featured Partner
Compare Plans From Every Major Carrier
Trusted and recommended by thousands
Chapter recommends plans from every single insurance carrier
Call to speak to a licensed insurance agent. Weekdays 9AM-9PM and Saturdays 9AM-8PM EST
- Americans have saved $1,100 on average with Chapter
- Find the benefits that fit your needs
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Trusted and recommended by thousands
- Chapter recommends plans from every single insurance carrier
- Call to speak to a licensed insurance agent. Weekdays 9AM-9PM and Saturdays 9AM-8PM EST
Summary: Compare the Best Medicare Advantage Providers in 2025
Best-Rated Medicare Advantage Plans and Providers of 2025
Humana
Best Nationwide Coverage
Humana
Types of plans
HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNPs
Availability
Offers plans in 48 states as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNPs
Offers plans in 48 states as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans are the second-most popular choice for eligible adults in the U.S., with 5.8 million people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. It offers a full spectrum of Medicare Advantage plans, with some starting at $0 premium per month, but the number of providers available varies based on where a person lives. Plans across nearly every county offer comprehensive dental coverage (deep cleanings, fillings and crowns).
More: Humana Medicare Advantage Review
- Humana Medicare Advantage plans with Part D (prescription drug) coverage have a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs.
- Plans with vision benefits offer new glasses every year.
- Offers plans for veterans specifically.
- Full Access PPO plans allow beneficiaries to see any doctor who accepts Medicare and may include dental, vision and hearing coverage.
- Dual-eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) include dental benefits, care manager support and prescription drug coverage.
- Offers Medicare Advantage plans in fewer states in 2025 than in 2024.
- Poor customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power rankings.
- Plans for Medicare beneficiaries living in long-term care facilities are available in only 13 states.
- SilverSneakers fitness benefit may not be available under all plans or locations.
- $0 premium local preferred provider organization (LPPO) “Giveback Plans” are offered in 35 states.
- Aggregate rating of 4.23 out of 5 from CMS as of 2024.
- “A” credit rating from AM Best.
- Ranked above region average for customer satisfaction in two out of 10 regions, according to J.D. Power.
UnitedHealthcare
Largest Provider Network
UnitedHealthcare
Types of plans
HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, SNP
Availability
Offers plans in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, SNP
Offers plans in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
UnitedHealthcare offers a variety of potentially suitable Medicare Advantage plans for those who want the largest provider network possible. About one-third of Medicare Advantage enrollees have a UnitedHealthcare plan, making it the largest insurer with about 9.9 million enrollees. Its nationwide network has more than 1.7 million physicians and care professionals, and 7,000 hospitals and care facilities.
- A month’s supply of insulin costs $35 for customers with Part D coverage.
- Most plans offer dental coverage for exams, routine cleanings, X-rays and fluoride at a $0 copay.
- UCard members can use reward points to pay for eligible items at certain retailers in-store or online.
- Most plans cover more than 2,000 hearing aids and devices.
- Plans with vision benefits feature $0 annual eye exams.
- Vision benefits offer money toward eyeglass frames or contacts and may cover some lenses in full.
- Plans offered in fewer states in 2025 than previous years.
- SNPs only available in select states.
- Limited plan information is available via the company website without a user first providing their personal information.
- Numerous consumer complaints found on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Many HMO and PPO plans come with $0 premiums.
- Aggregate rating of 3.98 out of 5 from CMS in 2024.
- “A” credit rating from AM Best.
- Ranked above region average in six out of 10 regions for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power.
Aetna
Best Local Support Services
Aetna
Types of plans
HMO, PPO, SNP
Availability
Offers plans in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
HMO, PPO, SNP
Offers plans in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Aetna, a CVS Health company, makes it easy to get the coverage a person needs with its Medicare Advantage plans available in nearly every state. Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, hearing and SilverSneakers benefits. Many plans offer a $0 monthly plan premium, $0 primary care copay and $0 copay for Tier 1 drugs (generic, less expensive medications).
- Offers plans for veterans specifically.
- Offers an Extra Benefits Card for out-of-pocket medical expenses or to help pay for some over-the-counter (OTC) products.
- All plans include a $0 routine hearing exam and hearing aid benefits.
- All plans offer a $0 routine eye exam.
- Plans offered in fewer states than in previous years.
- Access to Oak Street Health, Aetna’s holistic, coordinated and connected primary care program for older adults, isn’t available in all locations.
- Extra Benefits Card benefits vary by plan, and some benefits require members to meet eligibility requirements.
- Limited plan information is available via the company website without a user first providing their personal information.
- 83% of Medicare-eligible beneficiaries have access to a $0 monthly premium.
- “A” credit rating from AM Best.
- Aggregate rating of 3.95 out of 5 from CMS in 2024.
