Top Medicare Advantage Plans in New York 2026

If you’re searching for the top Medicare Advantage plans in New York 2026, you’ve come to the right place. This article reveals the most highly rated plans and explains why they stand out. We’ll cover the benefits and costs associated with each plan, helping you find the best fit for your healthcare needs.

Key Takeaways

• Top Medicare Advantage plans in New York for 2026 include providers like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Kaiser Permanente, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, assessed based on CMS Star Ratings and customer satisfaction.

• Key factors to consider when selecting a plan are low premiums, low out-of-pocket costs, and additional benefits such as dental and vision coverage.

• Enrollment periods for Medicare Advantage plans are essential to understand, with the Open Enrollment Period occurring annually from October 15 to December 7, and resources like SHIP available for guidance.

Selecting the right Medicare Advantage plan can significantly enhance your healthcare benefits. In 2026, top-tier insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Kaiser Permanente, and Blue Cross Blue Shield are leading the pack among the best Medicare Advantage providers. These Medicare plans are evaluated based on criteria like CMS Star Ratings and the J.D. Power Medicare Advantage Study, ensuring they meet high standards for quality and customer satisfaction. In New York, 23% of the available plans boast an impressive 4-star rating or higher from the best medicare advantage companies.

Key considerations when evaluating these plans include low premiums, manageable out-of-pocket limits, and additional benefits like dental and vision services. The average monthly premium for HMO plans in New York County stands at $44.08, reflecting a range of affordable options.

Given the variety of plans offered, not all plans match your healthcare needs, so finding a suitable plan type that does is crucial as most plans offer.

Best for Prescription Drug Coverage

Prescription drug coverage is vital in many Medicare Advantage plans, helping beneficiaries afford their necessary prescription medications and prescription drugs. Most Medicare Advantage plans in New York include medicare coverage as a standard benefit, eliminating the need for a separate medicare prescription drug coverage plan.

This integration streamlines the process and helps avoid extra costs associated with standalone prescription drug plans. With prescription drug coverage included, enrollees can focus on managing their health without worrying about additional coverage complexities.

Best for Low Out-of-Pocket Costs

Financial protection is crucial for many Medicare beneficiaries, making plans with low out-of-pocket costs highly desirable. New York’s Medicare Advantage plans have a maximum limit on annual out-of-pocket expenses, providing a safety net for enrollees.

For instance, Kaiser Permanente caps the maximum out-of-pocket expense at $8,900 per year, with around 42% of their plans offering a $0 monthly premium. The combination of low premiums and capped expenses makes Kaiser Permanente attractive for cost-conscious beneficiaries.

Best for Extra Benefits

Medicare Advantage plans often offer additional benefits that enhance overall well-being beyond basic medical coverage. Aetna’s Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) provide coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services, along with a monthly allowance for everyday expenses for those who qualify, including medicare benefits.

Kaiser Permanente may also offer perks like free transportation for medical visits and reduced gym membership costs. These fitness benefits can greatly improve the quality of life for enrollees, making these plans an excellent choice for comprehensive health and wellness support.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans

UnitedHealthcare leads in Medicare Advantage plans, offering a variety of plan types, including preferred provider organization (PPO), to meet diverse healthcare needs:

• HMO
• PPO
• PFFS
• SNPs UnitedHealthcare is the most popular Medicare Advantage brand based on total enrollment, reflecting its comprehensive coverage and customer satisfaction.

UnitedHealthcare plans typically include dental, vision, and hearing benefits, essential for complete health care. Plan members can benefit from the UCard program, rewarding them for healthy activities and accessing preventive services.

UnitedHealthcare enjoys high customer satisfaction ratings, with many members recommending their services. The combination of high satisfaction, diverse plan types, and additional benefits makes UnitedHealthcare a strong contender for Medicare Advantage plans.

Humana Medicare Advantage Plans

Humana is a prominent provider of Medicare Advantage plans, offering coverage in 46 states and Washington, D.C., and covering 85% of U.S. counties in 2026. Humana plans are known for customer satisfaction, earning top ratings in various surveys.

Unique offerings, like advanced care planning, caregiver support, and the Silver&Fit program, set Humana apart. However, recent challenges may affect coverage, varying by zip code.

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Medicare Advantage Plans

BCBS provides various Medicare Advantage plans, including HMO and PPO models, catering to different member preferences. These ma plans are tailored to local community needs with various Benefit Packages, offering personalized assistance with plan offerings, including information about the part b premium and healthcare navigation.

BCBS is known for engaging with local communities through initiatives to improve healthcare access. Members benefit from a nationwide network of healthcare providers, ensuring comprehensive care wherever they are.

Special Focus: Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente excels with its integrated care and insurance model, ensuring better coordination and performance. Operating hospitals and medical groups, Kaiser Permanente enhances its services, offering seamless healthcare experiences.

With a 4.9 out of 5 stars quality rating from U.S. News, Kaiser Permanente’s reputation for preventive care makes it a top choice.

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods

Knowing the enrollment periods for Medicare Advantage plans is crucial for beneficiaries. The Open Enrollment Period runs annually from October 15 to December 7, allowing individuals to explore options and make coverage changes.

For enrollments after December 15, coverage begins on February 1. Additionally, the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows enrollment outside the usual windows due to qualifying events, offering flexibility for those with changing circumstances.

How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans

Comparing Medicare Advantage plans is key to finding the right Medicare plan coverage. On Medicare.gov, beneficiaries can evaluate and contrast various plans based on specific features. Medicare evaluates plans based on its plan finder tool, which allows users to review and compare plan attributes, simplifying the process to offer Medicare Advantage plans.

When assessing Medicare Advantage options, consider personal health requirements and how each plan aligns with those needs. This personalized approach helps beneficiaries select the most suitable plan for their healthcare needs.

Medicare Resources in New York

New York residents have several resources to help navigate Medicare. If you need assistance, you can contact Medicare for expert counseling to help residents access Medicare Savings Programs. New York’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) also provides free Medicare counseling services.

Online tools like Medicare Interactive and Medicare.gov, along with local SHIP offices, offer valuable assistance for understanding Medicare options. With 218 Medicare Advantage plans available in New York for 2026, these resources are invaluable for making informed decisions.