NerdWallet’s editorial team reviewed Medicare Advantage plans based on premiums, out-of-pocket costs, prescription drug coverage, quality ratings, customer satisfaction and more.
We analyzed 25 Medicare Advantage brands, covering 87% of the market. Here are the Medicare Advantage companies that got our attention. (Information is current as of April 2026.)
Best major company: Humana Medicare Advantage.
Best for government ratings: Aetna Medicare Advantage.
Best for size of network: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage.
Best for low-cost plan availability: HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) Medicare Advantage.
45+ Medicare companies and brands analyzed by our team of experts.
30+ years of combined experience covering Medicare and personal finance.
Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet’s Medicare content, including articles, reviews and recommendations, is produced by a team of writers and editors who specialize in Medicare. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Nasdaq, MSN, MarketWatch, Yahoo! Finance and other national and regional media outlets. They have been cited in publications including Healthline, and appeared on NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast.
Best Medicare Advantage companies in 2026
Insurance company | CMS star rating | States available | Members in high-rated plans | Member experience | Learn more | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST FOR SIZE OF NETWORK | ||||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.11 | 4.11/5 | 48 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.74 (Above average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
BEST MAJOR COMPANY | ||||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 3.79 | 3.79/5 | 46 states and Washington, D.C. | Low (49% or less) | 3.82 (Above average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
BEST FOR GOVERNMENT RATINGS | ||||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on http://askchapter.org on NerdWallet | 4.20 | 4.20/5 | 43 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.89 (Above average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on http://askchapter.org on NerdWallet |
BEST FOR LOW-COST PLAN AVAILABILITY | ||||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 3.76 | 3.76/5 | 29 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.96 (Above average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
Best major company: Humana
Humana earns the highest score on NerdWallet’s Medicare Advantage rubric among the major insurance companies with plans available in the majority of states. We evaluate companies on a lot of metrics, and Humana scores pretty well on just about all of them.
It’s important to consider a plan’s costs and coverage for your doctors, hospitals, prescription drugs and medical needs. Humana won’t be a perfect fit for everybody, but Humana Medicare Advantage plans are worth a good look.
What are Humana's best features?
Low costs. Humana offers $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans in nearly every state. When its plans have premiums, they’re on the cheaper side. And when it comes to prescription drugs, Humana’s out-of-pocket costs (copays, coinsurance and deductibles) are lower than many competitors.
Giveback benefits. Medicare Part B premiums aren't cheap at $202.90 per month in 2026. Some plans, often called “Giveback” plans, help pay for at least part of that premium. Humana offers more Giveback plans than any other company NerdWallet reviews, so they might be a good option to help make your Medicare Part B premium more affordable.
What are Humana's drawbacks?
Humana's members aren't the happiest. Humana gets below-average scores for customer satisfaction in nine out of 10 Medicare markets in JD Power’s latest study.
Humana's quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are below average, too. Humana’s average from CMS is 3.79 stars, weighted by enrollment, compared to 4.02 for all Medicare Advantage companies. That’s not bad, but it could be better — several of the big-name carriers outperform Humana on these ratings.
Only 37% of Humana members are in plans rated at least 4 stars out of 5, which is also pretty low compared to most major competitors.
» Check out our full Humana Medicare Advantage review for more of our thoughts on costs, quality ratings, drug coverage, customer service and more.
- Low premiums and prescription drug costs.
- Many plans include Part B Giveback benefits.
- Available in 85% of U.S. counties.
- Customer satisfaction scores are low in most major markets surveyed.
- Government quality ratings could be better.
Best for government ratings: Aetna
Aetna is a large insurance company owned by CVS, which is known for its pharmacies.
For 2026, Aetna Medicare Advantage plans stand out for high quality ratings from CMS.
Why do we like Aetna?
Strong quality ratings. The federal government rates Medicare Advantage plans on dozens of measures of health care quality and member satisfaction each year. Aetna gets the highest average star ratings and member experience ratings, weighted by enrollment, among companies that sell Medicare Advantage plans in the most states.
$0-premium plan availability. Aetna plans with $0 premiums are available to over 80% of Medicare beneficiaries. That means a well-rated, $0-cost Aetna plan is likely available to you. And if out-of-pocket costs are a concern, most Aetna plans also have $0 coverage for Tier 1 and Tier 2 generic drugs at preferred pharmacies.
Where does Aetna fall short?
While Aetna's government quality ratings are good, it doesn't perform as well on JD Power's customer satisfaction studies. Aetna landed below the regional industry average in most of the Medicare markets where it has significant market share in JD Power’s latest survey.
