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.
Humana has the best Medicare Advantage plans because of its good coverage and plans with no monthly cost. AARP/UHC offers the best extra benefits, and Blue Cross Blue Shield has the largest network of doctors.
Kaiser Permanente is a good choice if you want an efficient customer experience. If your highest priority is getting the lowest rate, Cigna has the cheapest Medicare Advantage plans.
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Going with a Medicare Advantage plan is a great way to simplify your insurance and get coverage that's at least as good as Original Medicare (Parts A and B). However, the trade-off is that you have access to fewer doctors with Medicare Advantage compared to Original Medicare. Original Medicare may be the better option if you travel often.
Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) is a bundled insurance plan that covers a full set of health benefits including hospital stays and doctor care. Many plans also cover prescription drugs, dental and vision.
Best Medicare Advantage for most people: Humana
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Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $31
Why it's great: Humana offers a wide range of well-rated Medicare Advantage plans that have no monthly cost and great prescription benefits.
Humana's high plan quality, strong customer service and free plan options make it the best Medicare Advantage company in 2024.
Humana has free plan options throughout the U.S. You can buy a $0 Humana plan anywhere in the country except for Alaska. It’s a great choice for budget shoppers and anyone looking for a high-quality plan.
Humana Medicare Advantage pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Humana has the best Medicare Advantage plans for 2024 because of its high-quality ratings, good customer satisfaction, many $0-per-month plans and its widespread availability. You can buy a Humana Medicare Advantage plan in every state but Alaska.
Humana's Medicare Advantage plans offer high levels of quality care. Plus, Humana's customer service is slightly better than the industry average, so you may have an easier time if you need to call the company for help.
Humana has free HMO and PPO plan options, but its free PPO plans are more limited. So if you prefer a PPO but don't have access to one of Humana's $0 plans, AARP/UnitedHealthcare may be a better option.
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's Medicare Advantage plans usually have good prescription drug benefits. About 58% of Humana's plans cover prescription drugs right away since 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
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Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $17
Why it's great: AARP/UHC plans are highly rated and come with useful extra benefits.
UnitedHealthcare is the most popular Medicare Advantage company, with 29% of all active plans.
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.
AARP/UHC Medicare Advantage pros and cons
Pros
Cons
AARP/UHC 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.
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.
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, consider talking to members in your area to learn about their experience.
Best Medicare Advantage for network size: Blue Cross Blue Shield
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Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $40
Why it's great: It's easy to find a doctor who takes Blue Cross Blue Shield because 90% of doctors accept the company's insurance.
Blue Cross Blue Shield has one of the biggest doctor networks in the country, which gives you more options for affordable medical care.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the best health insurance companies to get a Medicare Advantage plan from because of good plan quality and its large network. However, BCBS plans typically are more expensive than average.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Medicare Advantage plans from BCBS are, in general, more expensive than plans from some other companies. 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.
Blue Cross Blue Shield's large network means that you'll likely have an easier time finding care with BCBS compared to its competitors.
- BCBS/Anthem: 1.7 million doctors and hospitals
- Cigna: 1.5 million doctors, clinics and facilities
- AARP/UHC: 1.3 million doctors
- Aetna: 1.2 million doctors
- Humana: 560,000 doctors in the ChoiceCare and Behavioral Health networks
- Centene/WellCare: 238,000 doctors
- Kaiser Permanente: 80,000 doctors and nurses
Best Medicare Advantage for customer satisfaction: Kaiser Permanente
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Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $46
Why it's great: Kaiser Permanente's customers are typically highly satisfied with their plans, making it a good choice for those who value good customer service.
Kaiser Permanente has excellent customer satisfaction and good quality plans.
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.
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Kaiser Permanente has very high customer satisfaction levels, making it a good choice for those willing to pay for a more expensive plan to get good benefits.
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. And because most plans have no deductible for drugs, you also have coverage for medications immediately.
However, Kaiser's plans have a limited network of doctors. That's because Kaiser also owns and operates medical centers and hospitals, and the company pairs its plans with its 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, making access to Kaiser's health facilities a key benefit of the plans.
The downside is you’ll have fewer choices in the hospitals and doctors you can visit. Even though you still have broad coverage during emergencies, these plans won’t be a good fit if you prefer a wide network of doctors.
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.
Best Medicare Advantage for low rates: Cigna
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Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $7
Why it's great: Cigna has cheap Medicare Advantage plans. Its PPO plans are an especially good value, at only $3 per month on average.
Cigna has some of the cheapest Medicare Advantage rates available making it a good choice for budget shoppers.
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.
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.
Cigna Medicare Advantage pros and cons
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 on top of what you pay for Original Medicare.
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 because 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.
Worst Medicare Advantage plans
Clear Spring Health, Molina and WellCare have the worst Medicare Advantage plans in 2024.
These companies all have low ratings and cheap rates. However, you can likely get 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. However, Medicare Advantage plans can still offer high-quality coverage. 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.
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 in limited areas. Plan quality and customer satisfaction can differ 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 where you live.
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.
How to choose the best Medicare Advantage plan
When choosing the best Medicare Advantage plan for you, it's important to weigh your budget against your medical care needs. The plans available where you live will also affect your decision.
Comparing Medicare Advantage plans is the best way to find the right option for you.
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, you should 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'll save money in the long run since the plan will pay for more of your medical bills.
Look at doctor networks
Medicare Advantage plans have a list of preferred doctors. 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. However, 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. It's a good idea to consider these factors when comparing Medicare Advantage plans.
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.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare is a good choice for its extra benefits, and Kaiser Permanente stands out for its outstanding customer service.
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.
However, dental coverage for more complex procedures will vary for the $0 plans. Some plans may cap their dental benefits, only paying $1,000 per policy year. Others don't have a cap, but will instead 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, consider both the plan's costs and its coverage. For cost, think about the total amount that you'll 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. For coverage, make sure a plan gives you strong benefits in the areas you expect to need the most, such as diabetes care, prescription drugs or inpatient 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 savings account (MSA) plans, Medicare-Medicaid plans and employer-sponsored plans were excluded from our analysis. Averages include company subsidiaries.
Other sources include Kaiser Family Foundation for plan popularity and J.D. Power for Medicare Advantage and pharmacy satisfaction ratings.
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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.
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