What Is the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in 2026?
AARP/UnitedHealthcare sells the best Medicare Advantage plans in 2026. Its plans have excellent coverage, low rates and good service.
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3 best Medicare Advantage plans
To pick the best Medicare Advantage plans, ValuePenguin looked at average rates, coverage, network size and customer satisfaction for the largest Medicare Advantage companies in the country. Our experts also reviewed each company's added benefits, including gym memberships and hearing, dental and vision coverage.
However, a Medicare Advantage plan is not the best Medicare option for everyone.
Doctors and hospitals report issues with getting Medicare Advantage companies to approve and pay for medical care. As a result, some doctors and hospitals have stopped taking Medicare Advantage plans. This can make it harder for you to find doctors and hospitals that take your insurance, which could slow down or limit your medical care.
If you still think a Medicare Advantage plan is the best option for you, make sure to check that your doctors and hospitals are in the plan's network before you buy.
Read our full methodology.
Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, Cigna Medicare plans will rebrand to be called HealthSpring. This change won't affect plan details or coverage for current Cigna Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D customers.
HealthSpring-branded Medicare plans will become available starting in October 2025 for the 2026 plan year.
Best Medicare Advantage plans overall: AARP/UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is also one of the largest health insurance companies in the country, which makes it easy for you to find covered medical care. UnitedHealthcare sells about 29% of all Medicare Advantage plans.
About 6 in 10 of UnitedHealthcare's plans have no monthly rate.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare plans typically have low monthly rates. Overall, plans cost an average of $26 per month, which is just a dollar per month cheaper than the national average. However, when you look at its plans on a state level, UnitedHealthcare is a cheaper option in more than half of the states where it sells plans.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare has some of the best Medicare Advantage plans because of its range of extra coverage, perks and discounts. Many plans offer benefits such as:
- Vision, dental and hearing coverage
- An allowance for health products including vitamins and cold medicine
- Free gym memberships
- Virtual doctor and mental health visits
UnitedHealthcare offers the best Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage.
But AARP/UnitedHealthcare plans aren't the best if you need mental health care. The company has a lower-than-average rating from Medicare.gov in that category.
And customer satisfaction levels depend on where you live, according to J.D. Power. In Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina and Texas, UnitedHealthcare ranks above average for customer satisfaction. But in California, Florida, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, UHC is below average.
UnitedHealthcare sells most of its Medicare Advantage plans through a partnership with AARP. But in some states, UHC also partners with Erickson, KelseyCare and Peoples Health.
Best Medicare Advantage doctor network: Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cheapest Medicare Advantage: Devoted Health
But even in states where Devoted Health sells more expensive plans, it has $0 plans available. In fact, as long as you live in a state where Devoted Health sells plans, you can get a $0 plan from the company. About 95% of all the plans Devoted Health sells have a $0 monthly rate.
Devoted Health has excellent Medicare Advantage plans, with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 from Medicare.gov. Devoted Health has one of the highest ratings for customer satisfaction of any major Medicare Advantage company, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Devoted Health is an especially good option in Florida, Iowa, North Carolina and Texas, where its plans have a perfect 5-star rating.
With Devoted Health plans, you may have to pay a large portion of your medical bills yourself. That makes them a poor option if you need expensive medical care. On average, you'll pay up to $6,547 per year toward your medical bills. That's higher than the national average out-of-pocket maximum of $6,367.
Devoted Health can also be an expensive option if you take prescription medications. On average, Devoted Health plans have a $466 drug deductible, which is the amount you have to pay before your plan starts to help pay for your medications. Compared to HealthSpring (formerly Cigna), which has an average drug deductible of $292 per year, that's quite a lot. Devoted also has lower ratings for the quality of its medication coverage, with an average rating of 2.7 out of 5 stars.
Best Medicare Advantage for customer satisfaction: Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is known for its excellent customer service. It has some of the most highly rated Medicare Advantage plans available. In California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., Kaiser Permanente sells plans with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from Medicare.gov. In Oregon and Washington, its plans still have a strong average rating of 4 out of 5.
However, Kaiser limits the doctors and hospitals you can use, which is a major drawback for some people. That's because Kaiser owns and runs medical centers and hospitals, so the company pairs its plans with its own medical offices. Even though you still have broad coverage during emergencies, you'll have fewer choices in the hospitals and doctors you can visit for regular medical care.
