Top 5 Best Advantage Plans for Seniors in 2026

Searching for the Top 5 best Medicare Advantage plans for seniors in 2026? This article reviews the top five plans that offer the best in affordability, coverage, and extra benefits. Find out which plan suits your healthcare and budget needs for 2026.

Key Takeaways

• UnitedHealthcare and Aetna are recognized for their extensive networks and affordable plans, making them popular choices for Medicare Advantage among seniors.

• HealthSpring offers low-cost Medicare Advantage options with a strong focus on member satisfaction, evidenced by a significant percentage of NCQA-accredited plans.

• Choosing the best Medicare Advantage plan requires careful evaluation of costs, provider networks, extra benefits, and star ratings to ensure alignment with individual healthcare needs.

UnitedHealthcare stands out as a leading choice for Medicare Advantage plans among the top insurers, boasting the highest plan enrollment in the U.S. What makes UnitedHealthcare a go-to option for many seniors includes:

• An extensive provider network
• Diverse plan options catering to various healthcare needs and budgets
• Over 56% of members are enrolled in plans with $0 premiums, offering affordable Medicare Advantage plans that fit different financial situations. Additionally, it is often listed among the best medicare advantage companies.

Key points about UnitedHealth Group Medicare Advantage plans include:

• Member satisfaction score of 3.76 in member experience, indicating above-average satisfaction rates.
• Partnership with AARP, enhancing the availability of comprehensive coverage options for seniors.
• Accessibility in 48 states and Washington, D.C., making it a widely available option for Medicare beneficiaries.

However, it’s important to note that the overall Medicare star rating for UnitedHealthcare plans is slightly below average, reflecting mixed quality assessments. Despite this, the combination of affordability, extensive provider networks, and additional benefits makes UnitedHealthcare a strong contender in the Medicare Advantage market.

Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans

Aetna, owned by CVS Health, offers a range of Aetna plans, including:

• HMO-POS plans that provide flexibility in healthcare access
• Plans known for affordable premiums, with most offering $0 premiums
• HMO plans are recognized for the best overall cost score among Medicare Advantage plans, highlighting a commitment to affordable healthcare solutions

Beyond affordability, Aetna offers a variety of additional benefits that cater to the overall wellness of its members. These include:

• Fitness benefits
• Routine dental benefits
• Vision coverage
• Hearing services

This comprehensive coverage ensures that seniors have access to essential health services that contribute significantly to their well-being.

Despite high ratings and recognition for its cost-effectiveness, some Aetna customers report challenges with the customer service number and inconsistency in satisfaction survey scores. Nonetheless, Aetna remains a top choice for Medicare beneficiaries due to its extensive coverage and affordable premiums.

Humana Medicare Advantage Plans

Humana is another key player in the Medicare Advantage market, operating in nearly all states with plans available in 47 states. With an overall Medicare Star Rating of 3.5, Humana offers a variety of plans that cater to different healthcare needs and preferences, competing with other major competitors. However, it’s worth noting that less than half of Humana’s members are in high-rated plans, indicating some variability in plan quality.

Member experience ratings for Humana plans stand at 3.61, reflecting a generally positive perception among its members. Humana’s plans are known for their extensive network and availability, making them accessible to a wide range of Medicare beneficiaries.

Geographic location can influence the performance and satisfaction of Humana plans, as recent challenges have created trade-offs depending on the zip code. Despite these challenges, Humana remains a reliable choice for many seniors due to its broad coverage and comprehensive plan options.

HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) Medicare Advantage Plans

HealthSpring, the new name for Cigna’s Medicare Advantage plans, offers a unique blend of affordability and comprehensive coverage. Known for its low costs, HealthSpring boasts the second-lowest premiums for Part C and Part D plans. This affordability makes it an attractive option for seniors looking for cost-effective healthcare solutions.

The member experience score for HealthSpring is slightly below average at 3.89, indicating room for improvement. However, HealthSpring’s plans are highly accredited, with 93% of them being NCQA-accredited, which is a testament to their quality and reliability. Despite a middle-of-the-pack average Medicare Star Rating, HealthSpring’s focus on member satisfaction and low premiums make it a competitive choice.

Availability of HealthSpring Medicare Advantage plans spans across 29 states and Washington, D.C., though it can be limited based on the ZIP code. This geographic limitation is something to consider when evaluating HealthSpring as a potential option.

Devoted Health Medicare Advantage Plans

Devoted Health is a rapidly growing startup in the Medicare Advantage market, known for its innovative approach and affordable plans. Offering Medicare Advantage plans with monthly premiums starting at $0, Devoted Health provides cost-effective options that are particularly appealing to seniors on a budget.

While relatively new, Devoted Health’s plans are gaining popularity due to their affordability and comprehensive coverage. As the company continues to grow, it is expected to become a significant player in the Medicare Advantage landscape, offering seniors more choices for their healthcare needs.

