What is the Best Advantage Plan for Medicare in 2026?

Wondering what is the best Advantage plan for Medicare in 2026? This article highlights the top plans available, helping you find the perfect fit for your health needs and budget.

Key Takeaways

• In 2026, top Medicare Advantage plans include UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna, each offering unique benefits and varying customer satisfaction ratings.
• Key factors for choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan include health needs, budget, provider networks, and comprehensive cost comparisons beyond premiums.
• Medicare Advantage plans typically include additional benefits like dental, vision, and wellness programs, alongside prescription drug coverage, distinguishing them from Original Medicare and Medigap.

When it comes to Medicare Advantage plans, the landscape is vast and varied. In 2025, more than half of Medicare beneficiaries are covered by these plans, offering a range of benefits that go beyond Original Medicare.

Choosing the best Medicare Advantage plans requires looking at CMS ratings, customer satisfaction, and the range of coverage options. Here are the top Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, featuring UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna, including some of the best Medicare Advantage companies.

UnitedHealthcare (AARP/UnitedHealthcare)

UnitedHealthcare, partnered with AARP, stands out as a leader in the Medicare Advantage space with the following features:

• The largest network of nearly 1 million providers, ensuring extensive health coverage for members.
• About 65% of their plans come with a $0 monthly premium, making them accessible for many Medicare beneficiaries.
• 77% of their $0 premium plans include prescription drug coverage, essential for managing medication costs.

UnitedHealthcare provides various plan types, such as:

• HMO
• PPO
• Regional PPO options. These cater to different preferences. The AARP partnership adds value with extra benefits, making it a top choice among Medicare Advantage companies.

Humana

Humana is another strong contender among major competitors in the Medicare Advantage market, offering Part B Giveback benefits that can help reduce out-of-pocket costs. While their overall market performance in customer satisfaction is below average, they maintain an above-average member experience rating of 3.61 and their quality ratings reflect this performance.

This mix of cost-saving features and decent customer satisfaction keeps Humana competitive in the Medicare Advantage market.

Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, part of CVS Health, provides a broad array of Aetna Medicare Advantage plans with the following features:

• Available across 43 states and Washington, D.C.
• Offering more than 500 plans nationwide
• Highly rated, with an average star rating among the highest in the industry
• Roughly 70% of plans feature a $0 monthly premium, making them affordable for many Medicare beneficiaries.

However, Aetna faces consistency challenges in customer service, which is an important consideration for potential enrollees. Nevertheless, the extensive range of plans and high ratings solidify Aetna’s standing among the top Medicare Advantage companies.

Choosing the Right Medicare Advantage Plan

Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan is a personalized process. Consider the following factors:

• Your specific health needs
• Your budget
• Available plan options
• Personal health conditions
• Medication needs
• Geographic location: These factors can greatly influence your decision.

Aligning these factors with the benefits and costs of various plans will help you choose a Medicare Advantage plan that meets your needs. Here are key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a plan.

Assessing Health Needs

The first crucial step is to assess your health needs. Health risk assessments evaluate your health status and needs, ensuring the chosen Medicare Advantage plan can provide tailored services.

This approach can lead to better health outcomes by focusing on preventive care and adapting care plans as your health evolves.

Comparing Costs

When comparing Medicare Advantage plans, it’s important to look beyond just the monthly premiums. Evaluating out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles and copayments, provides a clearer picture of total expenses. Considering both premiums and potential out-of-pocket costs helps determine the most financially viable plan for your budget.

Look at how different plans handle drug costs and other medical expenses. A comprehensive cost analysis ensures you’re not caught off guard by unexpected healthcare expenses, allowing for a well-informed decision.

Checking Provider Networks

Another critical factor is ensuring that your preferred healthcare providers are within the plan’s network. This helps avoid unexpected costs from out-of-network services. Directly verifying network participation with your doctors can prevent surprises and ensure continuity of care.

Medicare Advantage plans often have network restrictions, requiring members to use specific providers. Unlike Original Medicare, which permits visits to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, these network limitations can affect your choice of healthcare providers and access to care.

Types of Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans come in various types, each with unique features and requirements, including medicare plans. Understanding these differences can help you choose a plan that aligns with your healthcare needs and preferences.

The main types include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, and Special Needs Plans (SNPs).

HMO Plans

HMO plans usually require members to select a primary care physician and obtain referrals to see specialists. These plans also require members to receive care from network providers, except in emergency care situations or urgent situations. An hmo plan typically emphasizes these requirements.

This structure helps manage costs but may limit flexibility in choosing providers.

PPO Plans

PPO plans offer more flexibility than HMO plans, letting members see any doctor or specialist without a referral. While this flexibility is beneficial, PPO plans often come with higher costs compared to other Medicare Advantage plans. This type of plan suits those who value provider choice and are willing to pay a bit more for it.

Special Needs Plans (SNPs)

SNPs are tailored for individuals with specific health conditions or circumstances, like chronic conditions or eligibility for both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans include customized care management services, ensuring targeted and comprehensive care for specific health needs.

Benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans offer a range of benefits beyond what Original Medicare provides. Additional benefits often include dental, vision, and hearing benefits, not medicare covered services by Original Medicare.

Many plans also include prescription drug coverage, eliminating the need for most plans for a separate Part D plan.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage for prescription medications, crucial for managing medication costs at preferred pharmacies. Ensure the prescription drugs you need are covered by the plan to avoid unexpected expenses.

Dental and Vision Coverage

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer dental and vision coverage, including services like cleanings, check-ups, and eye exams. These benefits can greatly enhance your overall healthcare experience and help maintain your health.

Wellness Programs

Wellness programs are common in Medicare Advantage plans, promoting overall well-being through fitness programs, wellness coaching, and chronic disease management resources. Some plans also offer services like transportation to medical appointments, further enhancing the value of Medicare Advantage plans.