Key takeaways

  • North Dakota residents have a choice between Original Medicare (parts A and B), which is offered by the federal governent, and Medicare Advantage (Part C), which is offered by private insurance companies.
  • When choosing a Medicare plan in North Dakota, it’s important to consider your healthcare needs, budget, and whether you want to add Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) or a Medigap plan for additional coverage.
  • Eligibility for Medicare in North Dakota generally includes being age 65 years or older, or under 65 with certain health conditions or disabilities, and enrollment can occur automatically or during specific enrollment periods throughout the year.

Medicare plans in North Dakota provide health insurance for people 65 years and older and some people under 65 who meet certain medical qualifications.

Original Medicare is provided through the federal government. Medicare Advantage, prescription drug plans, and Medigap insurance are all offered through private insurance carriers.

Read on to learn more about your Medicare options in North Dakota and when to enroll.

Snapshot of Medicare in North Dakota

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

  • A total of 150,446 residents of North Dakota are enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium increased from $44.85 in 2025 to $73.51 in 2026.
  • There are 21 Medicare Advantage plans available in North Dakota for 2026.
  • All North Dakota residents with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan, including plans with $0 premiums.
  • There are 10 Medigap plans offered in North Dakota for 2026. Plan C and F are no longer available to new Medicare members

Medicare is more than just one plan. Different plans and components cover different parts of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: This is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Original Medicare includes limited prescription drug coverage.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): These 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: This is another private, stand-alone plan option for prescription drug coverage. You’d enroll in Part D with Original Medicare or with a Part C plan without lumped-in drug coverage.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): These plans help cover the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, 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 North Dakota, 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 have the option to enroll during one of the following enrollment periods:

  • Initial Enrollment: Enrollment period includes 3 months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and up to 3 months after the month you turn 65 years old.
  • Open Enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
  • Medicare Advantage Enrollment: Switch Advantage plans from January 1 to March 31.
  • 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.

With so many coverage options — and both government and private plans to choose from — it’ll take some time to weigh your options, compare plans, and find one that balances your healthcare needs and your current budget.

Here are some steps you can follow:

  1. Start your search by using your zip code when looking for prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans in North Dakota. This way, you won’t waste your time reading the fine print for plans that aren’t even offered in your county.
  2. Next, call your doctor’s office. Most physicians will accept Original Medicare coverage but work with only a handful of private insurance providers. Find out which carriers they accept.
  3. Third, make a complete list of all your prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you’re considering a Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Part D plan, check this list against the list of medications covered by each plan.
  4. By now, you should have a short list of plans to choose from. Find out what plan members thought of each plan by checking its star rating. In the star rating system, members rate their plan on a scale of 1 to 5 based on plan responsiveness, member complaints, and customer service, among other categories. Aim to choose a plan with a 4-star rating or higher, if possible.

If you’d like to access additional resources about Medicare plans in North Dakota, you can contact local state organizations at any time. Here are some to keep in mind:

  • ND State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): The SHIP program will give you free, unbiased counseling about Medicare or other health insurance coverage. You can call SHIP at 888-575-6611.
  • Department of Adult and Aging Services: Contact Adult and Aging Services (855-462-5465) to learn more about assisted living, home care, and long-term care.
  • North Dakota Senior Medicare Patrol (ND SMP): The ND SMP detects and helps prevent Medicare fraud and abuse through outreach, education, and counseling. You can reach the ND SMP at 800-233-1737.

If you’re approaching 65 years old or you’re about to retire, you have a number of different Medicare options to choose from. You can sign up for Original Medicare (parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). A number of private insurance companies in North Dakota offer Medicare Advantage plans.

You can also decide whether to add Medicare Part D (drug coverage) to your plan. There are also several Medigap plan options if you live in North Dakota and are looking for additional coverage. But it’s worth noting that you cannot have a Medigap and Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.

Take time to compare the Medicare plans in North Dakota to find the one that will best meet your healthcare and budget needs. You can always contact Medicare, the plan carrier, or your local SHIP counselor for advice on plans or to begin the enrollment process once you’ve decided on a plan.