Alaska vs California: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | Alaska (AK) | California (CA) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $10,300 | $10,208 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 2,959,987 | 7,080,750 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 3,979,983 | 9,524,332 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $71/mo | $78/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $259/mo | $132/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 7.8% | 7.9% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Alaska | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $205,419 | $135,205 | +$70,214 |
| Kidney Transplant | $140,732 | $143,424 | $-2,692 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $95,882 | $89,317 | +$6,566 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $84,129 | $81,579 | +$2,550 |
| Spinal Fusion | $40,907 | $56,527 | $-15,620 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $39,106 | $39,016 | +$91 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $35,472 | $32,614 | +$2,858 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $34,276 | $37,120 | $-2,845 |
| Colectomy | $27,889 | $27,781 | +$108 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, Alaska or California?
Alaska has higher Medicare spending at $10,300 per capita vs $10,208 in California.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
Alaska has a lower uninsured rate of 7.8% compared to 7.9% in California.
Have both Alaska and California expanded Medicaid?
Alaska has expanded Medicaid. California has expanded Medicaid.