When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you get all the coverage provided by Medicare Part A and Part B, along with a few extra benefits. Costs can vary depending on the coverage you choose, and just as with Original Medicare, selecting a Medicare Part C plan requires careful consideration.
To make deciding easier, we’ve put together a list of the best Medicare Advantage plans on offer this year.
Kaiser (The Best Overall)
Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has been a leader in the healthcare industry for decades now. It serves 12.4 million members today.
Two levels of Medicare Advantage Plans are on offer: Standard Medicare Advantage and Medicare Advantage Plus.
The easy-to-use Medicare Advantage plan pays for hospital coverage, medical services preventive care, drug coverage, and more. There is a fixed yearly limit on out-of-pocket expenses. You can select or change a Kaiser Permanente in-network doctor at any time.
Pros
Award-winning insurance plans
5 out of 5 stars in Medicare’s CMS rating system (in nearly all states)
Advantage Plus option offers dental, hearing, and extra vision coverage
Cons
Only available in eight states (and Washington D.C.)
Aarp United Healthcare (The Best Value)
Founded in 1977, AARP UnitedHealthcare is considered a national leader in healthcare management today. The company has high CMS ratings, an A rating from AM Best for financial stability, and a broad range of plans and extra benefits.
Its Medical Savings Account (MSA) plan combines a high-deductible Medicare Advantage policy with a tax-advantaged personal savings account. Funds deposited by Medicare can be withdrawn by policyholders to pay for qualifying healthcare services. You can consult any provider you want.
You can enter your ZIP code on the site to find a plan in your state, or call AARP/UnitedHealthcare for more information.
Pros
5 out of 5 stars in Medicare’s CMS rating system
Options to choose between plans with and without provider networks
Offers unique plans and rewards for preventative care
Offers over $150 in free health and wellness products
Offers coverage for eye exams, eyeglasses, and corrective lenses, and routine dental care
Coverage for Hearing tests and hearing aids offered on some plans
Limitations on annual out-of-pocket costs
Wellness programs and fitness memberships
$0 copays on all primary care provider visits and most common prescriptions
Cons
Not all plans are available in all areas
Humana (The Best for Extra Benefits)
Humana started as a chain of nursing homes but is now a full-fledged private health insurance company. Its Medicare Advantage plans are available in 47 states and DC. It received an A- rating from AM Best for financial stability and high customer service ratings from J.D. Power.
Humana Advantage Care offers several unique plans you won’t find elsewhere:
The Private-fee-for-service (PFFS) plans allow policyholders to select any health care provider that takes Humana insurance payments.
The Special Needs Plan (SNP) for people suffering from a chronic health condition.
Humana also offers some unique benefits including:
Home health care services (in-network)
Free coverage for most screenings
Better prescription drug coverage than the standard Part D plan
Pros
4.5 out of 5 stars in Medicare’s CMS rating system
SilverSneakers fitness program
Mail delivery pharmacy
Routing hearing and dental care
HMO plans with $0 premiums (in some locations)
Emergency coverage is available for those traveling abroad
Cons
The website is not easy to navigate
Plans not available in Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin
Plans differ according to location
Some premium rates are higher than the competition