AARP/UnitedHealthcare
- Average monthly cost: $24
AARP/UHC plans are highly rated and come with extra benefits.
Pros
- Usually has low rates
- Sells a wide variety of plans
- Helpful extra benefits and perks
Cons
- Mixed customer service
- May be hard to get treatment
Full details about AARP/UHC
UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans are affordable, have good coverage and high customer satisfaction and come with impressive extra perks. UnitedHealthcare is also one of the largest health insurance companies in the country, which makes it easy for you to find covered medical care. UnitedHealthcare sells about 29% of all Medicare Advantage plans.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare plans typically have low monthly rates. Overall, plans cost an average of $24 per month, which is $4 per month cheaper than the national average. Most people can get a $0 plan from UnitedHealthcare. More than six in 10 of UnitedHealthcare’s plans have no monthly rate.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare also stands out for its range of extra coverage, perks and discounts. Many plans offer benefits like:
- Vision, dental and hearing coverage
- An allowance for health products like vitamins and cold medicine
- Free gym memberships
- Virtual doctor and mental health visits
But some customers report having trouble getting necessary health care with AARP/Medicare Advantage plans. The company has a lower-than-average rating from Medicare.gov in that category.
And the customer satisfaction level depends on where you live, according to J.D. Power. In Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, North Carolina and Texas, UnitedHealthcare was ranked above average for customer satisfaction. But in California, Ohio and Pennsylvania, UHC was below average.
Most of UnitedHealthcare’s plans are sold through a partnership with AARP, but in some states, UHC partners with Erickson, KelseyCare or Peoples Health.
Best Medicare Advantage doctor network: Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Average monthly cost: $35
Pros
- Access to a large doctor network
- Offers many $0 per month plans
- You might not pay for care
Cons
- High average rates
- Mixed customer service
Full details about BCBS
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has one of the biggest doctor networks in the country, which gives you more options for affordable medical care. Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the best health insurance companies for Medicare Advantage because of its good plan quality and large network.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is made up of smaller companies, each of which has different plan offerings, customer satisfaction and benefits. The network of doctors you can see also depends on your plan. Buying a PPO plan is a good way to make sure you have more flexibility with your medical care, though you will pay a higher monthly rate.
However, BCBS plans often are more expensive than average. But the extra cost might be worth it if you need a plan that gives you coverage at most medical offices. Plus, you can get a $0 plan from BCBS everywhere except Utah and Washington, D.C.
You’ll pay less for medical care with many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. That’s because the plans often have a low cap on your yearly medical costs, called an out-of-pocket maximum.
BCBS has an overall good rating of 3.8 stars out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). However, each subsidiary is its own company, which means that there are major regional variations. The highest-performing Blue Cross subsidiaries are in Iowa, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota and West Virginia. The lowest-rated companies are in Colorado, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Texas.
Cheapest Medicare Advantage: Devoted Health
- Average monthly cost: $1
Almost all of Devoted Health’s Medicare Advantage plans have no monthly rate.
Pros
- Cheap rates
- Many $0 plans available
- Can get appointments quickly
Cons
- High total medical costs
- Only available in 20 states
Best Medicare Advantage for customer satisfaction: Aetna
- Overall rating
- Average monthly cost: $23
Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans are highly rated for customer service.
Pros
- Good customer service
- Cheap rates
- Many $0 plans available
Cons
- High total medical costs
- May be hard to get treatment
Best Medicare Advantage for high-quality medical care: Kaiser Permanente
Average monthly cost: $44
Kaiser Permanente makes it easy to find doctors who take your insurance.
Pros
- Customers are happy with plans
- Popular choice where available
- Medical care is streamlined
Cons
- High average rates
- Have to use certain doctors
- Only in eight states and D.C.
Full details about Kaiser Permanente
Can you get Kaiser Permanente?
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List of the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans by state
The best Medicare Advantage plan for you also depends on where you live.
Only five states have plans with perfect 5-star ratings in 2025: Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. For most people, the highest-rated plan available is 4.5 stars.
Even if you live in a state with a five-star plan, it may not be available in your local area. Insurance companies may offer plans only in certain counties. Plus, plan quality and customer satisfaction can change based on where you live.
Top-rated Medicare Advantage plans by state
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Alaska doesn’t currently have any available Medicare Advantage plans.
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Are Medicare Advantage rates going up?
Nationally, Medicare Advantage rates went up by 4% between 2024 and 2025.
That’s a difference of just $1 per month, with average rates going from $24 to $25 per month.
Nebraska saw the highest increase, at 85%. Rates went from $13 per month to $24 per month, on average. Kansas and New Mexico had the biggest drops in cost, with rates going down 48%.
Medicare Advantage rate changes by state
| State | 2024 rate | 2025 rate | % change |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | $27 | $28 | 4% |
| Nebraska | $13 | $24 | 85% |
| Tennessee | $23 | $37 | 61% |
| North Carolina | $16 | $24 | 50% |
| Idaho | $34 | $46 | 35% |
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Alaska doesn’t currently have any available Medicare Advantage plans.
How much can I save by shopping around?
Shopping around and comparing Medicare Advantage plans could save you up to $200 per month, on average.
While the average cost of Medicare Advantage is $28 per month, rates vary widely. Every state has at least one $0-per-month plan, and some states have plans that cost over $300 per month. Shopping around lets you see all your options. You can compare the cheapest plans to the most expensive ones to find a plan that fits your budget and medical needs.
