What's the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in 2024?
Humana has the best Medicare Advantage plans for 2024 because it is well-rated and affordable.
Best Medicare Advantage plans
To pick the best Medicare Advantage plans, ValuePenguin reviewed average rates, coverage, network size and customer satisfaction for the largest and most popular Medicare Advantage companies in the country. Our experts also reviewed each company's extra perks.
However, a Medicare Advantage plan is not the best Medicare option for everyone.
Recently, doctors and hospitals have reported 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 as a form of payment.
If you still think a Medicare Advantage plan is the best option for you, make sure to check that your doctors and preferred hospitals are in the plan's network before you buy.
Best Medicare Advantage for most people: Humana
-
Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $31
Humana has well-rated plans with no monthly cost and great prescription benefits.
Pros
Cons
Humana has the best Medicare Advantage plans for 2024 because of its high-quality ratings, good customer satisfaction and widespread availability. You can buy a Humana Medicare Advantage plan in every state but Alaska.
And no matter where you live, you can get a $0-per-month plan from Humana. Plus, Humana's customer service ranks slightly higher than the industry average, which is a good sign if you need to call the company for help.
Humana sells several types of Medicare Advantage plans. The most popular plan types are HMOs and PPOs.
- HMOs are good if the medical care you get is typically routine. With an HMO, you’ll have to use a primary care doctor and you can't visit a specialist without a referral. You’ll also have to stay within the plan's network of doctors to have coverage.
- PPOs give you more flexibility to see different doctors. You also don't need a referral to see a specialist. However, PPOs are usually more expensive than HMOs.
Humana has free HMO and PPO plan options, but its free PPO plans are more limited. If you want a PPO, AARP/UnitedHealthcare may be a better option.
Humana's Medicare Advantage plans usually have good prescription drug benefits. About 58% of Humana's plans cover prescription drugs right away because they have no drug deductible. Plus, CenterWell, Humana's mail-order pharmacy, continues to rank highly for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power's latest study.
Humana also offers useful add-on benefits, like access to the popular SilverSneakers fitness program, dental and vision discounts and resources for nutrition and weight loss.
Best Medicare Advantage for extra benefits: AARP/UnitedHealthcare
-
Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $17
AARP/UHC plans are highly rated and come with extra benefits.
Pros
Cons
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is the most popular Medicare Advantage company, with 29% of all active plans. UnitedHealthcare sells Medicare Advantage plans with several partner companies, but its plans sold with AARP are among the best and most popular options available. UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health insurance companies in the country, which makes it easy for you to find covered medical care.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare plans typically have low monthly rates. They also come with helpful benefits, including an allowance for items like vitamins, cold medicine and toothpaste. UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are available nationwide, except in Alaska.
The plans stand out for their range of add-on programs and discounts, including vision, dental, free gym memberships, mental fitness and a credit toward over-the-counter products. That makes UnitedHealthcare a great choice if you want to stay healthy on a budget.
For most people, AARP's prescription drug benefits offer good coverage. Plans have an average annual drug deductible of $103, which means you’ll only pay $103 for covered medications before your benefits start.
And if you need expensive medications, many plans offer benefits during the coverage gap (also called the donut hole). This is an important benefit that can keep you from paying high medication costs.
While AARP/UHC has the same rating as Humana on Medicare.gov, it does have a lower customer satisfaction rating from J.D. Power. In addition, customers report that they sometimes have problems getting the care they need with AARP/UHC plans. Before buying a plan, see if you can talk to members in your area to learn about their experience.
Easiest Medicare Advantage to use: Blue Cross Blue Shield
-
Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $40
Many doctors take BCBS plans, so it's easy to get medical care.
Pros
Cons
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has one of the biggest doctor networks in the country, which gives you more options for affordable medical care. But you can't get a BCBS Medicare Advantage plan in Washington, D.C., or Wyoming.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the best health insurance companies for Medicare Advantage because of its good plan quality and large network.