Check that Kaiser's in-network doctors can meet your specific health needs before you commit to a plan.
But if you don't mind using a network of doctors, Kaiser's setup can be a helpful way to streamline your care. You can manage your health records and insurance coverage through the same online portal. Plus, customers rate the quality of their medical care very highly, citing access to Kaiser's health facilities as a key benefit of the plans.
Kaiser is also an excellent option if you take prescription medications. The company has a perfect 5-star rating for the quality of its medication coverage, and an incredibly low $3 average drug deductible. That means, on average, you'll only pay $3 toward your covered medications before your plan starts helping you pay.
In October 2025, more than 30,000 Kaiser Permanente workers went on a five-day strike in California, Hawaii and Oregon to demand better pay and staffing. Offices and hospitals stayed open during the strike, but some appointments were shifted to virtual and some elective procedures were rescheduled.
Best Medicare Advantage for prescriptions: HealthSpring (formerly Cigna)
In March 2025, Cigna's Medicare business was purchased by Health Care Service Corp. (HCSC). Policies will continue to be sold under the Cigna brand until 2026, when everything will change to HealthSpring. If you're shopping for a plan for 2026, you'll see HealthSpring as an option instead of Cigna.
HealthSpring is also good if you're on a budget. The plans cost an average of $4 per month, but you can get a $0 plan in every state where HealthSpring sells Medicare Advantage, except Maryland. The cheapest HealthSpring plan in Maryland costs $28 per month.
However, HealthSpring's customer service isn't as good as many other major companies. If you're looking for a company with excellent service, Kaiser Permanente is the best option if you can get it. Devoted Health also has excellent service and is more widely available compared to Kaiser.
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List of the best Medicare Advantage plans by state
The best Medicare Advantage plan for you also depends on where you live.
Nineteen states have plans with perfect 5-star ratings in 2026.
States with 5-star plans available
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
In other states, the highest-rated plan available is 4.5 stars.
Even if you live in a state with a 5-star plan, it may not be available in your local area. Insurance companies may offer plans only in certain counties. Plus, plan quality and customer satisfaction can change based on where you live.
Best Medicare Advantage plans by state
State |
Highest plan rating in the state
| Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4.5 out of 5 | Aetna Humana UnitedHealthcare |
| Arizona | 4.5 out of 5 | Aetna Blue Cross Blue Shield Humana SCAN Health Plan UnitedHealthcare |
| Arkansas | 4.5 out of 5 | Essence Healthcare Humana UnitedHealthcare |
| California | 4.5 out of 5 | Aetna Kaiser Permanente |
| Colorado | 5.0 out of 5 | UnitedHealthcare |
Alaska doesn't currently have any available Medicare Advantage plans.
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Are Medicare Advantage rates going up?
Nationally, Medicare Advantage rates got 4% cheaper between 2025 and 2026.
Average rates dropped $1 per month nationally, from $28 to $27.
However, rates didn't go down everywhere. Average rates in Wyoming went up by 88%, going from $51 per month in 2025 to $96 per month in 2026. Florida rates also jumped up quite a lot, going from $12 in 2025 to $18 in 2026. That's a 50% increase.
But other states had major drops in average rates. In Vermont, Medicare Advantage plans went from $28 per month, on average, in 2025 to $0 per month in 2026. Every Medicare Advantage plan in Vermont for 2026 has a $0 monthly rate. Rhode Island and Indiana also had large decreases, with average rates going down by 42% and 35%, respectively.
Medicare Advantage rate changes by state
State | 2025 rate | 2026 rate | % change |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | $28 | $27 | -4% |
| Alabama | $23 | $23 | 0% |
| Arizona | $18 | $22 | 22% |
| Arkansas | $14 | $12 | -14% |
| California | $13 | $15 | 15% |
Alaska doesn't currently have any available Medicare Advantage plans.
How much can I save by shopping around?
Shopping around and comparing Medicare Advantage plans could save you about $200 per month, on average.
While the average cost of Medicare Advantage is $27 per month, rates vary widely. Every state (besides Alaska) has at least one $0-per-month plan, and some states have plans that cost over $300 per month. Shopping around lets you see all your options. You can compare Medicare Advantage plans to find one that fits your budget and medical needs.
In California, you could save up to $366 per month if you shop around and compare plans. If you live in New Hampshire, you could still save up to $70 per month, the smallest amount of any state.
