What is the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in 2025?
AARP/UnitedHealthcare sells the best Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. Its plans have excellent coverage, cheap 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 who 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.
Best Medicare Advantage plans overall: AARP/UnitedHealthcare
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Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $24
AARP/UHC has top-rated Medicare Advantage plans, many of which come with extra benefits.
Pros
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Usually has low rates
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Sells a wide variety of plans
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Helpful extra benefits and perks
Cons
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Mixed customer service
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May be hard to get treatment
UnitedHealthcare has affordable Medicare Advantage plans that offer good coverage and high customer satisfaction. Plus, plans typically come with impressive extra benefits including medical alert system. 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.
More than 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 $24 per month, which is $4 per month cheaper than the national average. Most people can get a $0 plan from UnitedHealthcare.
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 some customers report having trouble getting needed care with AARP/Medicare Advantage plans. The company has a lower-than-average rating from Medicare.gov in that category.
And the customer satisfaction level depends on where you live, according to J.D. Power. In Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, North Carolina and Texas, UnitedHealthcare ranked above average for customer satisfaction. But in California, Ohio and Pennsylvania, UHC was below average.
UnitedHealthcare sells most of its Medicare Advantage plans through a partnership with AARP. But in some states, UHC partners with Erickson, KelseyCare or Peoples Health.
UnitedHealthcare sells Medicare Advantage plans nationwide, except in Alaska.
Best Medicare Advantage doctor network: Blue Cross Blue Shield
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Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $35
Most doctors take BCBS plans, so it's easy to get medical care.
Pros
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Access to a large doctor network
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Offers many $0-per-month plans
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You may pay nothing when you go to the hospital
Cons
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High average rates
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Mixed customer service
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has one of the biggest doctor networks in the country. This gives you more options for affordable medical care. Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the best health insurance companies for Medicare Advantage because of its good plan quality and large network.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is made up of smaller companies. Each BCBS company 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.
However, BCBS plans often cost more than the national average. But the extra cost might make sense if you need a plan that gives you coverage at most hospitals. Plus, you can get a $0 plan from BCBS everywhere except Utah and Washington, D.C.
You'll pay less for medical care with many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. That's because the plans often have a low cap on your yearly medical costs, called an out-of-pocket maximum.
BCBS has an overall good rating of 3.8 stars out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). However, the quality of Blue Cross Blue Shield plans depends on where you live. The highest-performing Blue Cross companies are in Iowa, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota and West Virginia. The lowest-rated companies are in Colorado, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Texas.
Blue Cross Blue Shield sells Medicare Advantage plans in every state except Alaska and Wyoming.
Cheapest Medicare Advantage: Devoted Health
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Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $1
Almost all of Devoted Health's Medicare Advantage plans have no monthly rate.
Pros
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Cheap rates
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Many $0 plans available
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Can get appointments quickly
Cons
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High total medical costs
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Only available in 20 states
Devoted Health offers affordable Medicare Advantage plans including many options with no monthly rate. The plans you have to pay for cost no more than $13 per month.
Devoted Health has top Medicare Advantage plans, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Members report high levels of satisfaction with how quickly they can get appointments and needed medical care.
Devoted Health is an especially good option in Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas, where it sells some of the highest-rated plans. In these states, plans have a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
With Devoted Health plans, you have to pay a large portion of your medical bills when you go to the hospital. That makes them a poor option if you need expensive medical care. You could pay up to $590 each year for your prescription medications before coverage starts. That's $274 more than the national average of $316 per year.
Depending on the plan you have, you might pay between $2,700 and $9,350 each year for your medical care if you need expensive treatments or become seriously ill or injured. That's compared to an industry average of $5,915 each year.
Devoted Health sells Medicare Advantage plans in 20 states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
Best Medicare Advantage for customer satisfaction: Aetna
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Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $23
Aetna has the best Medicare Advantage plans for customer service.
Pros
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Good customer service
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Cheap rates
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Many $0 plans available
Cons
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High total medical costs
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May be hard to get treatment
Aetna sells highly rated Medicare Advantage plans. In most states, Aetna is one of the top-rated Medicare Advantage companies. Aetna also has fairly cheap rates and almost 6 in 10 of its plans have no monthly cost.
Aetna gets an average customer service rating of 3.5 out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which is higher than the industry average rating of 3.3. Aetna was also highly ranked for plan improvement.
Aetna has a good overall reputation for service. But some customers report problems getting needed care. That means your plan could be hard to use. Some plans also have high out-of-pocket costs, so you might have to pay a large portion of your medical bills. If you have serious or ongoing health issues, Aetna probably isn't the best option.
