Medicare Advantage looks different in 2025, due to changes from the government and from providers themselves. There’s a new $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, and some Medicare Advantage providers reduced benefits and discontinued plans.
We analyzed plans covering 85% of the Medicare Advantage market to choose the best options for 2025 based on quality, cost, benefits and customer satisfaction, among other things.
Here’s the list of Medicare Advantage plans that got our attention. (Information is current as of April 2025.)
Best for size of network: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage.
Best for ratings: Aetna Medicare Advantage.
Best for low-cost plan availability: Cigna Medicare Advantage.
Best for Part B Giveback: Humana Medicare Advantage.
Best startup: Devoted Health Medicare Advantage.
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Best Medicare Advantage companies in 2025
Insurance company | CMS star rating | States available | Members in high-rated plans | Member experience | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST FOR SIZE OF NETWORK | (855) 821-0556 / TTY 711 Call UnitedHealthcarefrom UnitedHealthcare | ||||
3.95 | 3.95/5 | 49 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.41 (Average) | |
BEST FOR PART B GIVEBACK | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | ||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 3.63 | 3.63/5 | 48 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico | Low (49% or less) | 3.62 (Above average) |
BEST FOR RATINGS | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | ||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.29 | 4.29/5 | 44 states and Washington, D.C. | High (85% to 100%) | 4.01 (Above average) |
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 | ||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 3.97 | 3.97/5 | 29 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.82 (Above average) |
Best for size of network: UnitedHealthcare
- Largest Medicare Advantage medical network of all companies, with more than 1 million providers.
- Largest Medicare Advantage dental network, and all standard plans offer dental coverage.
- Available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
- Member experience scores are average.
- Offers one of the highest-priced special needs plans, although lower-priced plans are also available.
Why we picked it: A large network of medical providers means it may be easier to find a doctor or specialist who takes your insurance.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. UnitedHealthcare also partners with AARP, insuring the Medicare products that carry the AARP name. Many of UHC’s members are in highly rated plans, although member experience ratings are average among major providers.
Pros
- Largest Medicare Advantage medical network of all companies, with more than 1 million providers.
- Largest Medicare Advantage dental network, and all standard plans offer dental coverage.
- Available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
- Member experience scores are average.
- Offers one of the highest-priced special needs plans, although lower-priced plans are also available.
» MORE: Read our review of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans
December update
Medicare star ratings are typically released once per year, but CMS recalculated its 2025 star ratings for UnitedHealthcare in December 2024. Pursuant to a court order, CMS removed disputed data from the calculations. NerdWallet has updated this roundup accordingly.
Best for ratings: Aetna
- Nearly 8 in 10 Aetna plans are rated 4 stars or higher.
- Available in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
- Some plans offer MinuteClinic access for low copays.
- Customer satisfaction lands below the regional average in some major Medicare markets.
- Reduced benefits and plans are no longer available in two states.
Why we picked it: For consumers with an eye for quality, Aetna's star ratings improved in a year when the average rating for all plans dropped, and the company scored above average for member experience.
Aetna is a CVS Health company and is the fourth-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. Aetna’s star ratings for 2025 plans are higher than the previous year’s, and member experience scores are also improved. Although Aetna reduced some offerings in 2025, all plans provide dental, vision and hearing care benefits, and many offer other extras. For instance, some plans offer an allowance members can put toward medical expenses or over-the-counter items, and some members can get care from CVS MinuteClinic locations for the same copay they’d pay their primary care physician.
Pros
- Nearly 8 in 10 Aetna plans are rated 4 stars or higher.
- Available in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
- Some plans offer MinuteClinic access for low copays.
Cons
- Customer satisfaction lands below the regional average in some major Medicare markets.
- Reduced benefits and no longer available in two states.
» MORE: Read our review of Aetna Medicare Advantage plans
Best for low-cost plan availability: Cigna
- 8 in 10 Cigna plans are $0-premium plans.
- Member experience scores are above average.
- Strong benefits include 24/7 telehealth and meal delivery.
- Available in only 29 states and Washington, D.C.
- Highest NCQA scores are 3.5 stars on their 5-point scale.
Why we picked it: Cigna offers the highest percentage of $0-premium plans and the lowest average monthly premium, making it highly likely that you can find an affordable Cigna plan.
Cigna is the seventh-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. Eighty percent of Cigna’s plans have a $0 premium, and the company offers at least one $0-premium plan in most markets it serves. Cigna’s Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans with a premium above $0 have an average cost of $5.50, which is the lowest of the major providers. More than two-thirds of Cigna’s members are in plans that are highly rated for 2025, and the company’s overall star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have improved.
Pros
- 8 in 10 Cigna plans are $0-premium plans.
- Member experience scores are above average.
- Strong benefits include 24/7 telehealth and meal delivery.