The only state where shopping won't help you save is Vermont. That's because all of the Medicare Advantage plans in Vermont have a $0 monthly rate.
Medicare Advantage plan cost difference by state
State | Savings potential |
|---|---|
| National average | $204 |
| Alabama | $163 |
| Arizona | $295 |
| Arkansas | $106 |
| California | $366 |
Savings potential is the difference between the cheapest and most expensive plan in each state. Alaska doesn't currently have any available Medicare Advantage plans.
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Worst Medicare Advantage plans
Atrio has the worst Medicare Advantage plans in 2026.
Plans from Curana, Clear Spring, Zing and Health New England also have low star ratings.
Some of these companies have cheap rates and even $0 plans, which might make them a tempting option. But because of how poorly these plans are rated, you should probably look for a cheap or free Medicare Advantage plan from a better-rated company.
Company |
Rating
| Average monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Atrio Health Plans | 2.5 out of 5 | $21 |
| Curana | 2.5 out of 5 | $0 |
| Clear Spring Health | 3.0 out of 5 | $0 |
| Zing Health | 3.0 out of 5 | $0 |
| Health New England Medicare Advantage Plans | 3.0 out of 5 | $78 |
Is Medicare Advantage the best option for me?
Medicare Advantage plans are popular, but they have serious problems and often aren't the best choice.
They can be a good option if you are mostly healthy. However, most people tend to face health challenges as they age, and what worked for you at 65 may not be the best choice at 80. Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan can limit your ability to switch to a better Medicare plan later in your life.
For example, if you develop a serious illness, a Medigap plan will pay for more of your bills compared to a Medicare Advantage plan. The catch is that Medigap plans are much cheaper if you buy them when you first become eligible. If your Medicare Advantage plan no longer fits your needs in your 70s or 80s, you might not be able to afford Medigap at that point.
Doctors and hospitals also report issues with Medicare Advantage plans. Many say that Medicare Advantage plans slow down care by requiring you to get approval from your company before you get certain services, called a preauthorization. Doctors also say they have issues getting Medicare Advantage to pay for medical bills.
As a result, some doctors and hospitals are no longer taking Medicare Advantage plans as a form of payment. This can make it hard for people with Medicare Advantage plans to get medical care.
Pros and cons of Medicare Advantage vs. other types of Medicare
If Medicare Advantage isn't right for you, you have other choices. You can stick with just Original Medicare, or you can add a Medicare Supplement plan, a Part D plan or both.
Original Medicare refers to Part A, which covers hospital costs, and Part B, which covers doctor visits and other medical costs.
Medicare Advantage plans combine Parts A and B into one plan and usually include extra perks.
Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $202.90/month | $27/month, on average (plus Part B) |
| Coverage | Covers most medical needs in hospitals or doctor offices | Covers at least what Original Medicare does, plus some extras |
| Extras | Does not cover dental or vision coverage | Often includes dental and vision coverage and other benefits |
| Going to the doctor | Can go to any doctor that takes Medicare | Often have to use in-network doctors |
If you need expensive health care or have a complex medical condition, it usually makes more sense to have Original Medicare and a Medigap plan instead of Medicare Advantage. You can't have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan. You have to choose one or the other.
Medicare Advantage plans include Original Medicare and some extra benefits, including dental coverage and gym memberships. They're a good option if you want all your medical coverage in one plan. But they limit your choice of doctors. Plus, you can end up paying high medical bills if you have a serious health issue.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover the extra costs that Original Medicare doesn't. Usually, you'll pay about 20% of your medical bills if you just have Original Medicare. Adding a Medigap plan gives you more coverage. In fact, you might not have to pay anything depending on the plan you choose.
Medicare Advantage plans include Original Medicare and usually coverage for prescription medications. They also often have extra perks, such as gym memberships and coverage for vision exams.
Medicare Part D just pays for prescription drugs and doesn't include extra coverage or benefits. You can buy a separate Part D plan if you have Original Medicare or Original Medicare with a Medigap policy. You can't buy a Part D plan if you have a Medicare Advantage plan because prescription coverage is typically included.
How to choose the best Medicare Advantage plan
Comparing Medicare Advantage plans is the best way to find the right option for you.
When choosing the best Medicare Advantage plan for you, think about your budget and your medical care needs. The plans available where you live will also affect your decision.
