The best Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 come from UnitedHealthcare (largest network, all 50 states), Humana (best extra benefits, OTC $250/quarter), and Kaiser Permanente (highest star ratings, 8 states). Compare top carriers by CMS star rating, out-of-pocket maximum, and supplemental benefits.
The best Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 come from UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Blue Cross Blue Shield — carriers that consistently earn 4–5 star CMS ratings and offer the broadest network access, dental/vision/hearing benefits, and $0 premium options in most markets. The right plan depends on your state, doctors, prescriptions, and whether you value low premiums versus low out-of-pocket maximums. This guide explains what to look for and which carriers rank highest in 2026.
Last updated: April 28, 2026. Reviewed annually during Open Enrollment.
Medicare Advantage is a private insurance alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A + B) that must cover all Original Medicare benefits but often adds extras like dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, and prescription drug coverage (Part D). You still pay your Part B premium ($185/month in 2026) plus any plan premium — which is $0 for many popular plans.
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare: Original Medicare has no annual out-of-pocket cap (unlimited exposure). Medicare Advantage caps your out-of-pocket costs — the 2026 federal maximum is $9,350 in-network. For most beneficiaries, this cap provides meaningful financial protection. See also: Medicare Supplement insurance explained.
| Criteria | Weight | What We Measured |
|---|---|---|
| CMS Star Rating | 30% | 2026 official star ratings (1–5 stars) — quality and service score |
| Extra benefits | 25% | Dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowance, fitness benefits |
| Out-of-pocket maximum | 20% | In-network annual limit (lower = better protection) |
| Network breadth | 15% | Number of in-network providers and hospitals nationally |
| Premium | 10% | Monthly cost beyond Part B premium ($185/month in 2026) |
UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage plans earn an average 4.2-star CMS rating in 2026 and are available in all 50 states. With 1.4 million+ in-network providers and AARP co-branding, UHC offers the broadest access of any national carrier — including $0 premium HMO plans in most markets with dental, vision, and hearing included.
Pros:
Cons:
Who This Is Best For: Beneficiaries who travel frequently, have providers across multiple health systems, or live in rural areas where network size matters most.
Humana Medicare Advantage plans average 4.1 stars in 2026 and are among the most generous for extra benefits — including over-the-counter (OTC) allowances up to $250/quarter, SilverSneakers fitness membership, and comprehensive dental with no waiting period on many plans. $0 premium plans available in most markets.
Pros:
Cons:
Who This Is Best For: Beneficiaries who want maximum extra benefits — particularly OTC allowances, dental, and fitness perks — with low or no monthly premium.
BCBS Medicare Advantage plans (sold under various regional names — Anthem, Highmark, BCBSM, etc.) average 4.0 stars nationally with strong regional variation. BCBS offers the widest selection of PPO plans — which allow out-of-network provider access at higher cost — making it the best choice for beneficiaries who want to keep existing out-of-network providers.
Pros:
Cons:
Who This Is Best For: Beneficiaries who want PPO flexibility to see out-of-network specialists or who have a strong preference for their local BCBS brand.
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans average 4.0 stars in 2026. As part of CVS Health, Aetna integrates deeply with CVS pharmacies — offering MinuteClinic access, $0 CVS Health brand prescriptions on many plans, and robust care management programs. Available in 45+ states.
Pros:
Cons:
Who This Is Best For: Beneficiaries who primarily use CVS for prescriptions and want integrated pharmacy benefits with clinic access for routine needs.
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans are available in only 8 states (CA, CO, GA, HI, MD, OR, VA, WA) but consistently earn the highest CMS star ratings in the category — with multiple 5-star plans in 2026. Kaiser's integrated care model means your doctors, hospital, and insurance are all in the same system.
Pros:
Cons:
Who This Is Best For: Beneficiaries who live in Kaiser's service area and want the highest quality-rated Medicare Advantage plan available with an integrated care experience.
Cigna Medicare Advantage plans average 3.8 stars nationally but offer competitive supplemental benefits in key markets — including hearing aid allowances up to $2,500, transportation benefits, and home safety modifications on select plans. Available in 28 states with $0 premium options.
