Best Medicare Advantage Plans and Providers for Seniors

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1 (877) 486-2048) 24 hours a day, seven days a week to get information on all of your options.

Methodology

To comprehensively review the top Medical Advantage insurance providers, we analyzed 10 data points. To identify what’s most important in choosing a plan, we sourced feedback and reviews from real consumers and consulted with insurance and public health experts. Our editorial team also shopped for policies and analyzed each company for price transparency.

To gauge each company’s reputation and helpfulness, we analyzed the latest performance data from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 

All in all, the Retirement Living editorial team considered these features:

• Cost data
• Range of plans available
• The application process
• Healthcare coverage
• Service area
• Customer service availability
• Online reviews
• Company reputation
• Licensure
• Average star rating (as of March 2024)

Compare Top Medicare Advantage Plans

We evaluated 15 major Medicare Advantage companies and identified the six best choices. No single plan is best for all situations, so you’ll want to compare plans and choose the one that is right for your circumstances. The Medicare Advantage providers we ranked highest are Humana, Aetna, United Healthcare, SelectQuote Senior, and WellCare.

Established in 1853, Aetna is a major health insurance provider servicing over 39 million customers. Aetna offers Medicare Advantage plans, including HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, and SNP.

Aetna offers plans as low as $0 that provide full health coverage. The insurer offers four Part C plans with various benefits and services focusing on total health. Aetna aims to provide coverage almost identical to what Original Medicare offers. 

Aetna is upfront about pricing in the application process, so you’ll get a good idea of your monthly premium. During our evaluation, we found the application quite easy to navigate. It also gives you the option to save your progress, so you won’t have to complete it in one sitting. 

• Availability: 46 states and Washington D.C. 
• Benefits: 24/7 nurse line, resource concierge services, and SilverSneakers fitness membership
• Plan types: PPO, PPO D-SNP, and HMO D-SNP

Read our in-depth review of Aetna Medicare plans for more details.

Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits from all the same healthcare categories Original Medicare Part A and Part B, with many including prescription drug coverage. The insurer includes additional customer benefits, such as routine dental, vision, and hearing services. More than 90% of its Medicare Advantage members currently are enrolled in plans rated 4 stars and above for 2024.

Humana offers 12 Medicare Advantage plans for as low as $0 monthly, with a $0 copay for primary and specialist care. To view plans, the insurer requires you to complete a quick questionnaire. The questionnaire takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and we recommend having a list of your providers and prescription drugs available to speed up the process. 

While Humana offers many benefits, their customer reviews aren’t the best. Many of the complaints are due to poor customer service and billing issues. 

• Availability: 49 states and Washington D.C.
• Benefits: Accepts in- and out-of-network providers, free SilverSneakers fitness membership, prescription drug delivery
• Plan types: HMO, PPO, SNP, and PFFS

To learn more about Humana’s policies, read our comprehensive Humana Medicare review. 

Based in Brooklyn, New York, CoverRight is a digital-first health insurance platform that strives to make Medicare more transparent and accessible for recipients. 

The company is a middleman by connecting you with Medicare Advantage plans that fit your health needs. The insurer can help minimize prescription drug costs, ensure you keep your favorite healthcare providers, and maximize your savings and time.

To start the process, you will complete a quick online questionnaire to help CoverRight better understand your needs. From there, you can schedule a free video consultation with a Medicare agent to help you find the right plan. 

Many reviews rave about the high-quality customer service the insurer offers.

• Availability: All 50 states
• Benefits: Transparent and knowledgeable licensed insurance agents and concierge-style services
• Plan types: HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO

To learn more, read our CoverRight review.

Based in Tampa, Florida, WellCare was acquired by Centene in early 2020 and is one of the largest providers of Medicare Advantage plans. WellCare’s Flex Card provides additional dental, vision, and hearing benefits.

To view WellCare’s plan, I had to share my zip code, with the option to list my pharmacies, providers, and prescription drugs. From there, WellCare shared several plans I was eligible for, with some having $0 premiums.

WellCare offers the option to complete an online application or call them to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. The online application takes 10 minutes or less to complete. 

If you live in a rural area, you may have difficulty finding an in-network provider for one of WellCare’s Medicare Advantage plans. 

• Availability: 37 states, including Washington D.C.
• Benefits: Customer services are available seven days a week
• Plan types: PPO, HMO, D-SNP, and C-SNP

SelectQuote Senior is an online insurance broker you can use to get quotes from the top life insurers. You can utilize their services free of charge to shop around for Medicare Advantage plans. 

