Best Medicare Advantage Plans in 2026: How to Compare

Why Choosing the Right Medicare Advantage Plan Matters

More than 35 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in 2026, representing over 54% of the total Medicare population. With more than 4,000 plans available nationwide, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. The plan you select determines which doctors you can see, how much you pay out of pocket, what prescription drugs are covered, and whether you receive extras like dental, vision, and hearing benefits.

Not all Medicare Advantage plans are created equal. Two plans in the same zip code can differ dramatically in premiums, out-of-pocket maximums, network breadth, drug formularies, and supplemental benefits. Making the wrong choice could mean paying thousands more per year, losing access to your preferred doctors, or discovering that a critical medication is not covered.

This guide walks you through how to evaluate and compare Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, profiles the top carriers, explains the key comparison factors, and shows you how to use the Medicare Plan Finder to make an informed decision. If you are still weighing whether Medicare Advantage is right for you at all, start with our guide on Medicare Advantage pros and cons.

Top Medicare Advantage Carriers in 2026

Six major insurance carriers dominate the Medicare Advantage market in 2026. Each has strengths and weaknesses depending on where you live, what benefits you prioritize, and which doctors you want to keep. Here is what sets each carrier apart.

UnitedHealthcare (AARP Medicare Advantage)

UnitedHealthcare is the largest Medicare Advantage insurer in the country, covering approximately 9 million enrollees across all 50 states. Their AARP-branded plans are among the most recognized in the market. UnitedHealthcare offers a broad mix of HMO and PPO options with competitive premiums, many at $0 per month. Their Renew Active fitness program provides free gym memberships at thousands of locations, and many plans include substantial OTC allowances. Star ratings vary by contract but several UHC plans carry 4 stars or higher. Their PPO plans are particularly popular because they offer nationwide out-of-network coverage, a significant advantage for retirees who travel.

Humana

Humana is the second-largest MA carrier with over 6 million enrollees, concentrated heavily in the Southeast, Midwest, and Texas. Humana is known for strong supplemental benefits, including generous dental allowances of up to $2,500 per year on some plans, quarterly OTC credits, and the Go365 wellness program that rewards healthy behaviors with gift cards and fitness trackers. Many Humana HMO plans carry $0 premiums and lower-than-average out-of-pocket maximums. Their chronic condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) for diabetes and heart failure are among the most highly rated in the industry. Humana's main limitation is that coverage is not as widely available in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.

Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, now part of CVS Health, leverages its pharmacy network to offer strong prescription drug coverage within Medicare Advantage. With over 3.5 million MA enrollees, Aetna provides plans in most states and is especially strong in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Florida. Their integration with CVS pharmacies and MinuteClinic locations gives members convenient access to vaccinations, health screenings, and prescription pickups at no extra cost. Many Aetna plans feature $0 premiums, robust dental and vision benefits, and a SilverSneakers fitness program. Their PPO options are expanding, and several contracts earned 4.5-star ratings from CMS.

Blue Cross Blue Shield (Various Affiliates)

Blue Cross Blue Shield operates through independent regional affiliates, which means plan quality, benefits, and networks vary significantly by state. Carriers like Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Highmark, and CareFirst each manage their own Medicare Advantage portfolios. The key advantage of BCBS plans is that they typically offer the broadest local provider networks because of longstanding hospital and physician relationships in their regions. Many BCBS affiliates offer both HMO and PPO plans with strong dental and vision packages. Star ratings range widely across affiliates, so it is important to check the specific plan in your area rather than relying on the BCBS brand alone.

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente consistently earns the highest star ratings among major MA carriers, with multiple contracts at 4.5 to 5 stars. Their integrated care model means your doctors, hospitals, labs, and pharmacies all operate within one system, which produces excellent care coordination and preventive outcomes. Kaiser offers Medicare Advantage plans in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, Oregon, and the District of Columbia. Premiums are competitive and many plans are $0 per month. The trade-off is that Kaiser is a closed-network HMO — you must use Kaiser facilities and physicians for nearly all care. If you live near Kaiser facilities and prefer coordinated, preventive-focused healthcare, their plans are among the best in the country.

