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Best Medicare Advantage Plans in 2024-2025
From highest ratings to largest network, here are the Medicare Advantage plans that get top marks.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Kate Ashford, CSA® Lead Writer | Medicare, retirement, personal finance
Kate Ashford is a writer and NerdWallet authority on Medicare. She is a certified senior advisor (CSA)® and has more than 20 years of experience writing about personal finance. Previously, she was a freelance writer for both consumer and business publications, and her work has been published by the BBC, Forbes, Money, AARP, LearnVest and Parents, among others. She has a degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. Kate has appeared as a Medicare expert on the PennyWise podcast by Lee Enterprises, and she's been quoted in national publications including Healthline, Real Simple and SingleCare. She is based in New York.
Holly Carey joined NerdWallet in 2021 as an editor on the team responsible for expanding content to additional topics within personal finance. She currently leads the Medicare team. Previously, Holly wrote and edited content and developed digital media strategies as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Navy. She is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Medicare Advantage will look 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 are reducing benefits and discontinuing plans.
It’s crucial that you check your own coverage during Medicare open enrollment and compare plans to make sure yours is still available and is the best fit for your needs. 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 December 2024.)
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 2024-2025
Best for size of network: UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare
3.93
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and have the largest Medicare Advantage provider network, although member experience ratings are average.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 84%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.39 (Average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
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.
States available
49 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 84%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.39 (Average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
PROS & CONS
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.
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.
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
Aetna
4.27
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and highly rated, for both star ratings and member experience scores.
We will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed above.
States available
44 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
High (85% to 100%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.99 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
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 plans are no longer available in two states.
States available
44 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
High (85% to 100%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.99 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
PROS & CONS
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 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.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Cigna plans are low-cost, member experience scores are good and star ratings are average among all providers.
We will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed above.
States available
29 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 84%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.76 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
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.
States available
29 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 84%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.76 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
PROS & CONS
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.
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.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Humana plans are widely available with above-average member experience scores and strong Part B Giveback benefits, but star ratings are low.
We will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed above.
States available
48 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Low (49% or less)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.61 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
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.
States available
48 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Low (49% or less)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.61 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
PROS & CONS
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.
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
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Devoted Health has above-average star ratings from CMS, but fast growth means many plans don't have score data yet.
We will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed above.
States available
20 states
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
High (85% to 100%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.52 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
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).
States available
20 states
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
High (85% to 100%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.52 (Above average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
PROS & CONS
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).
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 and good member experience scores from CMS for its plan. 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).
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.
You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan when you first become eligible for Medicare (your initial enrollment period) or during designated annual Medicare enrollment periods.
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
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.
