California vs Kentucky: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | California (CA) | Kentucky (KY) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $10,208 | $14,424 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 7,080,750 | 1,859,991 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 9,524,332 | 2,513,322 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $78/mo | $41/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $132/mo | $243/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 7.9% | 4.9% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | California | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney Transplant | $143,424 | $113,220 | +$30,204 |
| Liver Transplant | $135,205 | $170,556 | $-35,351 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $89,317 | $69,356 | +$19,961 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $81,579 | $69,586 | +$11,992 |
| Spinal Fusion | $56,527 | $62,020 | $-5,493 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $37,120 | $34,879 | +$2,242 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $32,614 | $33,172 | $-558 |
| Colectomy | $27,781 | $29,531 | $-1,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, California or Kentucky?
Kentucky has higher Medicare spending at $14,424 per capita vs $10,208 in California.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
Kentucky has a lower uninsured rate of 4.9% compared to 7.9% in California.
Have both California and Kentucky expanded Medicaid?
California has expanded Medicaid. Kentucky has expanded Medicaid.