What Is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one plan choice alternative for receiving Medicare benefits. It’s also referred to as Medicare Part C. This plan is bundled with Medicare Part A (which covers hospital stays; it has no premium but does have a deductible) and Part B (which covers most doctor bills and comes with a premium; in 2025 that is $185) and usually includes Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage.
In 2025, out-of-pocket limits for medications covered by Part D will have a $2,000 limit—when total costs go beyond that, enrollees will not have to pay anything.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and have the largest Medicare Advantage provider network, although member experience ratings are average.
- 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.
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and highly rated, for both star ratings and member experience scores.
States available: 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plans: High (85% to 99%)
Member experience: 3.99 (Above Average)
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.
Why we picked it: Aetna’s star ratings improved in 2025 — 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.
Cigna
Cigna plans are low-cost, member experience scores are good and star ratings are average among all providers.
States available: 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plans: Medium (50% to 84%)
Member experience: 3.76 (Above Average)
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 Medicare Advantage offers the highest percentage of $0-premium plans and the lowest average monthly premium of the major providers, and the majority of Cigna’s members are in highly rated plans.
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.
Humana
Humana plans are widely available with above-average member experience scores and strong Part B Giveback benefits, but star ratings are low.
States available: 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plans: Low (49% or less)
Member experience: 3.61 (Above Average)
Pros
- Plans available for most Americans.
- Above-average member experience scores among major providers.rt 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: Sixty-one percent of 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.
Devoted Health
Devoted Health has above-average star ratings from CMS, but fast growth means many plans don't have score data yet.
States available: 20 states
Members in high-rated plans: High (85% to 99%)
Member experience: 3.52 (Above Average)
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: Devoted Health is a fast-growing startup in the Medicare Advantage market with 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 plans
Devoted Health
Devoted Health has above-average star ratings from CMS, but fast growth means many plans don't have score data yet.
States available: 20 states
Members in high-rated plans: High (85% to 99%)
Member experience: 3.52 (Above Average)
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: Devoted Health is a fast-growing startup in the Medicare Advantage market with 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 plans