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Did you know that instead of choosing Original Medicare, you can turn to a Medicare Advantage plan to get your Medicare benefits? Many private companies offer Medicare Advantage plans, also called Medicare Part C or MA plans, to those who qualify for Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans deliver your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits along with other perks, such as dental services, prescription drug coverage, fitness programs, and hearing benefits. Below, we’ll explore our top picks for Medicare Advantage plan carriers.
The Best Medicare Advantage Plans 2023
Comparing and choosing a Medicare Advantage plan that meets your needs can feel downright overwhelming. We’ve narrowed down the choices to our top picks for Medicare Advantage plans and assigned accolades to help you differentiate between them. To do this, we evaluated criteria like price, extra perks, third-party ratings, customer service, and availability.
Since their plans are readily available across the nation, Humana is a great option for most seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries to consider. Their website is very user-friendly, so it’s simple to see what plans are available in your area and what the benefits are. It’s easy to get in touch with customer service too. Humana’s customer service team is available via email, online chat, over the phone, on Twitter, and by mail.
To see what else Humana has to offer, check out our Humana Medicare Advantage review.
Anthem’s range of HMO, PPO, and SNPs is impressive. With diverse plan options, price points, and benefits, Anthem may be an excellent contender in your search for a Part C plan that supports your health care needs. For an in-depth look at Anthem’s plan offerings, read our Anthem Medicare Advantage review. Keep in mind, with coverage in just 14 states, Anthem does lag behind its competitors, so check to see if this carrier is available in your area.
Aetna gives seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries across the country widespread access to $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans. If reducing your monthly costs is a priority, check to see if Aetna has an affordable plan available near you. Experience, excellent value, and an affiliation with CVS Health’s network of Minute Clinic locations give Aetna an edge over other carriers. For more information, read our latest Aetna Medicare Advantage plans review.
FYI: If you decide to choose Original Medicare instead of a Medicare Advantage plan, you might want to purchase a Medigap plan to fill in coverage gaps. Aetna’s Medicare supplements plans offer excellent value.
If you’re searching for a Medicare Advantage plan that’s packed with free health and wellness support, Wellcare may be a solid contender. Many Wellcare plans include an OTC program with an allowance for healthy lifestyle essentials to keep you in tip-top shape. Some plans include a free fitness membership and valuable discounts on services like acupuncture and massage. Wellcare’s Flex card benefits come with supplemental funds to use for dental, vision, and hearing services beyond your plan benefits.
While AARP offers excellent plan options for veterans, it’s easy for many seniors to find a plan that might fit their medical and budgetary needs. With AARP, you get common benefits like vision, hearing, and dental care. Plus, more unusual perks like free virtual doctor’s appointments, free virtual mental health care, and a free personal emergency response system. Read our AARP Medicare Advantage Plans review to help you decide if an AARP plan is right for you.
UnitedHealthcare boasts a large provider network and more Medicare Advantage plan enrollees than any other company. If you’re looking for a reputable company with proven experience with Part C plans, UnitedHealthcare is a great place to start your search. Their unique $0 copay for virtual visits sets them apart from others, especially when not everyone wants to leave their home for a doctor’s appointment.
Learn more about the company’s Part C plans in our most recent UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan review.
Kaiser has a limited service area, but this company is certainly worth checking out if you live in a served area. They beat out every other carrier in terms of member satisfaction and CMS star rating. Just keep in mind that Kaiser offers HMO plans only. This means that you’ll need to choose a primary care provider, stay in-network for your care, and get referrals for specialist visits. Given the stellar reviews, those limitations don’t seem to bother current customers.
Did You Know? Even if your Medicare Advantage plan doesn’t come with hearing aid coverage, you could still qualify for free or reduced-price hearing aids.
Since Blue Cross Blue Shield is made up of independent companies, customer satisfaction can vary. It’s always important to check ratings for any plan you’re considering, but it’s especially important with BCBS. Fortunately, you’ll have spare time to check ratings since their online plan finding tool is so easy to use. Clear definitions and comparison charts make understanding their plans’ costs and benefits easy. Overall, given the wide variety of plans available and their user-friendly website, Blue Cross Blue Shield is worth checking out.
See what else we love about BCBS in our Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage review.
If customer service matters to you, check if Cigna offers plans in your area. Along with 24/7 live customer service, some plans even include 24/7 telehealth. Easily reach a qualified medical professional whenever you need to for minor medical issues. Other perks offered include a fitness membership, OTC allowance, transportation services, case management, and home-delivered meals.
Read our latest Cigna Medicare Advantage review to learn more.