Cigna Healthcare

Cigna serves over 1 million Medicare Advantage enrollees and has been expanding its MA footprint aggressively. Cigna plans are available in more than 30 states with a strong presence in Arizona, Tennessee, Texas, and Florida. Their plans emphasize preventive care and chronic condition management, with competitive dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Cigna is particularly strong in PPO offerings, giving members more flexibility to see out-of-network specialists. Their customer satisfaction scores have been improving, and several plans carry 4-star ratings. Cigna also offers a growing number of D-SNP plans for dual-eligible beneficiaries who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Key Factors for Comparing Medicare Advantage Plans

Knowing the top carriers is only the starting point. The real work is comparing specific plans side by side on the factors that directly affect your healthcare experience and budget. Here are the six most important comparison criteria.

CMS Star Ratings

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rates every Medicare Advantage plan on a 1-to-5-star scale each year. Ratings are based on dozens of quality measures including chronic disease management, preventive care screenings, member satisfaction, customer service, and complaint resolution. Plans with 4 or more stars are considered high quality and receive bonus payments from CMS, which they typically reinvest in better benefits for members.

In 2026, approximately 74% of MA enrollees are in plans rated 4 stars or above. Always check a plan's star rating before enrolling — it is the single best independent measure of overall plan quality. Plans rated below 3 stars for three consecutive years may be terminated by CMS.

Network Type: HMO vs. PPO

The network type determines how much flexibility you have in choosing providers. This is one of the most important decisions when selecting a plan, and it directly affects whether your current doctors are covered. For a deeper comparison of how Medicare Advantage networks compare to Original Medicare's open-access model, see our guide on Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare.

• HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Requires you to use in-network doctors and hospitals for all non-emergency care. You need referrals from your primary care physician to see specialists. HMOs generally have the lowest premiums and copays. They are the most common MA plan type, accounting for roughly 60% of enrollment. Best for people who live near a well-staffed network and do not travel frequently.
• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Allows you to see any provider, but in-network care costs less. No referrals needed for specialists. Out-of-network care is covered but at higher cost-sharing. PPO premiums are slightly higher than HMOs but provide more flexibility, especially for travelers. Some PPOs offer nationwide out-of-network coverage.
• HMO-POS (Point of Service): A hybrid that works like an HMO but allows limited out-of-network care for certain services, usually with a referral. Less common but worth considering if you want the low cost of an HMO with a small out-of-network safety valve.

Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Maximums

Monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage plans range from $0 to over $200 per month, on top of your required Part B premium. In 2026, about 73% of MA enrollees have access to a $0 premium plan. However, a $0 premium does not mean free healthcare — you still pay copays, coinsurance, and deductibles when you receive services.

The out-of-pocket maximum (MOOP) is the most you will pay for covered medical services in a calendar year. Once you hit this limit, the plan pays 100% of covered costs for the rest of the year. For 2026, CMS has set the maximum allowable in-network MOOP at $9,350, though the average plan sets its limit much lower — around $5,000 to $6,000. When comparing plans, look at the MOOP alongside the premium. A plan with a slightly higher premium but a significantly lower MOOP may save you money if you have a year with major medical expenses. To understand how these costs fit into the bigger Medicare picture, review our breakdown of how much Medicare costs in 2026.

Extra Benefits: Dental, Vision, Hearing, and More

One of the biggest reasons people choose Medicare Advantage over Original Medicare is the inclusion of supplemental benefits that Original Medicare does not cover. In 2026, nearly all MA plans include some level of dental, vision, and hearing coverage. However, the quality and generosity of these benefits varies enormously from plan to plan.

• Dental: Most plans cover preventive dental (cleanings, exams, X-rays) at no cost. Comprehensive dental — fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, and dentures — varies widely. Annual dental allowances range from $500 to $3,000 depending on the plan. Some plans use a separate dental network, so verify your dentist participates.
• Vision: Typically includes annual routine eye exams and an allowance of $100 to $300 for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some higher-tier plans also cover medically necessary eye care beyond routine exams. About 99% of MA plans include some vision benefit in 2026.
• Hearing: Most plans cover an annual hearing exam, and many provide an allowance or discount toward hearing aids. Hearing aid benefits range from $500 to $3,000 per ear depending on the plan. Given that a pair of hearing aids can cost $2,000 to $7,000 without coverage, this is a significant differentiator.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) allowances: Many plans provide quarterly credits of $25 to $150 for OTC health products like vitamins, pain relievers, bandages, and cold medicine. These credits are loaded onto a card that works at participating pharmacies and retailers.
• Fitness programs: SilverSneakers, Renew Active (UnitedHealthcare), and One Pass (Aetna) provide free gym memberships at thousands of fitness centers nationwide, along with virtual workout classes and wellness resources. These programs are a valuable perk for active retirees.
• Telehealth: Most MA plans now include $0 copay virtual visits for primary care and behavioral health. This is especially valuable for enrollees in rural areas or those with mobility challenges.
• Meal delivery and transportation: A growing number of plans cover home-delivered meals after hospitalization and non-emergency medical transportation to doctor appointments, pharmacies, and labs.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Most Medicare Advantage plans are MA-PD plans that include Part D prescription drug coverage. When comparing drug benefits, pay attention to the plan's formulary (the list of covered medications), which tier your prescriptions fall on, and the copays or coinsurance at each tier. The 2026 Part D annual out-of-pocket cap is $2,000, which applies to all MA-PD plans. However, tier placement can vary — a drug that is a Tier 2 preferred generic on one plan may be classified as a Tier 3 non-preferred generic on another, resulting in very different copays. Always enter your specific medications into the Medicare Plan Finder to see your estimated annual drug costs under each plan.