However, BCBS plans typically are more expensive than average. But the extra cost might be worth it if you need a plan that gives you coverage at most medical offices. Plus, you probably have access to at least one BCBS plan that doesn't have a monthly rate.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is made up of smaller companies, each of which has different plan offerings, customer satisfaction and benefits. The network of doctors you can see also depends on your plan. Buying a PPO plan is a good way to make sure you have more flexibility with your medical care, though you will pay a higher monthly rate.
BCBS has an overall good rating of 3.7 stars out of 5. However, each subsidiary is its own company, which means that there are major regional variations. The highest-performing Blue Cross subsidiaries are in Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. The lowest-rated plans are in California.
Best Medicare Advantage for customer satisfaction: Kaiser Permanente
-
Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $46
Kaiser Permanente has excellent customer satisfaction.
Pros
Cons
Consider Kaiser Permanente if customer satisfaction is a top priority for you. Although it has high average rates, most people who have access to Kaiser Permanente can buy a plan with no monthly cost. However, plans are only available in eight states and the District of Columbia.
Plans cost an average of $46 per month, though $0-per-month options are available. Many plans have a $0 deductible, which means you have coverage right away. Most plans also have no deductible for drugs, which means you'll have coverage for medications immediately as well.
However, Kaiser's plans have a limited network of doctors. That's because Kaiser owns and operates medical centers and hospitals, so the company pairs its plans with its own medical offices. This can be a helpful way to streamline your care since 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.
These plans won’t be a good fit if you prefer a wide network of doctors. Even though you will still have broad coverage during emergencies, for nonemergency procedures, you’ll have fewer choices in the hospitals and doctors you can visit.
Check that Kaiser's in-network doctors can meet your specific health needs before you commit to a plan.
Customers with Kaiser Permanente can also add coverage for dental services, hearing aids and eyewear to their plan with an Advantage Plus package.
Cheapest Medicare Advantage: Cigna
-
Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $7
Cigna's cheap rates are great if you're on a budget.
Pros
Cons
Cigna's Medicare Advantage plans are the best option for those who want cheap rates. Most of Cigna's plans are available for no monthly cost, although you'll still have to pay $174.70 per month for Part B.
If you want to be able to see any doctor and still have some coverage, Cigna could be a good choice. Its PPO plans are cheaper than its HMO plans, which means you’ll pay less and get more flexibility. Cigna also generally has good customer service for its Medicare Advantage plans.
In particular, Cigna's PPO plans are an especially good value if you want flexibility in the doctors you choose. The average monthly rate for a Cigna PPO plan is $3 per month. Plus, many PPO plans are available at no monthly cost, which is a good deal since PPO plans typically cost more than HMO plans.
Cigna's plans also have good prescription drug coverage. On average, you'll pay just $24 per year for your covered medications before the plan kicks in.
Cigna has sold its Medicare Advantage business to Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna has sold its Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D policies to Health Care Service Corp. (HCSC), a Blue Cross Blue Shield company. Starting in 2025, all Cigna Medicare Advantage plans will become HCSC plans.
List of the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans by state
The best Medicare Advantage plan for you also depends on where you live.
Insurance companies may offer plans only in certain states or counties. Plus, plan quality and customer satisfaction can change based on where you live.
If you're looking for the highest-rated coverage, consider a five-star Medicare Advantage plan. Keep in mind that five-star plans aren't sold in all states. Even if you live in a state with a five-star plan, it may not be available in your local area.
Companies that offer 5-star Medicare Advantage plans
State | Companies |
|---|---|
| Alabama | UnitedHealthcare VIVA Health |
| Arizona | UnitedHealthcare |
| Arkansas | Essence Healthcare |
| California | Sharp Health Plan |
| Colorado | SelectHealth UnitedHealthcare |
Alaska doesn’t currently have any available Medicare Advantage plans.
Worst Medicare Advantage plans
Clear Spring Health, Molina and Wellcare have the worst Medicare Advantage plans in 2024.