The company offers a free quote with no obligation to enroll, and it takes only a few minutes. You can call them directly or complete a questionnaire, and a representative will call you. SelectQuote can match you with Medicare Advantage plans from Humana, Aetna, WellCare, and United Healthcare.

To apply, you must complete a quick questionnaire that requires basic information, such as your name, birth date if you need prescription coverage and other questions. From there, a representative will call you to provide quotes for a Medicare Advantage plan. 

Most reviews rave about the company’s great customer service.

• Availability: 50 states
• Benefits: Great customer service
• Plan types: Varies by insurer

Read our comprehensive SelectQuote review.

UnitedHealthcare is part of the largest healthcare company in the world, UnitedHealth Group. This insurance company offers Medicare Advantage plans called AARP Medicare Advantage. UnitedHealthcare is known for having the largest provider network in the country. For 2024, UHC has an average star rating of 3.79, slightly lower than the average rating for plans from all providers, 4.04. The agency bases these annual ratings on plans’ quality of care and various measurements of customer satisfaction.

Most of the insurer’s Medicare Advantage programs combine Medicare Part A, B, and D into one plan. Many of these plans may also cover hearing, dental, and vision, as well as other benefits, such as $0 copays for doctor’s visits and prescription drugs, and a free Renew Active fitness program. However, these “wellness extras” can get costly, and some competitors offer them for free. 

It took mere seconds for UnitedHealthcare to compile a list of 24 Medicare Advantage plans available in my area without requiring personal information. 

• Availability: All 50 states
• Benefits: Largest provider network in the country, no copays for doctor’s visits and prescription drugs, and a free Renew Active fitness program
• Plan types: HMO-PO, PPO, and SNP

Read our comprehensive AARP Medicare Insurance review.

TapTap Health, formally Tap Tap Medicare, is an online health insurance marketplace headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company can help you find gap insurance that works for your situation. TapTap Medicare works with several Medicare Advantage insurers, including Aetna, AARP by UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and many others. 

The marketplace strives for consumer-friendly, transparent, and year-round organized support to help you find the right Medicare Advantage plan. 

It looks like they’re updating their website, so you’ll have to contact them directly to access their marketplace. 

• Availability: N/A
• Benefits: User-friendly plan search and year-round organization and assistance
• Plan types: Varies by insurer

---

Additional Companies We Considered

Centene and WellCare combined in 2020 to become one of the largest providers of Medicare Advantage plans. WellCare’s Flex Card provides additional benefits for dental, vision and hearing benefits.

---

How to Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan

Before looking at insurers, you’ll want to have a good understanding of what your plan entails. You can start by using Medicare.gov’s free comparison tool to help narrow your choices based on your current coverage, prescription drugs, desired benefits, and other factors. This tool can also give you an idea of your monthly premium, depending on the information you provide. You can compare up to three plans side-by-side.

Another helpful resource is our guide to the best Medicare Advantage plans of 2024. We’ve researched several popular Medicare Advantage insurers and provided a brief overview of the plans available, benefits, and the pros and cons. You can refer to this guide as you search for a Medicare Advantage plan. 

Below are some additional tips for choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan:

Look at Plan’s Star Rating

Medicare assigns a star rating based on customer surveys, provider reviews, and plans. The rating ranges from 1 to 5 stars, with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent. This rating can give you an idea of the quality of the insurer and its Medicare Advantage plans. The agency bases these annual ratings on plans’ quality of care and over 30 measurements, including customer satisfaction. 

In 2024, the average star rating for Medicare Advantage plans from all providers is 4.04. 

Compare Premiums and Deductibles

Every plan differs in coverage and the deductible you must pay before these policies offer benefits. The best Medicare Advantage plan is one that balances costs and coverage. Generally speaking, policies that provide better coverage for medical care will cost more per month.

Study Network Options and Prescription Drug Coverage

You might have a favorite physician, medical facility, or pharmacy, so it is important to check if the Medicare Advantage includes them all. Using in-network providers and medical facilities can ensure you receive coverage and reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. 

Also, if you have prescription medications, you’ll want to ensure that your chosen plan covers them. 

Note: When creating this guide, we provided general summaries of the companies and their reputations. It’s important to include your zip code and demographic details when comparing insurance coverage and the options available in your community. For this, we recommend using Medicare.gov’s plan comparison tool or consult an insurance expert for advice.

