Best Medicare Advantage Plans in New York

More than a dozen companies sell Medicare Advantage plans in New York. See which ones have plans that come out on top.
Kate Ashford, CSA®
By Kate Ashford, CSA® 
Updated
Edited by Dawnielle Robinson-Walker

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More than 3.7 million people in New York are signed up for Medicare, making it the fourth-largest U.S. state for Medicare beneficiaries

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Fact Sheet. Accessed Nov 15, 2022.
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Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older. Medicare Advantage is a bundled alternative to Medicare sold by private insurance companies. It offers all the same benefits and usually some extras, such as cost savings on dental and vision coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans offer more benefits than Original Medicare, and they can be cheaper than paying for Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan. However, they have less flexibility since you’ll need to get care from within the plan’s network of providers. Weigh your options to determine which plan best suits your needs.

What to know about Medicare in New York

About 1 in 6 people in New York are 65 and older, and there are a variety of Medicare Advantage plans in the state

U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts, New York. Accessed Nov 15, 2022.
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  • The average monthly premium in 2023 for a Medicare Advantage plan in New York is $26.02. (It was $30.04 in 2022.)

  • There are 288 Medicare Advantage plans available in New York in 2023. (There were 280 plans in 2022.)

  • All Medicare-eligible people in New York have access to a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage companies in New York

  • AgeWell New York.

  • CDPHP Medicare Advantage.

  • Centers Plan for Healthy Living.

  • Elderplan.

  • EmblemHealth Medicare HMO.

  • Excellus Health Plan Inc.

  • Healthfirst Medicare Plan.

  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York.

  • Independent Health.

  • MediGold.

  • MetroPlus Health Plan.

  • MVP Health Care.

  • VNS Health Medicare.

  • Wellcare by Fidelis Care.

Top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in New York

Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, awards every Medicare Advantage plan a star rating on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being a top-rated plan. Below are companies with at least one plan that received top marks in New York for the 2023 plan year

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2023 MA Landscape Source File (v 10 14 2022). Accessed Nov 15, 2022.
. (Get more information about Medicare star ratings.)

5-star plans

The companies below offer plans in New York that are rated 5 stars out of 5 by CMS:

  • CDPHP Medicare Advantage.

  • Excellus Health Plan Inc.

  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York.

  • Independent Health.

  • MVP Health Care.

4.5-star plans

The company below offers plans in New York that are rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by CMS:

  • VNS Health Medicare.

Medicare resources in New York

Find the right Medicare Advantage plan

It’s important to do your research before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan for yourself. Here are some questions to consider asking:

  • What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?

  • Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.

  • Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?

  • Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?

  • Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?

Medicare Advantage companies

Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage companies. These insurance companies offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.

If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).

Looking for more insurance in New York? Check out these resources:

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