And Aetna’s average maximum out-of-pocket costs are on the high side among its main competitors. That could matter because if you hit the out-of-pocket cap, you won't owe copays, coinsurance or deductibles for covered services for the rest of the year. If you think you might spend a lot on care, a lower maximum out-of-pocket cap could be preferable.
» Read our full Aetna Medicare Advantage review for more information on Aetna's prices, ratings, coverage, member experience and more.
- Highest quality ratings from CMS, weighted by enrollment, among companies that sell plans nearly nationwide.
- $0-premium plans available to 82% of Medicare beneficiaries.
- $0 coverage for Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs on most plans.
- All plans include SilverSneakers and some dental, vision and hearing coverage.
- Below-average customer satisfaction in many markets surveyed by JD Power.
- Maximum out-of-pocket costs are higher than most major competitors.
Best for size of network: UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is probably one of the first companies that comes to mind when you think about health insurance. It's big in Medicare, too — the largest company selling Medicare Advantage plans.
This insurance giant could be worth a look when it comes to Medicare Advantage.
Why pick UnitedHealthcare?
Big Medicare Advantage provider network. An insurance company's network is probably the most important thing to consider when you're shopping. If the doctors you need to see aren't covered, none of the other factors really matter.
UnitedHealthcare boasts a huge network of Medicare Advantage providers, which could make it easier to find a doctor or specialist who takes your insurance.
State footprint for $0 plans. UHC offers $0-premium plans in 46 states — the most offered by any Medicare Advantage company in 2026. If they're available where you live — and your chances are pretty good — it's worth a look.
UnitedHealthcare downsides to consider
While UHC is pretty much everywhere, your customer experience might vary by location. We saw some strong customer satisfaction results in certain states, but below-average survey results in others.
Also consider whether it’s a high priority to find a Medicare Advantage plan that starts covering your prescription drugs from day one instead of after you’ve met a deductible. UnitedHealthcare offers fewer tiers of prescription drugs with no deductible compared to other big Medicare Advantage companies.
» Check out our full UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage review for more details on UHC plans' cost, quality, benefits, customer service and more.
- Large Medicare Advantage medical network with nearly 1 million providers.
- Available with $0 premiums in 46 states.
- Customer experience might vary by location.
- Other major Medicare companies offer more $0-deductible prescription drug tiers.
Best for low-cost plan availability: HealthSpring (formerly Cigna)
HealthSpring is the new name for Cigna Medicare plans under a new owner, Health Care Service Corp. HCSC also sells Blue Cross Blue Shield-branded Medicare plans in a number of states.
Our analysis shows that a lot of what we liked about Cigna plans in the past remains true of HealthSpring plans after the name change.
Why pick a HealthSpring plan?
$0 and low-cost plans. HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) offers the highest percentage of $0-premium plans and the lowest average monthly premium among major Medicare Advantage companies. So if you need more coverage than a $0-premium plan offers, your costs for a HealthSpring plan could be on the lower side.
Member experience: CMS collects survey data about members’ real-life experiences using their Medicare Advantage plans. HealthSpring outscores every other major Medicare Advantage company on these surveys, on average.
What don't we like about HealthSpring?
First, it's important to know that HealthSpring plans aren't available to everyone. They're sold in only 29 states and Washington, D.C.
While HealthSpring beats competitors on member experience surveys, the company gets below-average overall quality ratings from CMS. Some other major companies outscore HealthSpring on these overall ratings, which take into account other important metrics that measure how plans deliver care and help members manage health conditions.
And when shopping, keep an eye on whether your medical providers and hospitals are covered. We saw a higher-than-average number of people reporting problems with coverage of doctors and hospitals as a factor for why they would choose to leave a HealthSpring plan.
» Read our HealthSpring Medicare Advantage review to get our full take on the company, including premiums, quality scores, benefits, customer satisfaction and more.
- Nearly 8 in 10 plans have $0 premiums.
- Plans with premiums are relatively inexpensive.
- Better member experience survey ratings than major competitors.
- CMS quality ratings are below average.
- Competitors have more options for brand-name drugs with no copay/coinsurance.
- "Problems with coverage of doctors and hospitals" are common on disenrollment surveys.
