Independent · Reader-funded · Updated 2026

The Rankings

The best Medicare Advantage plans, ranked

Every option we've reviewed, scored on the same 100-point rubric and ordered best-first. No brand pays for placement — the number is the one we calculated.

  1. Editor's Choice 1

    Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage

    The gold standard for coordinated care — if you live in its footprint.

    4.7
  2. 2

    Humana Medicare Advantage

    The best all-around pick for most people on Medicare.

    4.4
  3. 3

    UnitedHealthcare (AARP) Medicare Advantage

    The biggest network in the country, wrapped in the AARP brand.

    4.2
  4. 4

    Aetna Medicare Advantage

    A strong value play with a CVS pharmacy edge — if your local plan rates well.

    4.0
  5. 5

    Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage

    A sleeper pick in its strong markets, thin everywhere else.

    3.7
  6. 6

    Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage

    A trusted brand and good networks — but quality is a state-by-state lottery.

    3.5
  7. 7

    WellCare (Centene) Medicare Advantage

    Hard to beat on price, easy to beat on everything else.

    3.1

How we score

Our methodology

Every Medicare Advantage plans runs the same gauntlet. We weight what actually matters to readers, convert it to a 100-point score, and re-test on a fixed schedule.

01

Value for money

What you pay against what you actually get — not just the sticker number.

02

Coverage & quality

Breadth and depth of what is on offer, stress-tested against real-world needs.

03

Service & support

How easy it is to get help when something goes wrong, and how fast.

04

Transparency

Clear terms, no surprise costs, and honest marketing. Hidden catches cost points.