Provider Network and Doctor Access

Before choosing any plan, verify that your primary care physician, specialists, and preferred hospital are in the plan's network. You can do this by searching the provider directory on the insurer's website or calling the plan directly. Keep in mind that networks can change at the start of each plan year — a doctor who is in-network today may not be in-network in January. If you take specialty medications or see particular specialists regularly, also confirm those providers and pharmacies participate in the plan. Losing access to a trusted doctor mid-treatment can be disruptive and costly.

How to Use the Medicare Plan Finder

The official Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare is the most comprehensive and unbiased tool for comparing Medicare Advantage plans. Unlike insurance company websites or broker tools, it shows every available plan in your area with standardized, comparable information. Here is how to use it effectively.

• Step 1 — Enter your zip code. This filters results to only plans available in your service area. Medicare Advantage is local, so your zip code determines your options.
• Step 2 — Add your prescriptions. Enter every medication you take, including dosage and frequency. The tool will calculate your estimated annual drug costs for each plan, accounting for formulary placement and copay structure.
• Step 3 — Add your doctors. Search for your primary care physician and specialists. The tool flags which plans include your providers in-network and which do not.
• Step 4 — Compare plans side by side. Select up to three plans to compare premiums, out-of-pocket maximums, copays for common services, drug costs, star ratings, and supplemental benefits on one screen.
• Step 5 — Review the details. Click into each plan to review the full Summary of Benefits, drug formulary, prior authorization requirements, and provider directory. Do not rely solely on the summary view.

The Plan Finder also lets you filter by plan type (HMO, PPO), star rating, premium amount, and specific benefits like dental or prescription drug coverage. Take your time with this tool — spending an hour here can save you thousands of dollars and significant frustration over the course of the year.

Regional Considerations When Choosing a Plan

Where you live has a major impact on the number and quality of Medicare Advantage plans available to you. Geography shapes everything from how many plans compete for your enrollment to which carriers dominate your area and how broad the provider networks are.

• Urban and suburban areas: Typically have the most plan options — often 30 or more. High competition among carriers drives lower premiums, richer benefits, and broader networks. Metropolitan areas in Florida, California, Texas, New York, and Ohio consistently have some of the most generous MA plans in the country.
• Rural areas: May have fewer than 10 plans available, and in some counties only 2 or 3. Networks tend to be thinner, meaning fewer local doctors and hospitals participate. If your nearest major hospital is 30+ miles away, confirm it is in-network before enrolling. Rural enrollees may find that Original Medicare with Medigap provides better access to care.
• Snowbird and multi-state retirees: If you split time between two states, a PPO with out-of-network coverage or a plan with a broad national network is essential. Some UnitedHealthcare and Aetna PPOs offer nationwide coverage, which is ideal for retirees who spend winters in Florida or Arizona and summers elsewhere.

Understanding the four parts of Medicare — including how Part C relates to Parts A, B, and D — is essential context for evaluating Advantage plans. Our guide on the 4 parts of Medicare explained covers each component in detail.