- Ranked above region average in three out of 10 regions for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Best Consumer Reputation
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Types of plans
HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNP
Availability
Offers plans in 48 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNP
Offers plans in 48 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a major national insurance provider. Since coverage eligibility is largely based on a person’s location, Blue Cross Blue Shield runs a collection of state-based companies, each with unique plan and benefit offerings. Customers interested in purchasing Medicare Advantage coverage through BlueCross BlueShield should consider the reputation of their local BlueCross BlueShield company when searching for their ideal plan, as experiences can vary from state to state. The company ranked above region average in five out of 10 regions for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power survey.
- The PPO network is available in counties where 91% of Medicare eligibles reside.
- PPO and HMO plans typically include prescription drug coverage.
- Dual Special Needs Plans (DSNPs) offer transportation and support purchasing groceries.
- Offers medical savings accounts and a point-of-service option that can pair with HMO plans.
- Additional services can include wellness programs, hearing aids and vision services.
- Some plans in select states offer a flex card, which functions as a debit card to help pay for benefits like OTC products, weight loss services and fitness memberships.
- Benefits can vary depending on the BCBS company in a person’s area.
- SNPs are only available in select states.
- Limited information available on the company website.
- Offers plans with monthly premiums, physician copays and specialist copays starting at $0 per month.
- “A” credit rating from AM Best.
- Aggregate rating of 3.80 out of 5 from CMS in 2024.
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Medicare Advantage Providers of 2025
To determine the best Medicare Advantage providers, the Forbes Advisor editorial team evaluated all insurance companies that offer plans nationwide in terms of:
- How many states in which they provide coverage (25%)
- The types of benefits they can offer (though it varies from plan to plan) (45%)
- How CMS ranked their plans, using an average to represent the company as a whole (10%)
- How agencies like AM Best ranked them in terms of their financial health (which impacts how reliable an insurer is when it comes to paying claims) (10%)
- How agencies like J.D. Power ranked them in terms of consumer feedback (10%)
We focused exclusively on providing general summaries of the companies and their reputations. In order to provide specific plan recommendations accurately, it’s important to take into account the ZIP code and demographic details of the individual seeking insurance coverage. To do so, we recommend using Medicare.gov’s plan finder tool or seeking the expertise of an independent, agnostic insurance agent. What’s more, while the companies listed here are large, national providers, there are smaller, more local options that may be a better fit for a person’s needs and location.
How Does Medicare Advantage Work?
Medicare Advantage is the alternative to Original Medicare, which is offered by the federal government. Medicare Advantage is provided by private health insurance companies and offers similar medical benefits found in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
Medicare Advantage also typically provides additional benefits not found in Original Medicare, such as prescription drugs, dental, vision and hearing coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans are similar to health insurance offered by private insurers in the employer-sponsored market and Affordable Care Act marketplace. These plans usually have a provider network. Depending on the type of plan, you may have to stay within that provider network to get covered for services or pay more for out-of-network care than if you received in-network care.
Medicare Advantage plans may charge a premium, though many plans offer $0 premiums. Regardless, most Medicare beneficiaries must pay the Part B premium, which is $185 monthly.
Medicare Advantage plans also usually have:
- Copays: What you pay at the time of your visit.
- Deductible: The annual amount you must pay for in-network coverage in a year before your health plan begins to pay.
- Coinsurance: The percentage of the bill for services that you pay after reaching your deductible. The insurer pays the rest of the bill.
- Out-of-pocket max: The most you pay for in-network care for the year. If you reach your out-of-pocket max, the health insurer picks up the rest of the out-of-pocket costs for the year.
What Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover?
All Medicare Advantage plans are required to offer all coverage provided by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), which generally includes:
- Hospital inpatient care
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
- Home health care
- Clinical research
- Ambulance services
- Durable medical equipment (DME)
- Inpatient and outpatient mental health services
- Limited outpatient prescription drugs
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover valuable additional benefits, such as:
- Prescription drug coverage
- Vision coverage
- Dental coverage
- Hearing coverage
- Fitness program coverage (including gym memberships or discounts)
- Transportation to doctor visits
- Over-the-counter drug coverage
- Other services that promote health and wellness
Compare Top Medicare Plans From Major Carriers
Chat with a licensed insurance agent today
Helps you find the right Medicare coverage from a wide variety of plan options
Call to speak to a licensed insurance agent. TTY 711, Mon-Sun 8 am - 11 pm EST
- Chat with a licensed insurance agent today
- Helps you find the right Medicare coverage from a wide variety of plan options
- Compare plans online
- Plan options from Aetna, Anthem, BCBS, Cigna, Humana, and more
- Call to speak to a licensed insurance agent. TTY 711, Mon-Sun 8 am – 11 pm EST
How Much Does Medicare Advantage Cost?
Most Medicare beneficiaries pay a $185 monthly Part B premium and people with Medicare Advantage may pay an additional premium for coverage. However, many Medicare Advantage plans don’t have a premium, so exact costs can vary significantly.