Compare monthly costs
There's often a trade-off between a plan's monthly rate and how much coverage it offers. You'll usually pay more when you visit the doctor with a lower-cost plan.
However, this isn't always true. Many free and affordable Medicare Advantage plans still have good coverage, so it's worth reviewing your options and seeing if a cheap or $0 plan meets your needs.
Think about how much health care you might need
To find the right plan, match your medical needs to the plan's benefits. For example, if you expect to need expensive medical treatment or surgery in the coming year, look for a plan with a low out-of-pocket maximum. Even if it costs more each month, you could save money overall because the plan will pay for more of your medical bills.
Look at doctor networks
Medicare Advantage plans have networks, which are lists of medical offices that take the coverage. A health maintenance organization (HMO) plan will cover your medical care only if you visit a doctor in your network. With a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan, you'll pay less if you stay in-network for medical care. But you'll still have some coverage if you need to go outside the network.
If you want to get an affordable Medicare Advantage plan, you're usually better off with an HMO policy. Just keep in mind that you won't have any coverage if you go outside the network.
Review the extra benefits
Some Medicare Advantage policies include added benefits, such as fitness programs, dental care, vision care or nurse call lines. Knowing the perks is helpful, but don't choose your plan based only on the added benefits. Instead, use extra benefits as a tiebreaker if you've narrowed down your choices to a few plan options that fit your needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Medicare Advantage plan?
For most people, AARP/UnitedHealthcare has the best Medicare Advantage plans in 2026. The company has good rates, high-quality coverage and excellent extra perks.
It's a good idea to find the best Medicare Advantage plan in your state because plan quality depends on where you live.
What Medicare Advantage plan has the highest rating?
The plan with the best rating depends on where you live. In most states, Aetna, Humana and UnitedHealthcare have highly rated plans. The highest rating a Medicare Advantage plan can get is 5 stars from Medicare.gov. Five-star plans aren't available in every area, and only a small number of companies sell them in 2026.
How do I pick the best Medicare Advantage plan?
When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, think about the total amount you might pay for health care and insurance. In some cases, you can save on your medical bills by going with a more expensive policy that has better benefits. Also make sure a plan gives you coverage for what you need, such as diabetes care, prescription drugs or surgery.
How do I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?
To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, first you need to sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Then you can compare plans in your area to find the coverage that best fits your needs.
Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage plans can limit where you're able to get health care. Additionally, doctors and hospitals sometimes report issues getting Medicare Advantage plans to pay for care, which has caused some medical offices to no longer accept Medicare Advantage plans. If you want better coverage, choose Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan as soon as you're eligible for Medicare. It's usually a better option than choosing Medicare Advantage for the cheap rate and then being locked out of an affordable Medigap plan when you're older.
Methodology
Medicare Advantage company reviews and comparisons are based on a variety of rating factors including cost, coverage, benefits and company networks. The star ratings featured are averages of each company's individual contracts.
Plan details came from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) public use files. Calculations are based on 2026 Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage. Special needs plans, sanctioned plans, PACE plans, prepayment plans (HCPPs), Medicare medical savings account (MSA) plans and employer-sponsored plans were excluded from our analysis. Averages are grouped by consumer brand and include company subsidiaries.
Other sources include KFF for plan popularity and info about the issues with Medicare Advantage plans and J.D. Power for Medicare Advantage and pharmacy satisfaction ratings.
About the Author
Senior Writer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Cate Deventer is a Senior Writer who specializes in health insurance, Medicare, auto and home insurance. She's been a licensed insurance agent since 2011.
She started her insurance career working as a customer service agent for State Farm. She later moved to an independent agency, where she worked with several insurance companies and hundreds of clients. She quoted policies, filed claims and answered insurance questions. In 2021, she pivoted her career and began writing about insurance for Bankrate. She moved to ValuePenguin in 2023 and began writing about health insurance and Medicare.
Cate has a passion for helping readers choose insurance to fit their needs. She enjoys knowing that her research and knowledge help people choose insurance products that make a positive difference in their lives.
How insurance helped Cate
Cate used her health insurance knowledge to navigate a surgery in 2023. Understanding how her policy worked let her focus on recovery instead of worrying about bills.
Expertise
- Health insurance
- Medicare & Medicaid
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Life insurance
Credentials
- Licensed Life, Accident & Health Insurance Agent
- Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
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