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Humana, UnitedHealthcare and Aetna are our top picks
As of August 2026, more than 36 million people were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. Of those 36 million, people enrolled in 703 different contracts. With so many choices, it can be difficult to narrow down the best Medicare Advantage plan, so we’ve done the research for you.
Humana Medicare Advantage earned our pick for best supplemental benefits, UnitedHealthcare stood out for its availability and Aetna Medicare Advantage has high-quality plans.
| Company | Best for | Plan types offered | Notable extra benefits | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Humana Medicare Advantage | Learn More | Supplemental benefits | HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNP | Dental, vision and hearing coverage; $0 PCP visits on many plans | 46 states + Washington, D.C.; 85% of U.S. counties |
 UnitedHealthCare | Learn More | Widespread availability | HMO, D-SNP, C-SNP; other plan structures available by market | Dental, vision, hearing and fitness | Available to 94% of Medicare-eligible people |
 Aetna Medicare Advantage | Learn More | Plan quality | HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, SNP | Dental, vision, hearing, SilverSneakers, OTC, post-hospital meals | 43 states + Washington, D.C. |
A Medicare Advantage plan should be accessible, reasonably priced, offer a network of quality providers and provide value-added benefits to support your health. We reviewed CMS ratings and current plan information from each insurer to create a list of the best Medicare Advantage plans.
We considered:
Jump into our guides and start learning
Medicare Advantage plans can differ widely in cost, coverage, network and added benefits. Comparing the features you need can help you narrow down a plan to fit your health and budget.
Check whether your doctors and prescriptions are covered before enrolling.
Jump to insight$0-premium plans can still have copays, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs.
Jump to insightPlan networks, benefits and costs can vary by location.
Jump to insightWhen picking a Medicare Advantage plan, consider the following:
An HMO may cost less, but it’ll limit who you can see to get healthcare, while a PPO usually gives you far more flexibility. If you travel a lot or see several specialists, network rules and prior authorization requirements may matter as much as any other factor.
Most Medicare Advantage plans tackle things Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like dental, vision, hearing and fitness programs. Many also include Part D prescription drug coverage; plans that include prescription coverage are called MAPD plans. MA-only plans don’t include Part D, so you’ll need to compare your prescription coverage separately.
Think of Medicare Advantage plans like private insurance, because they are. This means there are generally more restrictions compared to Original Medicare. HMOs might require referrals and in-network care, while PPOs usually let you use out-of-network providers, but you’ll almost always pay more for it. Provider networks can also change, so review your list of doctors and hospitals to confirm they participate in your plan before enrolling.
The total cost of your Medicare Advantage plan includes your monthly premium, deductibles, copays, coinsurance and your annual out-of-pocket maximum. The CMS estimates the average Medicare Advantage premium at $14 per month. Many plans offer $0 premiums, but you’ll still pay your Medicare Part B premium.
Costs vary wildly by plan and service area, but when comparing quotes, look at the total picture rather than just the monthly premium. For example, if your plan premium is $0 but your deductible is high and you have few healthcare needs, it might not benefit you at all.
Before you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B and live in the plan’s service area. People younger than 65 may also qualify for Medicare through certain disabilities or conditions.
Special Needs Plans also have conditions:
Below is a breakdown of the different types of Medicare Advantage plans and how they work.
| Plan type | How it works |
|---|---|
| HMO | Usually requires in-network care and referrals |
| PPO | Allows out-of-network care, usually at a higher cost |
| PFFS | Lets you use Medicare-approved providers that accept the plan’s payment terms |
| SNP | Designed for people who meet specific health or eligibility criteria |
| MSA | Combines a high-deductible plan with a medical savings account |
Medicare Advantage can offer extra benefits and an annual out-of-pocket limit, but it usually comes with more network rules than Original Medicare.
Pros
Cons
Medicare Supplement Insurance (AKA Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to pick up copays, coinsurance and deductibles. A Medicare Advantage plan lets you receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurer. You generally can’t have both at the same time.
To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must first have Medicare Parts A and B. Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, Medicare Open Enrollment or another qualifying period through Medicare.gov or directly through the insurer.
Yes, there are five-star Medicare Advantage plans, though these aren’t very common. For example, in 2026, there are only 18 five-star MA-PD contracts.
Doctors can leave a Medicare Advantage plan any time throughout the year, often because of contract changes, reimbursement terms or admin requirements.
Common Medicare Advantage plans include HMOs, PPOs, Private-Fee-for-Service plans, Special Needs plans and Medical Savings Account plans. They differ in network rules, referral requirements, drug coverage and how much flexibility you have to visit the doctors you want.
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this guide include:
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| Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
|
UnitedHealthCare
| 1.3
3,155 reviews
| ACA marketplace plans available in 30 states. Copay Focus plans have a $0 medical deductible. Virtual urgent care starts at $0 and generic drugs at $10 for a one-month supply at network pharmacies. Plan costs vary by ZIP code. | Read Reviews |
|
Aetna Medicare Advantage
| 1.0
View profile
| Health coverage for individuals, families and employers. Medicare and Medicaid plans, plus medical, dental, vision, pharmacy and supplemental insurance. Plan costs, networks and benefits vary by location. | Read Reviews |
|
Humana Medicare Advantage
| No reviews | Medicare Advantage, Supplement and prescription drug plans. Medicaid, dental, vision and military health coverage. Group dental, vision, life and disability benefits. Online claims, benefit and provider-search tools. |