Updated: January 28, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
There are four Medicare Advantage providers in Montana offering 20 different plans with monthly premiums ranging from $0 to $276.
Humana is the best Medicare Advantage company for both HMO and PPO plans in Montana, while PacificSource Medicare is best for HMO-POS plan options.
Choose the best Montana Medicare Advantage plan by weighing provider access, prescription drug coverage, and total out-of-pocket costs. Montana plans vary by county, with differences in network size, drug formularies and monthly premiums.
We analyzed Montana Medicare Advantage plans to identify the strongest insurers by plan type, evaluating CMS star ratings, monthly premiums and maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits to pinpoint the best overall value.
Humana is the top choice for Montana HMO and PPO plans, with average monthly premiums of $15 and $40, respectively, and maximum out-of-pocket limits under $6,600. PacificSource leads HMO-POS plans with low $13 premiums, a 3.5 CMS star rating, and a $5,525 average MOOP.
| HMO | Humana | 3.50 | $15 | $5,797 | Humana Gold Plus H6622-007 (HMO) |
| HMO-POS | PacificSource Medicare | 3.50 | $13 | $5,525 | PacificSource Medicare MyCare Choice Rx 29 (HMO-POS) |
| PPO | Humana | 3.65 | $40 | $6,557 | Humana Full Access H7617-026 (PPO) |
Medicare Advantage Plans Explained
Medicare Advantage plans work differently than Original Medicare by bundling coverage through private insurance companies instead of the government. These plans add extra benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage that aren't included in Original Medicare.
Best HMO
CMS Star Rating
Plan Types
Best HMO-POS
CMS Star Rating
Plan Types
Consider network access, prescription coverage and your complete budget when finding the right plan.
Confirm that your current doctors, specialists and hospitals in Montana are included in the plan's network. HMO plans require referrals for specialists and restrict you to in-network providers except for emergencies, while PPO plans offer more flexibility in choosing providers at higher costs. Learn more about health insurance network types to understand these differences.
Look beyond the premium to assess the maximum out-of-pocket costs, which represent the most you'll pay for covered services in a year. A plan with a $0 premium but $7,833 maximum out-of-pocket could cost more than one with a $29 premium and $6,750 maximum if you need frequent medical care in Billings or Missoula.
Review the medication formulary to see if your medications are included. Pay attention to the tier placement of your drugs, as this affects your out-of-pocket costs under Part D coverage. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, while others require you to purchase a separate Part D plan.
Evaluate additional benefits offered by the plans, such as dental, vision, hearing aids, fitness programs and transportation services to medical appointments.
Review the plan's CMS star rating, which ranges from 1 to 5 stars and reflects the quality of care provided. Higher ratings indicate better performance in areas such as customer service, member satisfaction and health outcomes. Plans with 4 or 5 stars deliver superior care coordination and customer support.
Medicare Advantage costs in Montana vary by plan design and how much provider flexibility each option offers. Plans with tighter networks generally have lower premiums, while broader access comes with higher monthly costs.
HMO plans are the most budget-friendly, averaging $9 per month with $5,950 out-of-pocket limits. HMO-POS plans cost slightly more at $13 monthly but provide the lowest MOOP at $5,525 along with limited out-of-network access. PPO plans feature wider provider choice, with $14 median premiums, $48 average monthly costs, and $6,389 MOOPs. PFFS plans are the most expensive, averaging $78 per month and $6,750 MOOPs due to their fee-for-service flexibility.
| HMO | $9 | $9 | $5,950 |
| HMO-POS | $13 | $13 | $5,525 |
| PFFS | $78 | $78 | $6,750 |
| PPO | $14 | $48 | $6,389 |
Get answers about Medicare Advantage plans in Montana.
In Montana, enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan. 1 to March 31). You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you move or lose other coverage.
Yes, most Medicare Advantage plans in Montana provide prescription drug coverage as part of their benefits package. Before enrolling, confirm your medications appear on the plan's formulary and review their tier levels, since higher tiers result in increased copay expenses at the pharmacy.
Moving counties in Montana may require changing your Medicare Advantage plan since provider networks differ by location. Notify your current insurer within 30 days of relocating to explore your options. You'll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to switch plans if your current coverage isn't available in your new area.
We assessed Medicare Advantage plans in Montana using a scoring system:
These factors create a fair comparison of Medicare Advantage plans, weighing costs against care quality and service.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