In Washington, you could save up to $353 per month, the most of any state, if you shop around and compare plans. If you live in Delaware, you could still save up to $70 per month. That’s the least of any state, although it’s still a significant savings.
| Savings potential | |
|---|---|
| Washington | $353 |
| California | $336 |
| North Dakota | $307 |
| South Dakota | $307 |
| Massachusetts | $299 |
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Savings potential is the difference between the cheapest and most expensive plan in each state. Alaska doesn’t currently have any available Medicare Advantage plans.
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Worst Medicare Advantage plans
Central Health Plan, CCHP and WellSense have the worst Medicare Advantage plans in 2025.
You might find yourself considering one of these companies for their cheap rates. But based on how poorly these plans are rated, you should probably look for a cheap or free Medicare Advantage plan from a better-rated company.
| Company | Rating | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Central Health Plan | $0 | |
| CCHP | $12 | |
| WellSense Health Plan | $13 | |
| Clear Spring Health | $0 | |
| Wellcare | $0 |
Overall, you’ll see lower Medicare Advantage plan ratings in 2025 compared to 2024. Much of this shift comes from how ratings were set during the pandemic and other changes to Medicare.gov’s methodology, rather than the plans actually getting worse. Medicare Advantage plans can still offer high-quality coverage.
Is Medicare Advantage the best option for me?
Medicare Advantage plans are popular, but they have serious problems and often aren’t the best choice.
They can be a good option if you are mostly healthy. But most people tend to face health challenges as they age, and what worked for you at 65 may not be the best option at 80. Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan can limit your options to change to a better Medicare plan later in your life.
For example, if you develop a serious illness, a Medigap plan will pay for more of your bills compared to a Medicare Advantage plan. The catch is that Medigap plans are much cheaper if you buy them when you’re first eligible. If your Medicare Advantage plan no longer fits your needs in your 70s or 80s, you might not be able to afford Medigap at that point.
Doctors and hospitals also report issues with Medicare Advantage plans. Many say that Medicare Advantage plans slow down care by requiring preauthorizations. Doctors also say they have issues getting Medicare Advantage to pay for medical bills.
As a result, some doctors and hospitals are no longer taking Medicare Advantage plans as a form of payment. This can make it hard for people with Medicare Advantage plans to go to the doctor.
Some large Medicare Advantage companies, including Aetna and Humana, have also announced that they plan to change their offerings and cut some benefits for 2025. Both companies expect to lose a large number of Medicare Advantage customers. Those who still have a plan might find that they have less coverage and pay a higher monthly rate.
Medicare Advantage vs. other types of Medicare
If Medicare Advantage isn’t right for you, you have other choices. You can stick with just Original Medicare, or you can add a Medicare Supplement plan, a Part D plan or both.
How to choose the best Medicare Advantage plan
Comparing Medicare Advantage plans is the best way to find the right option for you.
When choosing the best Medicare Advantage plan for you, think about your budget and your medical care needs. The plans available where you live will also affect your decision.
Compare monthly costs
There’s often a trade-off between a plan’s monthly rate and how much coverage it offers. You’ll usually pay more when you visit the doctor with a lower-cost plan.
However, this isn’t always true. Many free Medicare Advantage plans still have good coverage, so it’s worth reviewing your options and seeing if a cheap or $0 plan meets your needs.
Think about how much health care you might need
To find the right plan, match your medical needs to the plan’s benefits. For example, if you expect to need expensive medical treatment or surgery in the coming year, look for a plan with a low out-of-pocket maximum. Even if it costs more each month, you could save money overall because the plan will pay for more of your medical bills.
Look at doctor networks
Medicare Advantage plans have networks, which are lists of medical offices that take the coverage. An HMO plan will only cover your medical care if you visit a doctor in your network. With a PPO plan, you’ll pay less if you stay in-network for medical care. But you’ll still have some coverage if you need to go outside the network.
Review the extra benefits
Some Medicare Advantage policies include added benefits, like fitness programs, dental care, vision care or nurse call lines. Knowing the perks is helpful, but don’t choose your plan based only on the added benefits. Instead, use extra benefits as a tiebreaker if you’ve narrowed down your choices to a few plan options that fit your needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Medicare Advantage plan?
For most people, AARP/UnitedHealthcare has the best Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. The company has good rates, high-quality coverage and excellent extra perks.
What is the most highly-rated Medicare Advantage plan?
The only companies with 5-star plans in 2025 are Alignment Health Plan, HealthSun Health Plans, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Leon Health, Network Health and Optimum HealthCare. But Aetna, Kaiser Permanente and AARP/UnitedHealthcare all have highly-rated plans and are good choices for quality coverage.
How do I choose the best Medicare Advantage plan?
When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, think about the total amount that you might pay for health care and insurance. In some cases, you can save on your medical bills by going with a more expensive policy that has better benefits. Also make sure a plan gives you coverage for what you need, like diabetes care, prescription drugs or surgery.
Methodology
Medicare Advantage company reviews and comparisons are based on a variety of rating factors including cost, coverage, benefits and provider networks. The CMS star ratings featured are averages of each company’s individual contracts.
Plan details were sourced from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) public use files. Calculations are based on 2025 Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage. Special needs plans, sanctioned plans, PACE plans, prepayment plans (HCPPs), Medicare medical savings account (MSA) plans, Medicare-Medicaid plans and employer-sponsored plans were excluded from our analysis. Averages include company subsidiaries.
Other sources include KFF for plan popularity and info about the issues with Medicare Advantage plans, and J.D. Power for Medicare Advantage and pharmacy satisfaction ratings.
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Editorial Note: We are committed to providing accurate content that helps you make informed financial decisions. Our partners have not endorsed or commissioned this content.