Choose the Right Type of Plan

If you visit certain specialist physicians often and don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting frequent referrals, you may want to consider a PPO plan rather than an HMO. If you only see a primary care doctor, an HMO might be more suitable for you. 

Browse Additional Coverage

While many Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing, dental, and vision coverage, there may be other benefits you might want to consider. For example, some plans offer a fitness membership through SilverSneakers if you want to become more physically active. 

What Is Medicare Advantage (Part C) Insurance?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Part C or MA plans, is a Medicare health plan offered through private insurers approved by the federal health program and designed to be used instead of Original Medicare Part A and Part B.

What Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover?

All Medicare Advantage Plans are designed to provide insurance from the same categories of health insurance that are offered through Original Medicare Parts A and B. Some insurers may provide additional coverage, such as dental, vision, hearing, and health and wellness programs. 

What About Prescriptions?

Some Medicare Advantage plans may also provide prescription drug coverage (Part D). According to Medicare.gov, if you enroll in an HMO or PPO plan and want Part D, you’ll have to enroll in an Advantage plan that offers prescription drug coverage. 

Please be aware that if your plan doesn’t provide prescription drug coverage, you may face a late enrollment penalty if you enroll in a plan later. You cannot get a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan in addition to an Advantage Plan HMO or PPO.  

How to Sign Up for Medicare Advantage

Signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan is a highly personalized experience, as plan availability varies by location. Still, Medicare.gov simplifies the process. We walk you through signing up for a plan below. Note: the plan options shown in the screenshots are for a zipcode outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

Here’s how to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan:

• Go to Medicare.gov’s plan comparison tool and log in to your Medicare account, or enter your zip code and county.
• Select “Medicare Advantage Plan” from the list and click “Find Plans.”
• Designate whether you get help with medical expenses. If you’re unsure, you can log into your Medicare account.
• If you don’t receive financial assistance, you’ll be asked if you’d like to see your drug costs when comparing plans. By selecting “Yes,” you’ll know how much you’ll spend with each Medicare Advantage plan.
• Enter the names of your prescription drugs. Be prepared to enter the dosage, quantity, and frequency of your refills for each medication. If you need to add more medications, choose “Add Another Drug.” When you’re finished, select “Done Adding Drugs.”

• You can choose up to five pharmacies to refill your prescriptions. Some plans charge lower copays if you use a preferred pharmacy. You can search for pharmacies using your address or zip code. When you’re finished, click “Done.”
• You’ll then be shown a list of Medicare Advantage plans in your area. From there, you can filter the list to your preferred coverage. You can filter for dental, vision, hearing, drug coverage, and SNPs. You can also sort the plans by lowest drug and premium costs, yearly drug deductible, health plan deductible, and monthly premium.

• You’ll get an estimate of every plan’s costs for prescription drugs, premiums, copayments, deductibles, and maximum out-of-pocket expenses. If you’d like to know more about a plan, click “Plan Details” for insight on coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.
• Once you’ve found a plan, click “Join Plan” to sign up. If you prefer another method, call Medicare, sign up directly with an insurer, request a mail-in application, or have an insurance agent assist you.

When Will 2025 Medicare Advantage Plans Be Available?

You can enroll in a plan during the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. 

Who is Eligible for Medicare Advantage Plans?

You must be eligible for Original Medicare to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. 

Below are the eligibility requirements for the Medicare plan for seniors, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):

• Be age 65 or older
• Or under age 65 and have received Social Security disability income for 24 consecutive months.  
• Have end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

Types of Medicare Advantage Plans

HMO

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are private plans featuring a network of healthcare providers you must use unless you need emergency care or out-of-area dialysis. With HMO plans, you must choose a primary care physician and get referrals for specialist physicians.

PPO

Preferred Provider Organizations, or PPOs, encompass a network of preferred doctors, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies you can use.  If you use an out-of-network provider, you may have to pay more out of pocket.

PFFS

Private free-for-service (PFFS) plans allow you to choose a provider that agrees to accept this Medicare Advantage plan. This plan doesn’t require you to choose a primary care health provider.

SNP

Special Needs Plans (SNPs) tailor benefits, drug coverage, and healthcare providers to meet your needs. This plan is exclusive to people with certain chronic conditions causing disability, those needing institutional or nursing home care, and those with both Medicaid and Medicare coverage. 

What Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cost?

According to a press release from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the average monthly premium for all Medicare Advantage plans, including those with Part D, in 2023 was $17.86, with a projected increase of $18.50 in 2024.

