Company vs company · Harford County, MD · 2027 plan year
Kaiser Permanente vs Alterwood Advantage Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare.gov compares Medicare Advantage plans with each other. This page also shows Original Medicare, so you can see the full trade-off: premiums, copays, the yearly limit, extra benefits, and the rules about doctors and approvals.
Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Pinnie does not sell plans.
In most states, including Maryland, you cannot count on getting Medigap later
You can buy any Medigap plan with no health questions in the 6 months that start when you are 65 or older and have Part B. After that, a Medigap company in Maryland can ask about your health. It can say no, or it can charge you more. So if you join a Medicare Advantage plan now, you may not be able to get Medigap later. Maryland’s birthday rule helps only people who already have Medigap, not people who leave Medicare Advantage.
One exception is the trial right. If you joined Medicare Advantage when you first got Medicare at 65, or you left a Medigap plan to try Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can switch back within 12 months. Then you can buy a Medigap plan with no health questions.
Read about Medigap rights on Medicare.govYour yearly cost, side by side
Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.
Want to check your exact drugs? Medicare.gov lets you enter each drug and shows what each plan charges for it. Enter your drugs on Medicare.gov
Maryland Insurance Administration, monthly Medicare Supplement premiums (as of July 1, 2026) lists $177 to $343 a month for a 65-year-old woman who does not use tobacco. We start at the lowest price. Health questions can raise the price after your first 6 months with Part B.
Original Medicare
With Medigap Plan G at $177 a month and Wellcare Value Script (PDP)
$7,169 a year
- Premiums
- $4,702
- Medical costs
- $292
- Drugs
- $2,175
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $4,994.
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Value 2 MD (HMO)
HMO from Kaiser Permanente
$4,694 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $1,640
- Drugs
- $540
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $11,414.
Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO)
HMO from Alterwood Advantage
$4,518 a year
- Premiums
- $2,934
- Medical costs
- $1,020
- Drugs
- $564
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $10,434.
With these settings, Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO) costs about $176 less a year than Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Value 2 MD (HMO).
Tipping point for Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Value 2 MD (HMO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $4,115 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $8,900.
Tipping point for Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $3,671 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $7,500.
These are estimates, not quotes. Check every number with Medicare (Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE) and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Drug costs use typical prices for generic and brand-name drugs. Original Medicare amounts are 2027 projections from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report. CMS sets the final amounts in November.
Text us about this comparisonWhat you pay each time you get care
In-network costs for one visit or one stay. The Original Medicare amounts follow your Medigap choice above: Plan G.
Primary doctor visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS)
$0
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS)
$0
Alterwood Advantage Select (HMO)
$0
Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO)
$0
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS)
$45
Prior authorizationKaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS)
$30
Prior authorizationAlterwood Advantage Select (HMO)
$25
Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO)
$20
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationKaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationAlterwood Advantage Select (HMO)
$0
Prior authorizationAlterwood Advantage Choice (HMO)
$0
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS)
$20-$385
Prior authorizationKaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS)
$10-$200
Prior authorizationAlterwood Advantage Select (HMO)
$165-$415
Prior authorizationAlterwood Advantage Choice (HMO)
$165-$415
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS)
$115
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS)
$130
Alterwood Advantage Select (HMO)
$115
Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO)
$115
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS)
$40
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS)
$30
Alterwood Advantage Select (HMO)
$0
Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO)
$0
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS)
$325
Prior authorizationKaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS)
$225
Prior authorizationAlterwood Advantage Select (HMO)
$50
Prior authorizationAlterwood Advantage Choice (HMO)
$50
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS)
$275
Prior authorizationKaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS)
$225
Prior authorizationAlterwood Advantage Select (HMO)
$240
Prior authorizationAlterwood Advantage Choice (HMO)
$240
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS)
$1,875
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationKaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS)
$1,500
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAlterwood Advantage Select (HMO)
$1,580
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAlterwood Advantage Choice (HMO)
$1,625
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS) | Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS) | Alterwood Advantage Select (HMO) | Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $177 + drug plan $5.30 | $38 + Part B $209.50 | $114 + Part B $209.50 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $35 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $8,900 in network | $5,700 in network | $7,500 in network | $7,500 in network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Primary doctor visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Specialist visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $45 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization | $25 copay | $20 copay |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $20-$385 copayPrior authorization | $10-$200 copayPrior authorization | $165-$415 copayPrior authorization | $165-$415 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $20 copayPrior authorization | $10 copayPrior authorization | $20-$50 copayPrior authorization | $20-$50 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $115 copay | $130 copay | $115 copay | $115 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copay | $30 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$325 copayPrior authorization | $0-$225 copayPrior authorization | $325-$625 copayPrior authorization | $325-$815 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $325 copayPrior authorization | $225 copayPrior authorization | $50 copayPrior authorization | $50 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $275 copayPrior authorization | $225 copayPrior authorization | $240 copayPrior authorization | $240 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $375 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization | $300 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization | $395 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization | $325 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization |
| Skilled nursing facility | $0, Plan G pays days 21-100 | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization |
| Mental health visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $20 copayPrior authorization | $10 copayPrior authorization | $45 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $35 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization | $50 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Medical equipment | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Part B drugs | $0 after the $292 Part B deductible | $6-$47 copay, 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | $12-$47 copay, 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Drug deductible (Part D) | $700 with Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | $0 | $0 | $295 | $0 |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 46% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $11 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $6 copayPreferred Brand: $45 copayNon-Preferred Drug: $100 copaySpecialty Tier: 29% coinsuranceVaccines: $0 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $12 copayPreferred Brand: $42 copayNon-Preferred Drug: $100 copaySpecialty Tier: 29% coinsuranceVaccines: $0 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: $47 copayNon-Preferred Drug: $100 copaySpecialty Tier: 30% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $8 copayPreferred Brand: $47 copayNon-Preferred Drug: $100 copaySpecialty Tier: 33% coinsurance |
Not sure which of these costs apply to you?
