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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Companies with the 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, like 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 and 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 plans are highly rated and come with extra benefits.
Pros
-
Usually has low rates
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Sells a wide variety of plans
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Helpful extra benefits and perks
Cons
-
Mixed customer service
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May be hard to get treatment
UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage plans are affordable, have good coverage and high customer satisfaction and come with impressive extra perks. 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.
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. More than six in 10 of UnitedHealthcare's plans have no monthly rate.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare also stands out for its range of extra coverage, perks and discounts. Many plans offer benefits like:
- Vision, dental and hearing coverage
- An allowance for health products like vitamins and cold medicine
- Free gym memberships
- Virtual doctor and mental health visits
But some customers report having trouble getting necessary health 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 was ranked above average for customer satisfaction. But in California, Ohio and Pennsylvania, UHC was below average.
Most of UnitedHealthcare's plans are sold through a partnership with AARP, but in some states, UHC partners with Erickson, KelseyCare or Peoples Health.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are available 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 might not pay for care
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, which 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 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.
However, BCBS plans often 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 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, each subsidiary is its own company, which means that there are major regional variations. The highest-performing Blue Cross subsidiaries 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
Most of Devoted Health's plans have no monthly rate and are great options if you're on a budget. The plans that do cost money each month are cheap, at no more than $13 per month.
Devoted Health's plans are also high quality, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Members are very satisfied with how quickly they can get appointments and necessary 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.
But Devoted Health plans aren't the best option if you need expensive medical care, because they require you to pay a large amount of your medical bills yourself. You could pay up to $590 each year for your prescription medications, compared to an industry average of $316 per year.
And 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. If your out-of-pocket maximum is on the higher end of the spectrum, it'll be far more than the 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's Medicare Advantage plans are highly rated 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 six 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. This means that, overall, Aetna's 2025 plans are higher quality than its 2024 plans.
However, while Aetna's customer service is generally good, customers report some problems getting necessary medical care, which might make your plan hard to use. And some plans have high out-of-pocket costs, which means you could pay a large portion of your medical bills. If you have serious or ongoing health issues, Aetna might not be the best option.
Aetna's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Tom Cowhey, announced in May 2024 that the company's Medicare Advantage plans could change in 2025.
As of 2025, Aetna no longer sells plans in Idaho or New Mexico. Aetna may also cut some of its extra perks as it attempts to strengthen its Medicare Advantage business. 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
- Mass.
- 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 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 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In Colorado, Oregon and Washington, its plans still have a strong rating of 4 out of 5.
Kaiser Permanente members are especially satisfied with their ability to get the care they need and get appointments quickly. Kaiser Permanente also gets a high rating for its claims service, especially that it makes decisions quickly if you have to appeal a claim. That can help you get billing problems resolved 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 operates 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 only sells plans in eight states and Washington, D.C.
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Oregon
- Virginia
- Washington
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List of the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans by state
The best Medicare Advantage plan for you also depends on where you live.
Only five states have plans with perfect 5-star ratings in 2025: Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. For most people, the highest-rated plan available is 4.5 stars.
Even if you live in a state with a five-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.
Top-rated 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 $24 to $25 per month.
Nebraska saw the highest increase, at 85%. Rates went from $13 per month 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 the cheapest plans to the most expensive ones to find a plan that fits your budget and medical needs.
In Washington, you could save up to $353 per month, the most of any state, 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.
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 | |
| Wellcare | $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 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 serious problems and often aren't the best choice.
They can be a good option if you are mostly healthy. But most people tend to face health challenges as they age, and 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.
Doctors and hospitals also report issues with Medicare Advantage plans. Many say that Medicare Advantage plans slow down care by requiring preauthorizations. 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 go to the doctor.
Some large Medicare Advantage companies, including Aetna and Humana, have also announced that they plan to change their offerings 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 | $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 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. Many free 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. 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?
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.
What is the most highly-rated Medicare Advantage plan?
The only companies with 5-star plans in 2025 are Alignment Health Plan, HealthSun Health Plans, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Leon Health, Network Health and Optimum HealthCare. But Aetna, Kaiser Permanente and AARP/UnitedHealthcare all have highly-rated plans and are good choices for quality coverage.
How do I choose the best Medicare Advantage plan?
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 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.
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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 that offer 5,110 products in your area. 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. Limitations and exclusions may apply.
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Medicare supplement insurance is available to people age 65 or older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and in some states to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or end stage renal disease.
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits are offered by these carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Aspire Health Plan, Cigna Healthcare, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Healthy Blue, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Premera Blue Cross, Medica Central Health Plan, SCAN Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare and WellPoint.
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