Top Rated Medicare Advantage Plans for 2026

Want to find the top rated Medicare Advantage plans for 2026? This article ranks the best plans based on costs, benefits, and member satisfaction.

Learn which plans offer the best value and why they stand out.

 

Key Takeaways

  • The best Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 feature low or $0 premiums and comprehensive benefits, achieving high member satisfaction and star ratings.

 

 

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Top Rated Medicare Advantage Plans for 2026

Top Rated Medicare Advantage Plans for 2026

 

Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 have been evaluated based on their strengths, drawbacks, and member satisfaction scores. The highest-ranked medicare plans offer low monthly premiums, with over 60% charging $0 premiums, making them an attractive option for many Medicare beneficiaries. These plans also boast excellent member experience scores, reflecting their quality of service and overall satisfaction.

The best Medicare Advantage plans stand out for their comprehensive coverage benefits, such as dental, vision coverage, and hearing benefits, which enhance the value for beneficiaries. Additionally, they have received the highest overall star ratings, emphasizing quality in health coverage. Balancing costs, benefits, and quality is key when selecting a Medicare Advantage plan, as these plans often provide extra benefits.

Top-rated plans are available in various states, reflecting their broad market presence. Most plans can be found with reasonable out-of-pocket maximums and well-structured premiums among the highest-rated options. Considering these factors will help you select a plan that fits your healthcare needs.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S., offering a wide range of options to meet diverse healthcare needs. Their plans are available in 48 states and Washington, D.C., covering a staggering 94% of Medicare beneficiaries. With such extensive coverage, UnitedHealthcare stands out as one of the best medicare advantage companies for many Medicare Advantage companies.

One of the key strengths of UnitedHealthcare is its large provider networks, which include nearly 1 million healthcare providers in the network. This vast network ensures that members have access to a wide range of medical services, including out-of-network services, enhancing their overall healthcare experience. UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans often feature $0 premiums, although some options with premiums may be more costly.

Member satisfaction is a crucial factor, and UnitedHealthcare’s plans have an above-average member experience rating of 3.76. This rating reflects the company’s commitment to providing quality service and meeting the needs of its members. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive coverage or a plan with affordable premiums, UnitedHealthcare offers plans that cater to various preferences and needs.

 

Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans

Aetna is recognized as one of the top-rated Medicare Advantage providers for 2026, serving over 4.1 million members across 43 states and Washington, D.C. Aetna’s plans are known for their additional benefits, which include:

  • Fitness memberships
  • Dental services
  • Vision services
  • Hearing services Approximately 82% of eligible individuals have access to a $0 monthly premium plan, making them an affordable choice for many. Aetna plans are designed to meet diverse healthcare needs.

 

Despite their strengths, Aetna faces some challenges in consistency and customer service, with an average member experience rating of 3.88. However, 90% of Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans are accredited by the NCQA, indicating a commitment to high-quality healthcare delivery. This accreditation is a testament to Aetna’s dedication to maintaining high standards.

Aetna’s plans are considered just above or below average in affordability, with over 80% of Medicare beneficiaries able to access their $0-premium plans. This balance of affordability and comprehensive coverage makes Aetna a strong contender in the Medicare Advantage market. For those looking for reliable and well-rounded plans, Aetna offers a variety of options to choose from.

Humana Medicare Advantage Plans

 

Humana Medicare Advantage Plans

 

Humana operates in nearly all states, specifically 46 states and Washington, D.C., providing a wide reach for Medicare beneficiaries. With an overall Medicare Star Rating of 3.5, Humana’s performance is below average compared to other companies. However, approximately 57% of Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans do not require a monthly premium, making them an attractive option for those seeking affordable healthcare.

Humana’s key features include:

  • A member satisfaction score of 3.61, indicating mixed reviews from its members.
  • An average combined premium of $21.86, which is relatively affordable compared to other providers.
  • Humana plans that commonly include Part B Giveback benefits, designed to reduce monthly Medicare costs for members.

 

Despite some recent challenges that have created trade-offs in plan offerings depending on your zip code, Humana remains a viable option for many Medicare beneficiaries. With a variety of plans and additional benefits, Humana continues to be a significant player among major competitors in the Medicare Advantage market, especially during contract renewal periods.

 

Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Plans

Kaiser Permanente is renowned for its high-quality ratings and integrated care model, making it a top choice for many Medicare beneficiaries. Their Medicare Advantage plans have received either 4 or 4.5 stars out of 5 in the 2026 CMS ratings, highlighting their commitment to quality healthcare. In Hawaii, Kaiser Permanente offers the highest-rated Medicare Advantage plan according to CMS.

Kaiser Permanente’s member complaint score is best-in-class, reflecting its dedication to customer satisfaction and resulting in fewer complaints. Serving over 1.9 million Medicare members across 8 states and Washington, D.C., Kaiser Permanente’s reach is substantial.

The average monthly premium for Part C coverage offered by Kaiser Permanente is $34, which is competitive within the market. Their standard plans have below-average Part D premiums, with the lowest Part D deductible among analyzed insurers. For those looking for high-quality care and affordable premiums, Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare Advantage plans are an excellent choice.

HealthSpring Medicare Advantage Plans

HealthSpring, the new name for Cigna Medicare Advantage plans, offers Medicare Advantage plans across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Known for having the second-lowest premiums in the market, HealthSpring’s average Plan C and Plan D premiums are just $4.26 per month, making them an affordable option for many beneficiaries.