However, Medicare Advantage premiums and other costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, differ by plan. The out-of-pocket costs will also vary, but once you pay the plan’s limit on approved Medicare services, your insurer will pay 100% of your covered health services for the remainder of the calendar year. 

Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket costs vary by plan and change every year. But all plans have a maximum out-of-pocket spending limit, so you are protected from unexpected or excessive costs. In 2024, the maximum OOP limit is $8,850 (some plans may have lower limits). 

Medicare Advantage plans in 2024 have varying costs depending on where you live. Here’s a look at the average Medicare Advantage premiums in some of the largest U.S. states for the 2024 plan year:

State	Average Cost of Medicare Advantage Premium
California	$16.24
Texas	$9.36
Florida	$10.38
New York	$30.79
Pennsylvania	$27.94
Illinois	$11.95
Ohio	$16.63
Georgia	$16.50
Michigan	$21.23

The Difference Between Medicare Plans

	Original Medicare	Medicare Supplement	Medicare Advantage
Plan management	Federal government	Private health insurance company	Private health insurance company
Plan parts	Part A and Part B May purchase Supplement plan (Medigap) separately	Part A and Part B	Parts A, B, C Most include Part D
Network Coverage	Can use any U.S. provider who accepts Medicare	Can use any U.S. provider who accepts Medicare	Must use in-network providers, unless emergency
Additional coverage	No	No	Some plans include vision, hearing, and dental services and fitness programs
Prescription drugs	No coverage (must add Part D)	No coverage (must add Part D)	Coverage included

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare

Most Medicare Advantage insurers require you to use only their in-network providers unless you need emergency care. Some allow you to use an out-of-network medical provider, but only if that provider accepts your Advantage Plan terms and conditions. Medical providers are not required to accept your Advantage Plan. In addition, Original Medicare typically doesn’t require a referral to see a specialist, while the best Medicare Advantage plans often require one.

Original Medicare typically has you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for outpatient services after you’ve met your deductible. With Medicare Advantage, your out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on the medical services you receive. 

Original Medicare covers many of the medically necessary services and supplies from medical facilities. Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover services from all the same categories, but not necessarily at the same level of coverage as Original Medicare. Advantage plans may also provide additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing services. 

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement

A Medicare Supplement policy is a supplement to Original Medicare coverage. It helps cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance, and its consistent monthly premium allows members to accurately budget medical costs. Plus, members have more freedom to choose in-network doctors because supplemental plans cover all providers who accept Medicare. 

You can’t enroll in both a Supplemental plan and an Advantage plan. Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage plans. So, you can not buy a Medicare Supplement plan if enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

While the best Medicare Advantage plans have added benefits like vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage, making it a more all-in-one option, most plans have a smaller provider network with potentially higher out-of-pocket maximums. For Medicare Advantage Plans in 2024, this is $8,850 for in-network health services.

David Walls, a Florida-based Medicare Broker and owner of D&D Insurance LLC says there are a few reasons why someone might choose a Medicare Supplement plan over a Medicare Advantage plan.

“In my experience, customers who have many doctors have trouble finding a Medicare Advantage plan that works with their networks. If the customer travels a lot, such as living in an RV, networks would not be feasible. Finally, some customers want the peace of mind of not having copays and can comfortably fit the Medicare Supplement premium in their budget.”

Read more: Best Medicare Supplement Plans

Related Medicare Advantage Resources

Readers of this Medicare Advantage guide were also interested in these related articles.

More Related Articles

• Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
• How Long Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living: A Complete Guide

---

Medicare Advantage FAQS

---

Concluding Thoughts on Medicare Advantage

Bottom Line: To ensure you are adequately covered, consider adding a medicare advantage plan.

Choosing a Medicare Advantage provider is a considerable health care and financial decision. Be sure to review your options before selecting a company that offers benefits you need at a cost that fits your budget.

The best Medicare plan for seniors varies depending on the recipient’s needs. A Medicare Advantage plan may suit your needs if you want additional coverage that Original Medicare cannot provide. However, because these private insurance plans can cost more than Original Medicare, it is important that you thoroughly review your options before selecting a company that offers the benefits you need at a cost that fits your budget.

Best Medicare Advantage Plans & Providers: Summary

• Great concierge services – Aetna Medicare Advantage
• Great variety – Humana Medicare Advantage
• Fast comprehensive quotes – CoverRight
• Great enrollment process – WellCare
• Great quoting tool – SelectQuote Senior
• Great Provider Network – AARP by United Healthcare
• Great Marketplace – TapTap Medicare