Nearly 1 million people in Colorado are signed up for Medicare, putting it in the top half of U.S. states for Medicare beneficiaries.

Medicare is the government health care program for people age 65 and older. Medicare Advantage is a bundled alternative to Medicare sold by private insurance companies. It offers all the same benefits and usually some extras, such as cost help with dental and vision coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans offer more benefits than Original Medicare, and they're often cheaper than paying for Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan. However, they offer less flexibility since you’ll need to get care from within the plan’s network of providers. Weigh your options to determine what plan best suits your needs.

» MORE: Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Which should I choose?

What to know about Medicare in Colorado

With about 1 in 7 people in Colorado being 65 and older, the state offers a variety of Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.

  • The average monthly premium in 2023 for a Medicare Advantage plan in Colorado is $13.71. (This is down from $14.52 in 2022.)

  • There are 100 Medicare Advantage plans available in Colorado in 2023. (This is up from 94 plans in 2022.)

  • Of Medicare-eligible people in Colorado, 99% have access to a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage companies in Colorado

  • Aetna Medicare.

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. 

  • Cigna.

  • Clear Spring Health.

  • Devoted Health.

  • Elevate Medicare Advantage.

  • Humana.

  • Kaiser Permanente.

  • Perennial Advantage.

  • Rocky Mountain Health Plans.

  • UnitedHealthcare.

Top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in Colorado

Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, awards every Medicare Advantage plan a star rating on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being a top-rated plan. Below are companies with plans that received top marks in Colorado for the 2023 plan year. (Check out more information about Medicare star ratings.)

5-star plans

The companies below offers plans in Colorado that are rated 5 stars out of 5 by CMS:

  • Kaiser Permanente.

  • UnitedHealthcare.

4.5-star plans

The company below offers plans in Colorado that are rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by CMS:

  • Humana.

Medicare resources in Colorado

  • Senior Health Care & Medicare Assistance: Free guidance and counseling for Medicare enrollees. 

  • Colorado Division of Insurance: For questions about your insurance.

  • Health First Colorado: For questions about Medicaid benefits or eligibility.

» MORE: Best Medicare Advantage plans

Find the right Medicare Advantage plan

It’s important to do your research before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan for yourself. Here are some questions to consider asking:

  • What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?

  • Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.

  • Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?

  • Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?

  • Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?

Medicare Advantage companies

Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage companies. These insurance companies offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.

  • AARP Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Aetna Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Anthem Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Cigna Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Humana Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans.

  • UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans.

If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).

Looking for more insurance in Colorado? Check out these resources:

  • Colorado car insurance.

  • Colorado homeowners insurance.

About the author: Kate Ashford is a certified senior advisor (CSA)® and personal finance writer at NerdWallet specializing in Medicare and retirement topics. Read more