How we choose the best Medicare Advantage plans
🏢 25 companies reviewed covering 87% of beneficiaries
📝 4,439 unique Medicare Advantage plans compared
🔢 193,450 unique data points analyzed
📊 Star rating categories
NerdWallet's editorial team evaluates Medicare Advantage insurance companies to find strengths, weaknesses and the best value for customers. Our Medicare Advantage rubric includes a range of metrics in three major categories:
💰 Cost (35%). We evaluate plans’ premiums, out-of-pocket spending caps and costs for prescription drugs across multiple formulary tiers.
🗣️ Member experience (35%). We compare plans’ member experience based on CMS data, complaint rates and disenrollment surveys.
📈 Quality (30%). We compare plans’ performance on CMS star ratings, weighted by enrollment, as well as their NCQA accreditation.
⭐ What our star ratings mean
Companies with 5 stars are exceptional, with low premiums, competitive out-of-pocket costs, good quality ratings and happy members.
Companies in the 4.5 star range are excellent, but might trail leaders' performance on one or two factors.
Companies with around 4 stars are strong performers that might not be as well rounded as higher-rated competitors.
Companies with 3.5 stars or fewer could do better in certain criteria, like pricing and customer complaints.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings or our reviews. Read more about our Medicare Advantage ratings methodology and editorial guidelines.
What are the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in each state?
This roundup lists our top picks among the big insurance companies whose Medicare Advantage plans are generally available throughout most of the country. But we also look at Medicare Advantage plans on a state-by-state basis.
Our state roundups include both the big companies and strong performers that are only available in limited locations, such as Kaiser Permanente, CarePlus, Peoples Health and UPMC for Life.
Select a state on the map below to see the best Medicare Advantage plans available there.
More Nerdy Perspective
What's the highest rated Medicare Advantage plan?
At the national level, NerdWallet’s highest rated Medicare Advantage plans come from Humana, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and HealthSpring. And if you’re looking for the best CMS quality ratings, there are 5-star Medicare Advantage plans in 14 states and Puerto Rico. Not everyone has access to a top-scoring plan, and not every well rated plan is the right fit. Research what plans are available in your area and consider star ratings along with other important factors like coverage and provider networks.
At the national level, NerdWallet’s highest rated Medicare Advantage plans come from Humana, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and HealthSpring. And if you’re looking for the best CMS quality ratings, there are 5-star Medicare Advantage plans in 14 states and Puerto Rico. Not everyone has access to a top-scoring plan, and not every well rated plan is the right fit. Research what plans are available in your area and consider star ratings along with other important factors like coverage and provider networks.
Alex Rosenberglead writer covering MedicareHow to pick a Medicare Advantage plan
The right Medicare Advantage plan for you will depend on your health history, prescription medications and where you live, among other factors. Here are some strategies for selecting the best plan:
Check quality ratings. CMS collects data on Medicare Advantage plans from member surveys, the plans themselves and medical providers, and then it assigns a star rating based on the results. The star rating is on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being best.
Compare out-of-pocket costs. Each plan will have a monthly premium (many Medicare Advantage plans have no premium) and a maximum out-of-pocket cost, which is the most you’ll pay in a year for covered health care.
Keep your meds in mind. Your medications may seem like an afterthought, but make sure you investigate how each plan will cover your medications — or whether they’re covered at all.
Look for your doctors. If you’ve got a list of caregivers and medical facilities you use and prefer, look for plans that include them.
Consider the plan type. If you see specialists frequently and you don’t want to seek a referral for every office visit, a PPO plan is probably the better fit. If you’re a light health care user and see mostly your primary care physician, an HMO might be more affordable.
» MORE: What you'll pay for Medicare
You may be eligible for Medicare plans during a special enrollment period if you are turning 65, new to Medicare plans, moving or losing coverage.
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
Medicare Advantage review methodology
NerdWallet’s Medicare Advantage ratings are based on premiums, out-of-pocket costs, prescription drug coverage, quality data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, consumer experience and more. We calculate each health insurance company’s rating on a curved 5-point scale.
NerdWallet’s editorial team analyzed companies covering about 87% of all Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in the United States. We reviewed 25 Medicare Advantage brands, with some insurance companies having more than one brand under their umbrella. (For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield includes the brands Anthem and Highmark.)
The Medicare Advantage marketplace is concentrated among just a handful of companies. In many places, one company serves more than half of the market. At the national level, NerdWallet’s reviews include each of the 10 largest brands by enrollment.
At the state level, our research includes at least one major insurer in every state where Medicare Advantage plans are sold, and includes the top two insurers in 40 of those 49 states. (Alaska doesn't offer Medicare Advantage plans.) We also look at online search volume to identify regional and other notable players in the space.
These reviews are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several plans to find the best coverage and rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines for additional information.