Specialized Plans for Unique Needs

Specialized Medicare Advantage plans cater to specific needs, ensuring comprehensive coverage for seniors with unique health requirements. These medicare plan are designed to address particular health conditions or financial situations, providing tailored benefits that enhance overall healthcare experiences.

Medicare Advantage Plans with Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Advantage plans often include prescription drug coverage, which is essential for seniors managing chronic conditions. These plans combine Medicare benefits, including Part A, Part B, and often Part D, into one comprehensive plan, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for medication needs.

Understanding the coverage of prescription medications is vital, as plans may vary in their formularies, including preferred pharmacies. Ensuring that your medications are covered can prevent unexpected costs and ensure continuous access to necessary treatments.

Medicare Advantage Plans with Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental benefits, including:

• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Hearing coverage. These benefits contribute significantly to overall wellness for seniors. For example, UnitedHealthcare provides all Original Medicare benefits plus additional services like dental and vision coverage, enhancing the overall value of their Medicare supplement plans.

Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans include:

• Routine dental benefits, covering preventive services like exams and cleanings
• Allowances for prescription eyewear as part of their vision coverage
• Hearing benefits, including coverage for a yearly hearing exam and hearing aids through a partnered provider

Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)

Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are tailored for individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, offering specialized benefits and services to meet their specific healthcare needs. These plans provide additional support for managing both Medicare and Medicaid benefits, ensuring comprehensive coverage and care coordination.

Aetna’s D-SNPs focus on offering specialized benefits tailored to meet the needs of dual-eligible individuals. This includes additional benefits beyond standard Medicare coverage, enhancing the overall healthcare experience for eligible beneficiaries.

How to Choose the Best Medicare Advantage Plan

Choosing the best Medicare Advantage plan involves evaluating star ratings to identify high-quality plans with good member satisfaction. Balancing costs, benefits, and quality is crucial to ensure you get the best value for your healthcare needs.

Consider the following when selecting the best plan:

• Ensure coverage for necessary prescriptions based on your medications.
• If you frequently visit specialists, a preferred provider organization PPO plan might be a better option.

Confirm if your preferred doctors are included in the plan’s network; your choice of plan depends on these factors.

Costs and Premiums

The overall cost and benefits of a Medicare Advantage plan are critical considerations for beneficiaries when selecting a plan. Reviewing out-of-pocket costs and premiums is essential as these can differ significantly between plans.

In 2025, Medicare Advantage plans can have monthly premium amounts ranging from $0 to over $240, with the average estimated at about $17 per month. Additionally, these plans have an annual out-of-pocket maximum that can reach up to $9,350, providing financial protection against high medical expenses.

Provider Networks

When evaluating Medicare Advantage plans, it’s crucial to assess the network providers available to ensure access to preferred doctors. Ensuring access to preferred healthcare providers is a major factor influencing the selection of Medicare Advantage plans.

It’s critical to verify if your preferred healthcare providers are part of the Medicare Advantage plan’s network for coverage. This ensures you receive the care you need from a trusted partner.

Extra Benefits

Extra benefits can significantly enhance the value of a Medicare Advantage plan. Members can earn rewards for completing health-related activities under UnitedHealthcare’s plans, and many plans offer $0 copays for telehealth visits, enhancing access to healthcare services.

These additional benefits, such as fitness programs and wellness services, are valued by beneficiaries and contribute to overall customer satisfaction. Checking for supplemental benefits beyond standard coverage can improve the overall healthcare experience, including the fitness benefit.

Comparing Medicare Advantage Plans by State

In 2026, there will be standard 5-star Medicare Advantage plans available. This will occur in 14 states and Puerto Rico. This indicates the availability of high-quality plans in these regions, offering seniors reliable healthcare options.

An interactive map allows users to view top-rated Medicare Advantage plans available in their state. Clicking on a state provides detailed information on the best plans, helping beneficiaries make informed decisions based on their location.

Methodology: How We Evaluated the Best Medicare Advantage Plans

Our evaluation of the best Medicare Advantage plans is grounded in rigorous methodologies to ensure accuracy and reliability. Key factors include:

• Accreditation which ensures that Medicare Advantage plans meet national standards through impartial evaluations.
• Star ratings are a pivotal quality measurement that influences beneficiary choices and plan funding, along with quality ratings.
• Consumer satisfaction surveys, mandatory for Medicare Advantage plans, provide valuable insights into beneficiaries’ experiences.

We also utilized HEDIS measures to assess the performance of Medicare Advantage plans across various care dimensions. The data collection process for our evaluation occurred from Sept. 30 to Oct. 10, 2025, ensuring the timeliness and relevance of the information. All plans are required to have a quality improvement program focused on care coordination, further ensuring that they meet high standards of care.