Cons
- Available in only 29 states and Washington, D.C.
- Highest NCQA scores are 3.5 stars on their 5-point scale.
» MORE: Read our review of Cigna Medicare Advantage plans
Best for Part B Giveback: Humana
- Plans available for most Americans.
- Above-average member experience scores among major providers.
- Part B Giveback benefit in 61% of plans.
- Only 24% of plans are rated 4 stars or higher.
- Customer satisfaction scores are low in several major markets.
- Average out-of-pocket maximums are on the high side.
Why we picked it: Six in 10 Humana plans offer a Part B Giveback benefit, meaning the plan pays some portion of members' Medicare Part B premiums.
Humana is the second-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, and in addition to being widely available, the company offers at least one plan with a Part B Giveback benefit in 48 states and Washington D.C. Many of these plans are Humana’s USAA Honor plans, which are targeted toward the needs of veterans; you don’t have to be a veteran to enroll, but some don’t offer drug coverage since veterans might have other benefits. Other plans are targeted to a broader audience, including Humana’s popular Gold Plus and HumanaChoice plans.
Pros
- Plans available for most Americans.
- Above-average member experience scores among major providers.
- Part B Giveback benefit in 61% of plans.
Cons
- Only 24% of plans are rated 4 stars or higher.
- Customer satisfaction scores are low in several major markets.
- Average out-of-pocket maximums are on the high side.
» MORE: Read our review of Humana Medicare Advantage plans
Best startup: Devoted Health
- Above-average star ratings from CMS.
- Most plans offer a $0 premium.
- Offers plans in just 20 states.
- Limited data on new plans (and many plans are new).
Why we picked it: Members looking for a strong newcomer in the field might like this fast-growing startup that has higher-than-average star ratings, a high percentage of $0-premium plans and low average premiums.
Devoted Health is a relative newcomer on the Medicare Advantage scene, but the company now offers plans in 20 states and gets strong star ratings from CMS for its plans. Nearly all plans (94%) offer a $0 premium, and for Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans with a price, the average monthly premium is just $1.36.
Pros
- Above-average star ratings from CMS.
- Most plans offer a $0 premium.
Cons
- Offers plans in just 20 states.
- Limited data on new plans (and many plans are new).
» MORE: Read our review of Devoted Health Medicare Advantage plans
How we choose the best Medicare Advantage plans
To determine the best Medicare Advantage plans, NerdWallet evaluates health insurance companies on more than 10 factors, including:
Average star rating, weighted by enrollment.
Average member experience rating, weighted by enrollment.
Size of provider’s network.
Percentage of plans offering a $0 monthly premium.
Minimum, maximum and average premiums.
Ratings from third-party companies like AM Best, J.D. Power and NCQA.
We continually reevaluate and update our methodology to reflect evolving industry standards and consumer needs.
What are the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in each state?
The map below shows the top-rated Medicare Advantage and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans by state. (This doesn't include special needs plans.)
💬 From our Nerds: What is the highest-rated Medicare Advantage plan?
"There isn’t one Medicare Advantage plan that’s the highest-rated; there are multiple plans that get an overall rating of 5 stars, which is the highest rating from CMS. In 2025, there are standard 5-star Medicare Advantage plans in 13 states and Puerto Rico.
"There are fewer 5-star contracts in 2025 than 2024. So not everyone has access to a 5-star plan, and not every 5-star plan is the right fit. Research what plans are available in your area."
— Kate Ashford, lead writer covering Medicare
How to choose the best 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 star ratings. The 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).
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.KFF. Medicare Advantage in 2024: Enrollment Update and Key Trends. Accessed Apr 23, 2025.
- 2.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2025 Star Ratings Data Tables (ZIP). Accessed Apr 23, 2025.
- 3.Cigna Healthcare. Cigna Healthcare Offers Medicare Customers Value, Stability and Choice with 2025 Plans. Accessed Apr 23, 2025.
- 4.Humana. Medicare Advantage plans and veterans’ benefits. Accessed Apr 23, 2025.
- 5.KFF. Medicare Advantage 2025 Spotlight: A First Look at Plan Premiums and Benefits. Accessed Apr 23, 2025.
Medicare Advantage review methodology
The Medicare Advantage marketplace is concentrated among just a handful of companies; in many places, one insurer serves more than half of the market. NerdWallet reviewed 26 Medicare Advantage brands, with some insurers having more than one brand under their umbrella. (For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield includes the brands Anthem and Highmark.) At the national level, these reviews include nine of the 10 largest brands by enrollment. At the state level, our research includes at least one major insurer in 47 of the 49 states that offer Medicare Advantage plans, and includes the top two insurers in 35 of those 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.
NerdWallet’s Medicare Advantage reviews are based on ratings data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as well as pricing, plan availability by state, plan types available, consumer experience, extra benefits offered and more. 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.