A Step-by-Step Comparison Checklist

Use this checklist when narrowing down your Medicare Advantage options. For each plan you are considering, confirm the following:

• Star rating: Is the plan rated 4 stars or higher by CMS?
• Doctor access: Are your primary care physician, specialists, and preferred hospital in-network?
• Drug formulary: Are all your prescriptions covered, and at what tier?
• Total estimated annual cost: Add up the monthly premium times 12 plus the Plan Finder's estimated annual drug and medical costs. Compare this total, not just the premium alone.
• Out-of-pocket maximum: What is the worst-case scenario if you have a major health event? Is the MOOP below $5,000?
• Supplemental benefits: Does the plan cover dental, vision, and hearing at a level that meets your needs? What about OTC credits and fitness programs?
• Prior authorization: Does the plan require prior authorization for services or treatments you use regularly? Check the plan's Evidence of Coverage document.
• Geographic coverage: If you travel or spend extended time outside your home area, does the plan cover out-of-network or out-of-area care?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Medicare Advantage plan in 2026? There is no single best plan for everyone. The right plan depends on your location, doctors, medications, budget, and health needs. Kaiser Permanente consistently earns the highest star ratings where available, but UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna all offer highly rated plans with different strengths. Use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare specific plans in your zip code.

Are $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans actually good? Many $0 premium plans are excellent — several carry 4- and 5-star ratings from CMS. However, you need to look beyond the premium. A $0 premium plan with a high out-of-pocket maximum and limited dental coverage may cost you more overall than a $30/month plan with a lower MOOP and richer benefits. Always compare total estimated annual costs, not just the premium.

How do Medicare star ratings work? CMS evaluates every Medicare Advantage plan annually on over 40 quality measures spanning clinical outcomes, member experience, customer service, and complaint handling. Plans receive 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest. Plans with 4 or more stars receive bonus payments from CMS, which they typically use to enhance member benefits. You can view star ratings for any plan on medicare.gov.

Should I choose an HMO or PPO Medicare Advantage plan? Choose an HMO if you want the lowest costs, do not mind needing referrals for specialists, and your doctors are in-network. Choose a PPO if you want flexibility to see out-of-network doctors, travel frequently, or do not want to deal with referral requirements. PPOs cost more per month but offer more freedom in choosing providers.

Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans if I am not happy with my current one? Yes. You can switch plans during the Annual Election Period (October 15 through December 7) with the new plan taking effect January 1. You also have one opportunity to switch during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 through March 31). Outside these windows, you can only change plans if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a move, loss of coverage, or other qualifying event.

Do all Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage? Most do — approximately 89% of Medicare Advantage plans are MA-PD plans that include Part D drug coverage. A small number of MA-only plans do not include drug coverage, in which case you would need a standalone Part D plan. The Medicare Plan Finder clearly labels which plans include drug coverage and which do not.

What is the out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Advantage in 2026? CMS has set the maximum allowable in-network out-of-pocket limit at $9,350 for 2026. However, most plans set their limit well below that threshold. The median MOOP across all plans is approximately $5,000 to $6,000. For combined in-network and out-of-network costs on PPO plans, the limit can be as high as $14,050. Always compare the MOOP when evaluating plans — it represents your worst-case annual spending for covered medical services.

Are Medicare Advantage plans available in my area? Medicare Advantage plans are available in most of the country, but the number and quality of plans varies significantly by location. Urban and suburban areas typically have 20 to 50+ plans, while some rural counties may have only a few. Enter your zip code at medicare.gov/plan-compare to see exactly what is available to you.

How do I know if my doctor accepts a specific Medicare Advantage plan? You can check the plan's online provider directory on the insurer's website, call the plan's member services number, or ask your doctor's office directly. The Medicare Plan Finder also lets you search for your doctors and shows which plans include them in-network. Always verify this information before enrolling, as directories can sometimes be outdated.

The Bottom Line

The best Medicare Advantage plan for 2026 is the one that covers your doctors, includes your medications at a reasonable cost, provides the supplemental benefits you value, and protects you financially with a manageable out-of-pocket maximum. No single carrier or plan is universally best — UnitedHealthcare excels in nationwide PPO coverage, Humana offers standout supplemental benefits in the Southeast, Kaiser Permanente leads in quality ratings and coordinated care, and Blue Cross affiliates often have the broadest local networks.

Start your comparison with the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare. Enter your zip code, medications, and doctors. Compare at least three to five plans side by side. Look at total annual cost — not just the monthly premium. Check star ratings. Read the Evidence of Coverage document for any plan you are seriously considering.

If you want free, unbiased help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). SHIP counselors can walk you through plan comparisons and help you enroll at no cost. The decision you make during enrollment will shape your healthcare experience and costs for the entire year, so invest the time to get it right.