Let’s take a look at how the different Medicare Advantage carriers stack up against one another. Just keep in mind that not all plans are available in every location and not every plan includes all of the benefits offered by the carrier.
Medicare Advantage carrier | Average CMS rating | Coverage area | Part D plans available? | Routine hearing, dental, and vision benefits? | Additional benefits | Enrollment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Humana | 4.1 out of 58 | Offers plans in 85% of counties in all 50 states and D.C. | Yes | Yes | SilverSneakers fitness membership Insulin savings program OTC allowance Healthy foods card Meal delivery program Wigs Transportation |
4.8 million |
Anthem | 3.92 out of 5 | Offers plans in 14 states | Yes | Yes | SilverSneakers fitness membership 24/7 telehealth visits Medical alert system Non-medical transportation Personal home helper Supplemental allowance for dental, vision, and hearing Healthy meals and groceries program Health and fitness tracker Assistive devices credit |
More than 1.2 million |
Aetna | 4.29 out of 59 | Offers plans in 46 states and D.C. | Yes | Yes | SilverSneakers fitness membership OTC health item allowance Worldwide emergency coverage Telehealth services Care management help Healthy Home Visit program Meals program Prescription home delivery 24-hour nurse line |
More than 3.1 million |
Wellcare | 3.6 out of 5 | Offers plans in 36 states | Yes | Yes | Fitness membership Over-the-counter savings program 24-hour nurse advice line Dental, vision, and hearing allowance Non-medical transportation Cash back and gift card rewards program LifeMart membership Alternative and complementary medicine discounts |
More than 1 million |
AARP | 4.2 out of 5 | Offers plans in 48 states and D.C. | Yes | Yes | Renew Active fitness program Over-the-counter product allowance Meal benefit Chiropractic care Acupuncture $0 copay virtual medical visits $0 copay virtual mental health visits Non-medical transportation Personal emergency response system |
More than 4 million |
UnitedHealthcare | 4 out of 5 | Offers plans in 48 states and D.C. | Yes | Yes | Renew Active fitness program Over-the-counter product allowance Meal benefit Chiropractic care Acupuncture $0 copay virtual medical visits $0 copay virtual mental health visits Non-medical transportation 24/7 nurse helpline Insulin copays of $35 or less |
7.2 million |
Kaiser | 5 out of 5 | Offers plans in 8 states and D.C. | Yes | Yes | Gym memberships Transportation Home-delivered meals OTC allowance Eyewear allowance, hearing aid allowance, and dental benefits available at an additional cost |
1.7 million |
Blue Cross Blue Shield | 4.1 out of 5 | Offers plans in 47 states and Puerto Rico | Yes | Yes | SilverSneakers fitness membership Hearing aid allowance Eyewear allowance Healthy food and OTC allowance Blue Cross virtual well-being webinars Concierge program Chronic condition management Health and wellness product discounts Virtual visit coverage Blue Cross rewards program |
3.8 million |
Cigna | 4.2 out of 5 | 26 states and D.C. | Yes | Yes | Silver&Fit Healthy Aging and Exercise Program 24/7 Telehealth Home-delivered meals Transportation services OTC allowance Case management Medication therapy management |
600,000 |
Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative way for you to receive Original Medicare benefits. Instead of getting Medicare Part A and Part B from Original Medicare, you can purchase a consolidated Medicare Advantage plan from private companies that serve your area. Just as with Original Medicare, you must meet Medicare eligibility requirements to enroll and must enroll during a designated enrollment period.
Did You Know? Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance. It covers hospital stays, hospice, home health care, and more. Learn more about Part A benefits, costs, and coverage in our Guide to Medicare Part A.
Medicare Advantage plans always include Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. To stay competitive, they also throw in extra perks, which may include the following:
Depending on the carrier and plan you choose, these extra perks may come at no additional cost to you. Instead, you’ll pay the same monthly premium that you’d pay if you’re enrolled in Original Medicare — your Part A (often $0) plus your Part B premium.
Medicare Advantage plans make the Medicare marketplace more competitive and give you more choice with your health insurance benefits later in life. In some cases, choosing a Medicare Advantage plan may even save you money thanks to Part B payment assistance, where the carrier pays some of your Part B premium. Plus, you get the added security of dental, vision, and hearing benefits that Original Medicare leaves out.
Of course, there are some disadvantages with MA plans. Medicare Advantage plans come with geographical and network restrictions; you might not be able to see the doctors you’re currently seeing. And you might spend a lot more if you need to see an out-of-network provider.