You might find yourself considering one of these companies for their cheap rates. But considering 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Spring Health | $0 | |
| Molina | $0 | |
| Wellcare | $9 |
Overall, you'll see lower Medicare Advantage plan ratings in 2024 compared to 2023. Much of this shift comes from how ratings were calculated during the pandemic and other changes to Medicare.gov's methodology, rather than the plans actually getting worse. Medicare Advantage plans can still offer high-quality coverage.
Is Medicare Advantage the best option for me?
Medicare Advantage plans are popular, but they have problems and often aren't the best choice.
They can be a good option if you are mostly healthy. But considering that people tend to face health challenges as they age, what worked for you at 65 may not be the best option at 80. Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan can limit your options to change 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're first 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.
Recently, doctors and hospitals have also been reporting issues with Medicare Advantage plans. Many say that Medicare Advantage plans slow down care by requiring preauthorizations. Doctors also report 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 go to the doctor.
Some large Medicare Advantage companies, including Aetna and Humana, have also announced that they plan to change the plans they offer and cut some benefits for 2025. Both companies expect to lose a large number of Medicare Advantage customers. Those who still have a plan might find that they have less coverage and pay a higher monthly rate.
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 | $174.70/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 perks |
| 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, having Original Medicare and a Medigap plan is probably better than choosing 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 perks, like 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, combining everything into one plan. They also often have extra perks, like gym memberships and coverage for vision exams.
Medicare Part D just pays for prescription drugs and doesn't include extra coverage or perks. 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 since 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, so it's important to review your options. Many free Medicare Advantage plans still have good coverage.
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. An HMO plan will only cover your medical care if you visit a doctor in your network. With a 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.
Review the extra benefits
Some Medicare Advantage policies include added benefits, like 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?
Humana has the best Medicare Advantage plans in 2024 for most people because of its high ratings, good benefits and plans with no monthly cost. But the best plan for you depends on your specific needs.
What Medicare plan has the best dental coverage?
Medicare Advantage plans from AARP/UnitedHealthcare have some of the best dental benefits. You'll get coverage for a wide network of dentists — plus, routine or preventive services are free if you stay in-network. Coverage for more complex dental work varies. Some plans only pay up to $1,000 per policy year. Others don't have a cap but require you to pay more for each dental service.
What’s the best way to compare Medicare Advantage plans?
When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, think about the total amount that 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, like diabetes care, prescription drugs or surgery.
Methodology
Medicare Advantage company reviews and comparisons are based on a variety of rating factors including cost, coverage, benefits and provider networks. The CMS star ratings featured are averages of each company's individual contracts.
Plan details were sourced from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) public use files. Calculations are based on 2024 Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage. Special needs plans, sanctioned plans, PACE plans, prepayment plans (HCPPs), Medicare medical savings account (MSA) plans, Medicare-Medicaid plans and employer-sponsored plans were excluded from our analysis. Averages 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.
ValuePenguin.com is owned and operated by LendingTree, LLC ("LendingTree"). All rights reserved.
Invitations for application for insurance may be made through QW Insurance Solutions, LLC ("QWIS"), a separate subsidiary of QuoteWizard, LLC ("QuoteWizard"), a LendingTree subsidiary, or through its designated agents, only where licensed and appointed. Licensing information for QWIS can be found here. QWIS is a non-government licensed health insurance agency. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.
Callers will be directed to a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Supplement insurance and/or Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations. Calls will be routed to a licensed insurance agent who can provide you with further information about the insurance plans offered by one or more nationally recognized insurance companies. Each of the organizations they represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal.
Availability of benefits and plans varies by carrier and location and may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 73 organizations which offer 5,110 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
These numbers provided are not specific to your area, but rather represent the number of organizations and the number of products available on a national basis. We will connect you with licensed insurance agents who can provide information about the number of organizations they represent and the number of products they offer in your service area. Not all plans offer all of these benefits. Benefits may vary by carrier and location.
Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, limitations, and exclusions may apply.
Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed the information contained on this website. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system every year.
MULTIPLAN_QW.VP.WEB_C
Editorial Note: We are committed to providing accurate content that helps you make informed financial decisions. Our partners have not endorsed or commissioned this content.