California vs Colorado: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $10,208 | $13,692 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 7,080,750 | 2,535,420 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 9,524,332 | 3,413,894 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $78/mo | $76/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $132/mo | $290/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 7.9% | 3.7% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | California | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney Transplant | $143,424 | $150,402 | $-6,979 |
| Liver Transplant | $135,205 | $150,286 | $-15,081 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $89,317 | $61,643 | +$27,674 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $81,579 | $71,451 | +$10,127 |
| Spinal Fusion | $56,527 | $57,649 | $-1,122 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $39,016 | $29,267 | +$9,749 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $37,120 | $38,224 | $-1,103 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $32,614 | $36,861 | $-4,248 |
| Laminectomy | $28,474 | $26,822 | +$1,652 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, California or Colorado?
Colorado has higher Medicare spending at $13,692 per capita vs $10,208 in California.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
Colorado has a lower uninsured rate of 3.7% compared to 7.9% in California.
Have both California and Colorado expanded Medicaid?
California has expanded Medicaid. Colorado has expanded Medicaid.