Pros:
Cons:
Who This Is Best For: Beneficiaries in Cigna's covered markets who need hearing aid coverage or transportation benefits not available on other local plans.
| Carrier | Avg CMS Stars | States | $0 Premium | Top Extra Benefit | Network Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | 4.2 | All 50 | Yes | Largest network | HMO/PPO |
| Humana | 4.1 | Most | Yes | OTC $250/quarter | HMO/PPO |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | 4.0 | All 50 | Yes (varies) | PPO availability | HMO/PPO |
| Aetna (CVS) | 4.0 | 45+ | Varies | CVS MinuteClinic | HMO/PPO |
| Kaiser Permanente | 4.7+ | 8 states | Yes | 5-star ratings | HMO only |
| Cigna | 3.8 | 28 states | Yes | Hearing: $2,500 | HMO/PPO |
Step 1: Confirm your doctors are in-network. Use Medicare's Plan Finder at medicare.gov to check provider participation. This is the single most important filter.
Step 2: Run your prescriptions through the plan's formulary. Drug costs vary dramatically between plans. Medicare's Plan Finder shows your estimated annual drug costs for each plan.
Step 3: Compare out-of-pocket maximums. A $0 premium plan with a $9,000 OOP max may cost more than a $50/month plan with a $4,000 OOP max if you use significant care.
Step 4: Check the CMS star rating. Plans rated 4+ stars consistently deliver better care coordination and member experience. Avoid 2- and 3-star plans unless there are no alternatives in your area.
Step 5: Evaluate extra benefits you will actually use. OTC allowances, dental, vision, and fitness memberships have real dollar value — but only if you use them.
CMS star ratings sourced from CMS.gov 2026 Medicare Advantage star rating data (released October 2025). Premium and benefit data from Medicare Plan Finder as of April 2026. Network size data from carrier-published provider directories. SeniorSimple is not affiliated with any insurer and does not sell Medicare plans.
What is the best Medicare Advantage plan in 2026?
There is no single best plan — it depends on your location, doctors, and prescriptions. Among national carriers, UnitedHealthcare has the largest network, Humana the best extra benefits, and Kaiser the highest star ratings where available. Use medicare.gov to compare plans available in your zip code.
What is a good CMS star rating for Medicare Advantage?
4 stars or higher indicates above-average quality. 5 stars is exceptional — beneficiaries in 5-star plans can switch during a special enrollment period. Avoid plans below 3 stars if alternatives exist.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover dental?
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental. Most Medicare Advantage plans include some dental coverage — typically preventive care (cleanings, X-rays) at $0 and restorative coverage (fillings, crowns) at varying cost-shares. Review the specific dental maximum benefit before enrolling.
Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans?
Yes. During Open Enrollment (October 15–December 7) you can switch plans for January 1 coverage. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31) allows one switch if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
What is the out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Advantage in 2026?
The federal maximum is $9,350 in-network and $14,000 for in-network + out-of-network combined. Individual plans may set lower maximums — which is why comparing OOP caps matters, not just premiums.
Do I still pay Part B with Medicare Advantage?
Yes. You pay the standard Part B premium ($185/month in 2026) regardless of which Medicare Advantage plan you choose. Some plans offer a Part B premium reduction — offsetting some or all of this cost.
Is Medicare Advantage better than Original Medicare?
For most beneficiaries, Medicare Advantage provides better financial protection (annual OOP cap) and extra benefits (dental, vision, fitness). Original Medicare offers more provider flexibility nationwide. If you have a complex condition requiring multiple specialists across different health systems, Original Medicare + a Medigap supplement may be more practical. See: Medicare Supplement insurance explained.
Disclaimer: Medicare plan options, premiums, and benefits change annually. Always verify plan details at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE before enrolling. This content does not constitute insurance advice. SeniorSimple is not affiliated with any insurer and does not sell Medicare plans.
Author: SeniorSimple Editorial Team | Last reviewed: April 28, 2026 | Next review: October 2026 (Open Enrollment)
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