Text us what you have now. We will help you read this comparison and check it with Medicare.gov.
A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch
With Original Medicare, you buy a separate drug plan. In Maryland, 9 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $174.90 a month. Half of them cost $36.60 a month or less.
- Every 2027 drug plan limits what you pay for covered drugs to $2,400 a year. The drug coverage in Medicare Advantage plans has the same limit.
- The premium is one part of your yearly cost. The calculator above adds premiums, medical costs, and drug costs, so you can see the whole year.
- A Medicare Advantage plan can cost less in a light year. But you also take on its network and prior authorization rules, and you may not be able to get Medigap later.
- If your income is limited, Extra Help can pay most of your drug plan premium and drug costs. Check Extra Help at SSA.gov
The two companies in Harford County
Kaiser Permanente
- 4 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 2 with a $0 premium; 0 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $5,700 to $8,900
- Star ratings 4.5 to 4.5
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS) · $38 a month · limit $8,900
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS) · $114 a month · limit $5,700
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Value 2 MD (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $8,900
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Liberty (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $5,900
Alterwood Advantage
- 3 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 2 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $6,500 to $7,500
- Star ratings 3.5 to 3.5
- Alterwood Advantage Select (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $7,500
- Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO) · $35 a month · limit $7,500
- Alterwood Advantage Freedom (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $6,500
Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization
Cost is one side. The other side is how you get care. These rules come from the CMS plan files. Prior authorization means the plan must approve a service before you get it.
Original Medicare
- Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare
- No referrals
- Prior authorization only for a short list of services
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS
- You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 24 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS
- You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 24 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Alterwood Advantage Select (HMO)
HMO
- You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 20 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO)
HMO
- You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 20 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS) | Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS) | Alterwood Advantage Select (HMO) | Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Comprehensive, up to $1,000 a year | Comprehensive, up to $1,000 a year | Comprehensive, up to $2,975 a year | Comprehensive, up to $3,175 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $200 allowance | Yes, $225 allowance | Yes, $225 allowance | Yes, $150 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, up to $1,000 | Yes, up to $1,000 | Yes, copays from $475 | Yes, copays from $475 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | $180 a year | $100 a year | $180 a year | $220 a year |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rides to care | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency care abroad | Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | No | No | No |
What changed for 2027
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H2172-022-0
- Primary doctor visit: $5 copay to $0 copay
- Specialist visit: $40 copay to $45 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $20-$250 copay to $20-$385 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $375 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $375 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H2172-002-0
- Monthly premium up from $104 to $114
- Primary doctor visit: $5 copay to $0 copay
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
Alterwood Advantage Select (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H9306-009-1
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Dental maximum down from $3,400 to $2,975
Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H9306-008-1
- Monthly premium up from $30 to $35
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Dental maximum down from $3,600 to $3,175
More 2027 plans in Harford County
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Essential (PPO), H7379-001 (page for Montgomery County, MD)
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Complete (PPO), H7379-002 (page for Montgomery County, MD)
- Humana Gold Plus H6622-081 (HMO) (page for Baltimore County, MD)
- HealthSpring Preferred Plus (HMO), H2108-022 (page for Baltimore County, MD)
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Salute (PPO), H7379-003 (page for Montgomery County, MD)
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (HMO), H6622-094 (page for Baltimore County, MD)
- HealthSpring Courage (HMO), H2108-045 (page for Baltimore County, MD)
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Signature (PPO), H7379-004 (page for Montgomery County, MD)
County guide: 2027 plans in Harford CountyState guide: Maryland
Questions about your choice? Text us.
Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Tell us what you have now and we will help you read this comparison.
Sources and method
Plan data comes from the CMS 2027 Plan Benefit Package and landscape files. The data is from 2026-10-10. We checked a sample of plans field by field against Medicare.gov. Original Medicare amounts are the 2027 projections in the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report (Tables V.E1 and V.E2). CMS sets the final amounts in November. Medigap prices come from Maryland Insurance Administration, monthly Medicare Supplement premiums (as of July 1, 2026), pulled 2026-10-13. They are statewide prices for Maryland. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Standard 2 MD (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage High MD (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Alterwood Advantage Select (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Alterwood Advantage Choice (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices: Maryland Insurance Administration, monthly Medicare Supplement premiums (as of July 1, 2026)
- CMS Plan Benefit Package files, 2027
- CMS 2027 landscape files (premiums and limits)
- CMS 2027 plan crosswalk
- CMS 2027 Star Ratings
- 2026 Medicare Trustees Report: projected 2027 Part A and Part B amounts (Tables V.E1 and V.E2)
- CMS 2026 Part A and Part B amounts
- Medicare.gov: Medigap guaranteed issue rights
These are estimates, not quotes, and they are for education only. Check every number with Medicare and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Plans can change their benefits, premiums, drug lists, and networks each year.
Pinnie is not an insurance agent or broker and does not sell Medicare plans. Pinnie is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For all your options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048.