Alaska-only)
Alaska Medicare Snapshot
Alaska is unique in the U.S. Medicare market: as of 2026, no Medicare Advantage plans are available in Alaska (CMS 2026 Medicare MA & Part D Landscape State-by-State Fact Sheet). Alaska beneficiaries access Medicare through Original Medicare (Parts A and B), typically paired with a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy for cost-sharing protection and a standalone Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. Alaska uses the standard federal Medigap plan letters with attained-age pricing.
The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026.
Plan Types Available in Alaska
Medicare Advantage (Part C) — not currently offered
Per the CMS 2026 Fact Sheet, Alaska has no Medicare Advantage plans available for 2026. Alaska beneficiaries who would otherwise consider MA must instead use Original Medicare plus a Medigap + Part D combination.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement)
Alaska uses the standard federal Medigap plan letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N, plus HDG and HDF). 15 carriers offer Plan G in Alaska in the TPP rate database (CY2026, non-tobacco, ages 65–85). Plans C, F, and High-Deductible Plan F (HDF) are closed to anyone who first became Medicare-eligible on or after January 1, 2020 (under MACRA 2015); beneficiaries who were Medicare-eligible before that date may still buy Plans C, F, or HDF from carriers that continue to offer them. High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is the post-2020 high-deductible Medigap option and is offered by 6 Alaska carriers.
Most Alaska Medigap policies are attained-age rated. See our MA vs Medigap comparison →
Standalone Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)
Alaska is a single-state PDP region (CMS PDP Region 34). For 2026, there are 9 standalone PDP plans available (CMS 2026 Fact Sheet). The lowest monthly premium for a Part D plan in Alaska is $0.
Costs in Alaska
Medigap Premiums — Plan G and HDG
Most Alaska Medigap policies are attained-age rated. Across the 15 Alaska Plan G carriers (non-tobacco, ages 65–85), Plan G monthly premiums in 2026 range from approximately $135 to $528/month (TPP rate database, CY2026).
High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is offered by 6 Alaska carriers; premiums range from approximately $146 to $502/month (TPP rate database, CY2026). HDG works well for beneficiaries who want catastrophic protection at a lower monthly cost and can absorb the high-deductible amount (CMS’s 2026 Medigap high-deductible options notice publishes the current dollar figure).
Alaska-Specific Medicare Rules
No State Medigap Birthday Rule
Alaska does not have a state Medigap Birthday Rule or Anniversary Rule. Outside of the federal 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period and qualifying federal guaranteed-issue events, most Medigap purchases in Alaska are subject to medical underwriting at the carrier's discretion.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
Alaska offers Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) through Alaska Medicaid (Alaska Department of Health):
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part B premiums only.
- QI (Qualifying Individual): Also covers Part B premiums; subject to annual appropriations.
Apply through Alaska Medicaid or contact Alaska SHIP (1-800-478-6065) for free enrollment assistance. MSP enrollment also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help / LIS on Part D. Learn more about MSPs →
Alaska SHIP
Alaska SHIP is Alaska's federally designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program. It provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling statewide through trained volunteers.
Phone: 1-800-478-6065
Website: dhss.alaska.gov/dsds/pages/ship/default.aspx
Enrolling in Medicare in Alaska
Standard Enrollment Periods
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday month. Enroll at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
- Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year. (Note: Alaska currently has no MA plans, so the MA-specific elections do not apply.)
- Federal 6-month Medigap OEP: Starts when you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B; first-time Medigap guaranteed-issue.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Learn more →
Alaska SHIP Counseling
Contact Alaska SHIP at 1-800-478-6065 for free one-on-one Medicare guidance statewide.