Alaska vs Washington: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | Alaska (AK) | Washington (WA) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $10,300 | $9,870 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 2,959,987 | 1,357,208 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 3,979,983 | 1,842,945 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $71/mo | $33/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $259/mo | $129/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 7.8% | 3.0% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Alaska | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $205,419 | $145,003 | +$60,416 |
| Kidney Transplant | $140,732 | $148,949 | $-8,218 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $95,882 | $77,017 | +$18,865 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $84,129 | $88,119 | $-3,990 |
| Spinal Fusion | $40,907 | $37,681 | +$3,226 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $39,106 | $40,403 | $-1,297 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $35,472 | $26,825 | +$8,647 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $34,276 | $40,951 | $-6,675 |
| Colectomy | $27,889 | $25,789 | +$2,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, Alaska or Washington?
Alaska has higher Medicare spending at $10,300 per capita vs $9,870 in Washington.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
Washington has a lower uninsured rate of 3.0% compared to 7.8% in Alaska.
Have both Alaska and Washington expanded Medicaid?
Alaska has expanded Medicaid. Washington has expanded Medicaid.