HealthSpring’s overall Medicare Star Rating is middle-of-the-pack on average, but a majority of its plans are rated 4 stars or better. Their member experience rating of 3.89 out of 5 is a testament to their commitment to providing quality healthcare. Despite some variability in ratings, HealthSpring remains a competitive option for those seeking low-cost Medicare Advantage plans.

Member experience with HealthSpring is generally positive, with a score of 3.60 out of 5. For those prioritizing affordability and a broad range of coverage, HealthSpring’s plans are worth considering.

 

Devoted Health Medicare Advantage Plans

Devoted Health is a rapidly growing startup in the Medicare Advantage market, known for its above-average star ratings from CMS. Nearly all Devoted Health Medicare Advantage plans feature $0 premiums, making them an affordable choice for many beneficiaries.

Available across 29 states, Devoted Health has quickly gained a reputation for providing high-quality Medicare Advantage plans and preferred pharmacies. Their commitment to member satisfaction and affordable premiums makes them a strong contender in the market.

 

Alignment Health Medicare Advantage Plans

Alignment Health Medicare Advantage Plans are known for their best overall plan costs, best-in-class out-of-pocket maximums, and low Part D deductibles. The monthly Part C premium for Alignment Health’s standard Medicare Advantage plans is just $0.37, making them incredibly affordable.

Alignment Health offers some of the most cost-effective plans available, with:

  • An average out-of-pocket maximum of $4,244
  • Availability in five states
  • The highest 3-year average Medicare Star Rating among the insurers analyzed reflects their commitment to quality care.

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Choosing the Right Medicare Advantage Plan

Selecting the right Medicare Advantage plan requires careful consideration of various factors. Many plans include additional services such as dental and vision coverage, hearing coverage, and prescription drug coverage, catering to diverse health needs.

Confirming that your preferred healthcare providers are in the plan’s network ensures access to necessary care, including various prescription drugs and drug plans.

CMS Star Ratings measure factors such as:

  • Preventive care
  • Chronic condition management
  • Customer service
  • Overall member experiences

 

These ratings score plans from 1 to 5 and help in evaluating the quality of different Medicare Advantage plans. Checking if the plan covers emergency care when abroad is also crucial.

Evaluating the maximum out-of-pocket costs is also important. For instance, Humana’s average maximum out-of-pocket limit cost is notably high compared to other insurers, which can influence overall expenses. Comparing these factors helps in choosing a plan that fits your healthcare and financial needs.

How We Evaluated the Plans

How We Evaluated the Plans

 

The evaluation of Medicare Advantage plans is based on overall star ratings determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS rating system evaluates health plans based on factors like:

  • Member health maintenance
  • Chronic condition management
  • Member experience
  • Customer service
  • Pharmacy services.

 

To identify the best Medicare Advantage providers, 29 factors, including costs, plan options, and star ratings, were analyzed. Criteria for evaluation included costs, plan quality, customer satisfaction, plan types, and state availability, ensuring a comprehensive assessment. CMS uses a scale of 1 to 5 stars to rate Medicare Advantage plans, providing a clear indicator of plan quality.

Non-profit Medicare Advantage organizations tend to achieve higher star ratings compared to for-profit counterparts, and organizations with more years of operation generally have better overall star ratings. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that the plans highlighted offer high-quality healthcare and excellent member experiences.

Summary

In summary, choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan involves balancing costs, benefits, and quality. The top-rated plans for 2026, such as those offered by UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, HealthSpring, Devoted Health, and Alignment Health, provide a range of options to meet diverse healthcare needs.

By considering factors like premiums, out-of-pocket costs, provider networks, and additional benefits, you can make an informed decision that ensures comprehensive healthcare coverage. As you navigate the Medicare Advantage landscape, remember that the right plan can significantly enhance your overall health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

→ What are the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans for 2026?

The top-rated Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 include offerings from UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, HealthSpring, Devoted Health, and Alignment Health. Consider these options to ensure you receive quality care and coverage.

 

→ What factors should I consider when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan?

When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s important to evaluate premiums, out-of-pocket costs, available provider networks, additional benefits such as dental and vision coverage, and the plan’s CMS Star Ratings. This comprehensive approach will help you select the best plan for your needs.

 

→ How are Medicare Advantage plans evaluated?

Medicare Advantage plans are evaluated using CMS Star Ratings, which assess factors such as health maintenance, chronic condition management, customer service, and pharmacy services. This rating system helps ensure that plans meet quality standards for beneficiaries.

 

→ Are there Medicare Advantage plans with $0 premiums?

Yes, many highly-rated Medicare Advantage plans, such as those from UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Devoted Health, do offer $0 premium options. This makes it possible to access coverage without an additional monthly cost.

 

→ How important are CMS Star Ratings in choosing a Medicare Advantage plan?

CMS Star Ratings are essential in selecting a Medicare Advantage plan, as they provide insights into the quality of care and member satisfaction, guiding you to the best option for your needs.

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 ZRN Health & Financial Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company

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Speak with a licensed insurance agent

 1-833-641-4938
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Mon-Fri : 8am-9pm EST

( Medicare Expert )

Russell Noga is the CEO of ZRN Health & Financial Services, and head content editor of several Medicare insurance online publications. He has over 15 years of experience as a licensed Medicare insurance broker helping Medicare beneficiaries learn about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap insurance, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.