Best 2027 Medicare Advantage Plans: Top Carriers Compared

Good to know: Carrier reputation is a starting filter, not an answer. Use the rankings below to narrow the field, then run the four checks on the plans sold where you live.

#1 · Best for network size

UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare is the largest Medicare Advantage carrier, and deep networks lower the odds that the specialist you need next year falls outside your plan. For 2027 it grows to 852 plans, adds 40 special needs plans and holds three of the 15 contracts rated 5 stars, including Sierra Health and Life in Nevada.

Where it can cost you: Some counties get narrow HMO networks, and UnitedHealthcare is exiting about 140 counties and Wyoming for 2027. Check your doctors against the exact plan.

#2 · Best for star ratings and extras

Humana

Humana had the biggest ratings turnaround of any major carrier. For 2027, about 95% of its Medicare Advantage members are in plans rated 4 stars or higher, up from about 20% in 2026, and 18 of its contracts earned 4 stars or more. Humana has also long competed on extras like dental, vision and OTC benefits, which may be included depending on the plan.

Where it can cost you: Humana trims to 861 plans, exits 57 counties and Minnesota, and cuts 37 PPOs, affecting about 600,000 members. Confirm your plan continues.

#3 · Best for drug costs

Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna’s CVS ownership ties the plan to the pharmacy counter, and that matters more with the 2027 drug deductible at $700 and the cap at $2,400. Aetna grows to 654 plans for 2027 and adds 29 chronic condition special needs plans.

Where it can cost you: Aetna’s share of members in 4+ star plans fell for 2027, and it is exiting 123 counties plus Maryland and New Hampshire. Preferred pharmacy networks also cut both ways.

#4 · Best for quality ratings

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser is both the insurer and the care system, so cost and care coordination tend to be consistent. Its 2027 ratings are among the strongest of any large carrier, led by a 5-star contract in Nevada.

Where it can cost you: Kaiser is only in 9 states and DC, drops its last 3 PPOs for 2027, and you must use Kaiser doctors and facilities.

#5 · Best for growth and new markets

Devoted Health

Devoted is the fastest-growing carrier for 2027, adding 342 counties and entering five new states. Several of its state contracts earned 4.5 stars, and it was among the carriers that gained share in 4+ star plans.

Where it can cost you: Devoted is newer in many markets, so check that your doctors and hospitals are in its network, and ratings vary by state contract.

#6 · Best for regional hospital networks

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield plans are independent companies by state. In many markets the local Blue has the deepest ties to regional hospital systems. Several Blue plans earned 4.5 stars for 2027, including Blue Cross NC, Blue Cross Louisiana and Highmark.

Where it can cost you: Variation between licensees is enormous. HCSC (Blue Cross of IL, TX, OK, NM, MT) cuts from 948 to 478 counties for 2027. Judge the state plan, never the brand.

5-star perk: If a 5-star plan is sold where you live, the 5-Star Special Enrollment Period lets you switch into it once between December 8 and November 30, outside the usual enrollment windows.

Good to know: Because the measure set changed, a plan’s 2027 rating is not a clean like-for-like comparison with its rating from two years ago.

Good to know: Not all plans offer all benefits, and extras are the first thing carriers trim. Confirm every benefit you are counting on in the plan’s 2027 Summary of Benefits.

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