Top 5 Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans (or Part C plans) combine numerous health and other benefits into one plan, typically offering large networks and 24/7 telehealth services.
Five-star Medicare Advantage plans often have no premium and include free or discounted gym memberships, dental care coverage and allowance for over-the-counter medication. We’ve outlined below our top 5 providers for high-quality Medicare Advantage plans:
1. Humana
Humana Medicare Advantage plans go above and beyond Original Medicare with prescription drug coverage and additional benefits such as HMO, SNP and PPO plans available across most areas. Humana has built its reputation on offering cost-cutting plans – in 2022 alone nearly 5 Million people were enrolled in its $0-premium plans!
Humana’s Medicare Advantage contract ratings across its plan types are very impressive: 57 earned five-star status from CMS’ latest star-rating system and another 136 received four stars. Furthermore, Humana’s AARP-endorsed plan experienced the greatest increase in enrollment growth from March 2022-2023 among Medicare Advantage plans.
Humana offers superior member experiences and financial strength ratings from AM Best that exceed the national average, which bodes well for paying claims in the future. Furthermore, Humana boasts an exceptional 3.8 member-experience rating. Furthermore, Humana holds an A- (Excellent) financial strength rating. This indicates the company may pay its claims more reliably in future.
2. Anthem
Anthem offers one of the broadest selections of Medicare Advantage plans among insurers. Their Medicare Advantage offerings span HMOs, PPOs and chronic condition SNPs (Chronic Condition SNP) or dual eligibility SNPs (Dual Eligible SNP, or D-SNP).
The company provides stand-alone prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D), dental and vision insurance plans, wellness benefits and more, with plans rated highly by several sources, such as Medicare, J.D. Power and the Better Business Bureau.
Anthem Medicare Advantage plans were awarded 4- or 4.5-star ratings by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services during 2022’s annual enrollment period, which runs from Oct 15 through Dec 7 in 2022. These ratings reflect various quality and performance measures used. Most seniors can switch their Medicare Advantage plans during this annual enrollment period which typically takes place during Oct 15 to Dec 7 each year.
3. Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield provides Medicare Advantage plans in every state across the U.S. that vary by HMOs, PPOs and SNPs. Their extensive provider network makes them a suitable option if you prefer the flexibility offered by PPO plans.
Blue Cross Blue Shield enrollees tend to choose plans with benefits like eye exams and/or glasses, hearing tests/aids, fitness/telehealth services, transportation benefits as supplemental benefits compared to enrollees of other firms.
Blue Cross Blue Shield also stands out with an excellent member experience rating – this score combines factors like ease of accessing care and scheduling appointments with specialists – with higher marks than the national average rating of 3.5 stars.
4. Kaiser Permanente
With more than 700 Medicare Advantage contracts nationwide, it can be daunting to select the ideal plan. Finding an ideal Medicare Advantage contract means selecting one with low monthly premiums and excellent benefits.
Kaiser offers plans with some of the lowest costs and highest quality available, earning four five-star ratings from CMS Star Ratings in 2022.
Kaiser Permanente consistently ranks high in key areas like customer satisfaction and problem resolution; however, their share of enrollment has steadily decreased since 2010. You can locate a Medicare Advantage Plan through Kaiser Permanente by entering your ZIP code into our online search tool and selecting either health maintenance organization (HMO) or preferred provider organization (PPO). All plans offer prescription drug coverage.
5. UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is one of the premier Medicare Advantage providers, and offers plans that are widely accessible with high ratings. Furthermore, UnitedHealthcare includes attractive extras in its plans such as fitness memberships and free over-the-counter medications.
Most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans require no monthly premiums and offer low deductibles and copays, helping beneficiaries reduce out-of-pocket expenses significantly.
UnitedHealthcare’s Plan F and Plan G are immensely popular with Medicare beneficiaries. Their Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans boast high star ratings; individuals can make changes during UnitedHealthcare’s 5-Star Special Enrollment Period without waiting until their annual enrollment window opens again in 2023.