As of 2025, Aetna no longer sells plans in Idaho or New Mexico. Aetna may also cut some of its extra perks to make its Medicare Advantage business more profitable. Before you buy or continue with an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, make sure it still meets your needs.
Aetna sells Medicare Advantage plans in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Best Medicare Advantage for high-quality medical care: Kaiser Permanente
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Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $44
Kaiser Permanente, with its top-rated Medicare Advantage plans, makes it easy to find doctors who take your insurance.
Pros
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Customers are happy with plans
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Popular choice where available
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Medical care is streamlined
Cons
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High average rates
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Have to use certain doctors
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Only in eight states and D.C.
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.
Kaiser Permanente is known for its excellent customer service. It has some of the most highly rated Medicare Advantage plans available. In California, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., Kaiser Permanente sells plans with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from the CMS. In Colorado, Oregon and Washington, its plans still have a strong rating of 4 out of 5.
Kaiser Permanente members have an especially easy time getting the care they need and quick appointments. Kaiser Permanente also gets a high rating for its claims service. The company makes decisions quickly if you have to appeal a claim. That can help you get billing problems fixed faster so you can get the care you need.
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 Permanente sells plans in only eight states and Washington, D.C.
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Oregon
- Virginia
- Washington
Compare Medicare Plans in Your Area
AARP/UnitedHealthcare and Centene recently won a lawsuit against the CMS about how some of their plans were rated. This means both companies saw small increases to their average star ratings.
It's a good idea to check out AARP/UnitedHealthcare plans if you live in Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas or Virginia. In these states, AARP/UHC now offers 5-star Medicare Advantage plans.
If you live in an area where these plans are offered, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans outside of the normal Medicare open enrollment period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) and the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period (Jan. 1 to March 31).
List of the best Medicare Advantage plans by state
The best Medicare Advantage plan for you also depends on where you live.
Thirteen states have plans with perfect 5-star ratings in 2025.
States with 5-star plans available
- Colorado
- Florida
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
In most 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 | Aetna Cigna UnitedHealthcare | |
| Arizona | Aetna UnitedHealthcare | |
| Arkansas | Aetna Cigna Essence Healthcare | |
| California | Aetna Alignment Health Plan Kaiser Permanente Sharp Health Plan | |
| Colorado | Aetna 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 went up by 4% between 2024 and 2025.
That's a difference of just $1 per month, with average rates going from $27 to $28.
Nebraska saw the highest increase, at 85%. Rates went from $13 to $24 per month, on average. Kansas and New Mexico had the biggest drops in cost, with rates going down 48%.
Medicare Advantage rate changes by state
State | 2024 rate | 2025 rate | % change |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | $27 | $28 | 4% |
| Nebraska | $13 | $24 | 85% |
| Tennessee | $23 | $37 | 61% |
| North Carolina | $16 | $24 | 50% |
| Idaho | $34 | $46 | 35% |
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 up to $200 per month, on average.
While the average cost of Medicare Advantage is $28 per month, rates vary widely. Every state 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 Washington, you could save up to $353 per month if you shop around and compare plans. If you live in Delaware, you could still save up to $70 per month. That's the least of any state, although it's still a significant savings.
Medicare Advantage plan cost difference by state
State | Savings potential |
|---|---|
| Washington | $353 |
| California | $336 |
| North Dakota | $307 |
| South Dakota | $307 |
| Massachusetts | $299 |
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
Central Health Plan, CCHP and WellSense have the worst Medicare Advantage plans in 2025.
You might find yourself considering one of these companies for their cheap rates. But based on 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Central Health Plan | $0 | |
| CCHP | $12 | |
| WellSense Health Plan | $13 | |
| Clear Spring Health | $0 |
Overall, you'll see lower Medicare Advantage plan ratings in 2025 compared to 2024. Much of this shift comes from how ratings were set during the pandemic and other changes to how the CMS measures plan quality. That means plans aren't actually getting worse overall and can still offer high-quality coverage.
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 | $185/month | $28/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, 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. 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.
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 2025. 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, since plan quality depends on where you live.
What is the most highly rated Medicare Advantage plan?
The highest rating a Medicare Advantage plan can get is 5 stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Five-star plans aren't available in every area, and only a small number of companies sell them in 2025.
How do I choose 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.
Methodology
Medicare Advantage company reviews and comparisons are based on a variety of rating factors including cost, coverage, benefits and company networks. The CMS 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 2025 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.
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.