Factors like location play a major role in determining the cost of a Medicare Advantage plan. Costs are typically lower when a customer uses providers in their plan’s network and service area. To find the cost of a Medicare Advantage plan in a specific zip code, visit Medicare.gov.
The following example shows how Medicare Advantage plan prices vary by state. Note: Costs may differ from these ranges even if they live near but not in one of these areas, as rates are set by ZIP code.
Average Cost of Medicare Advantage Plans by Location
| Location | Zip code | Cost rage |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL | 36064 | $0-$164 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 72401 | $0-$131 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 90210 | $0-$87 |
| Washington, DC | 20001 | $0-$108 |
| Tampa, FL | 33611 | $0-$111 |
| Atlanta, GA | 30005 | $0-$103 |
| Waukee, IA | 50263 | $0-$59 |
| Chicago, IL | 60601 | $0-$187 |
| Boston, MA | 02114 | $0-$258 |
| Portland, ME | 04019 | $0-$99 |
| Plymouth, MN | 55441 | $0-$196 |
| Durham, NC | 27701 | $0-$135 |
| Gerlach, NV | 89412 | $0-$180 |
| New York, NY | 10001 | $0-$254 |
| Richmond, VA | 23173 | $0-$98 |
| Seattle, WA | 98006 | $0-$296 |
| Horsecreek, WY | 82061 | $0-$95 |
Different Types of Medicare Advantage Plans
There are multiple common types of Medicare Advantage plans to compare when making a selection. Here’s a look at three of them.
| Type of plan | Can you get out-of-network care? | Primary care provider required? | Referral to see specialists? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health maintenance organization (HMO) | No, must stay within plan network | Yes | Yes |
| Preferred provider organization (PPO) | Yes, but at higher cost than in-network | No | No |
| Private fee-for-service (PFFS) | You can get care only from providers who accept plan | No | No |
There is another type of Medicare Advantage plan, but it’s not open to everyone. Special need plans (SNPs) are tailored to meet the needs of specific groups, such as people with specific chronic conditions and people who have both Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare: What's the Difference?
Individuals interested in Medicare coverage should consider the following details when deciding whether a Medicare Advantage plan or Original Medicare is best for their needs.
| Medicare Advantage | Original Medicare | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Management | Benefits are administered by a private insurance company | Benefits are administered by the federal government |
| Plan Parts | Parts A, B and C, and most include Part D as well | Part A and Part B |
| Eligible for to help pay out-of-pocket costs? | No | Yes |
| Out-of-pocket max | Yes | No |
| Network Coverage | Plans have their own provider networks | Can use any provider in the U.S. who accepts Medicare |
| Dental Coverage | Included in most plans | Not available |
| Vision Coverage | Included in most plans | Not available |
| Hearing Coverage | Included in most plans | Not available |
| Gym Membership Discounts | Included in most plans | Not available |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Included in most plans | Must purchase separate Part D prescription drug plan, though some have no premiums |
| Who may benefit | A person who wants additional benefits, an out-of-pocket max and doesn’t mind a smaller provider network | A person who wants the biggest provider network and doesn’t need benefits beyond Original Medicare |
Find Top Medicare Supplement Plans to Fit your Needs at Healthcare.com
Helps pay the 20% that Original Medicare doesn’t cover
Pays 100% of Part A coinsurance
Pays up to 100% of Part B coinsurance
- Helps pay the 20% that Original Medicare doesn’t cover
- Pays 100% of Part A coinsurance
- Pays up to 100% of Part B coinsurance
- Available in all 50 states
- Offers Medical Benefits for Foreign Travel
- Fill out a quote form to speak to a licensed insurance agent
How to Find the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in 2025
You’ll first want to go to Medicare.gov and enter your information to see what Medicare Advantage plans are available in your area.
Review the plans’ premiums, deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum, so you can understand what you may have to pay for coverage and the costs when you need care.
Here are a few questions to consider before purchasing a plan.
- Does the plan have a monthly premium and/or does it pay a portion of your Part B premium?
- What’s the plan’s deductible?
- How much is the copayment for each visit or service?
- What are the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in your area?
- How much health care do you need and expect in the coming year?
- Are your primary care provider and specialists considered in-network in the Medicare Advantage plan?
- What is the plan’s annual limit on out-of-pocket expenses?
- What enhanced benefits are offered, such as dental, prescription drug, vision and hearing coverage?
- Are your prescription drugs covered by the plan and what are the copays for those medications?
You can buy or change coverage during:
- The initial enrollment period, which is when you first become eligible for Medicare.
- The Medicare open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7
- The Medicare Advantage open enrollment period, which runs from January 1 to March 31.
Plans in your area can change each year, so it’s a good idea to check the offerings annually, so you can find the right plan for you.
If you want another opinion or don’t feel comfortable searching for a Medicare Advantage plan, you can contact a Medicare insurance agent, which shouldn’t cost you anything. The agents understand plan offerings and can help guide you in the process.
