# Medicare Compare > Compare plans clearly. Choose plans wisely. > > Medicare Compare is a free Medicare plan comparison platform that helps beneficiaries find, compare, and enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C), Part D prescription drug, and other Medicare plans. It also connects beneficiaries with licensed insurance agents in their area. Medicare Compare covers all 50 US states, 3,200+ counties, and thousands of Medicare plans for the 2026 plan year. The platform is free for beneficiaries — agents pay for visibility and lead access. ## Core Tools - [Plan Search](https://ma-compare.vercel.app/plans): Search Medicare plans by ZIP code — browse Medicare Advantage, Part D, and other plans available in your county with side-by-side comparison - [Compare Plans](https://ma-compare.vercel.app/compare): Select up to 3 plans and compare premiums, copays, drug coverage, star ratings, and benefits in a detailed side-by-side view - [Find an Agent](https://ma-compare.vercel.app/find-agent): Search for licensed Medicare insurance agents by ZIP code — view profiles, specialties, languages spoken, and contact info - [Switch Plans](https://ma-compare.vercel.app/switch): Guided tool to help beneficiaries understand when and how they can switch Medicare plans, including enrollment period eligibility ## Medicare Information - [Medicare Guide](https://ma-compare.vercel.app/medicare): Overview of Medicare parts (A, B, C, D), eligibility, enrollment periods, and how Medicare Advantage works - [Browse by State](https://ma-compare.vercel.app/medicare/alabama): State-level Medicare pages with county breakdowns, plan counts, and average premiums (all 50 states available) - [Drug Coverage Lookup](https://ma-compare.vercel.app/medicare/drugs): Check which Medicare plans cover specific prescription drugs, including tier placement and prior authorization requirements - [FAQ](https://ma-compare.vercel.app/faq): Frequently asked questions about Medicare, Medicare Advantage, enrollment, costs, and using Medicare Compare ## About - [Blog](https://ma-compare.vercel.app/blog): Medicare news, guides, and educational content for beneficiaries - [For Agents](https://ma-compare.vercel.app/agents): Information for licensed Medicare agents about joining the Medicare Compare directory and lead generation platform ## Key Facts - **Plan Year:** 2026 - **Coverage:** All 50 US states + DC + territories - **Plan Types:** Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNP), Part D, Medicare Supplement - **Data Source:** Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) official data - **Cost:** Free for beneficiaries - **Enrollment Periods:** Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Oct 15 – Dec 7 | Open Enrollment Period (OEP): Jan 1 – Mar 31 | Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) vary