Whether a Part C plan makes sense for you depends on a number of factors. In general, Medicare Advantage plans are a better fit for healthy adults who are fine seeing in-network providers. Many plans charge higher copays and deductibles, which can add up if you need to see specialists a lot.
For some seniors, the value of the benefits might outweigh any disadvantages. If you have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, a special needs Medicare Advantage plan and/or insulin savings program could help you save money. Or, if you wear hearing aids, a hearing aid benefit might make a Medicare Advantage plan worthwhile, despite higher deductibles and copays.
Medicare Advantage carriers can offer some or all of the following plan types:
HMO (health maintenance organization) plans are the most popular type of Medicare Advantage plan. In 2021, 62 percent of all Medicare Advantage plans were HMOs. HMOs primarily cover in-network care, so you’re covered only if you visit doctors and medical facilities that partner with your insurer. Out-of-network care isn’t covered, which is why HMO plans tend to cost less than other plan types. Some plans have exceptions for emergencies, so you might receive coverage for out-of-network urgent care or dialysis. Most plans require referrals, so you must choose a primary care provider.
PPO (preferred provider organization) plans offer more flexibility than HMOs. PPOs have in-network providers like HMOs, but PPO plans allow you to see out-of-network providers. You’ll just owe a higher out-of-pocket cost. You don’t need referrals to see specialists, such as a cardiologist or podiatrist. This can make receiving care more efficient. In general, PPO plans cost more than HMOs.
A mash-up of PPOs and HMOs, HMO-POS (point of service) plans require PCPs and referrals like an HMO but provide coverage for out-of-network providers like a PPO. Just expect to pay more for out-of-network care.
SNPs, or special needs plans, can be either PPOs or HMOs. But, unlike other PPO and HMO plans, they aren’t open to just anyone. SNPs provide coverage to individuals with specific healthcare needs, diseases, or conditions, such as chronic alcohol dependence, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, cancers, dementia, or end-stage liver disease. A specialized type, called a D-SNP, or dual-eligible SNP, covers people with a limited income by combining Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans are uncommon but available from some carriers. This plan combines a high-deductible Medicare Advantage plan with a medical savings account that’s similar to a health savings account (HSA). The plan kicks in only after you’ve reached your deductible. However, part of your premium goes into the MSA account each month. You can use that money to pay for any Medicare-covered treatments or tests.
Private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans let you go to any Medicare-approved medical facility, doctor, or healthcare provider. The doctor must agree to accept the plan’s terms. Some PFFS plans have provider networks, which means higher out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network care, while others don’t. PFFS plans always cover emergency care, so you’re covered even at out-of-network providers.
Medicare Advantage plans aren’t one size fits all. That’s why it’s so important to think about your needs, your budget, and the options available in your area as you evaluate different plans. Here are a few tips:
Many MA plans have provider networks. If you’d like to keep your current doctors, you’ll want to choose a plan where your doctors are in-network. If not, you might not be able to see them, or you’ll pay a higher copay for seeing an out-of-network provider. Fortunately, many carrier websites let you search for your doctor’s name to check coverage.
Make sure that you can afford the plan’s premiums, copays, and coinsurance. And ensure that you understand the deductible. A high deductible means that you’ll owe more out of pocket before your plan kicks in. In some cases, Part C plan perks can make up for higher costs in other areas; for example, a free gym membership, transportation assistance, or a hearing aid benefit.
CMS assigns star ratings to Medicare Advantage plans. This third-party rating reflects the experiences of people currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. One star represents poor performance, while five stars (the highest) represents excellent performance. Individual plans from carriers receive their own rating, so even a carrier with an overall low rating could have a five-star plan in your area.
Think about which healthcare services are really important to you. Consider your current medical conditions, fitness habits, and medical history. For example, if you’d enjoy a SilverSneakers gym membership and want to maintain your dental health, prioritize plans with those benefits. If you have a chronic health condition, pay close attention to SNPs in your area. They could provide savings and essential services like a care coordinator who can help manage your illness.
Along with comparing Medicare Advantage plans head-to-head, you also need to compare Medicare Advantage plans to Original Medicare. Take into account how much Original Medicare costs and how much adding on a Medigap plan or Part D plan would cost. Make sure that a Medicare Advantage plan is helping you reach your goals, whether that’s lower premiums, more affordable copays, or more comprehensive care.
Sarah covers a range of senior lifestyle topics, from reviews of walk-in tubs and hearing aids to overviews of Medicare and Medicaid. Her close relationship with her grandparents gave her a firsthand look at the evolving life needs of older adults, and… Learn More About Sarah Goldy-Brown
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