Not all Medicare plans are created equal. Medicare Advantage (Part C) gives you a way to get your Medicare benefits through private insurance companies, often with lower costs and extra perks compared to Original Medicare.
These plans bundle hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage, and many also include prescription drug coverage (Part D)—something Original Medicare doesn't offer.
What you have to keep in mind is that not all Medicare Advantage plans are the same. Some focus on low monthly premiums, while others offer broader doctor networks or perks like vision, dental, hearing, fitness programs, and even meal delivery.
If you're considering switching plans or signing up for the first time, now is the perfect time to explore your options.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans for 2025
To help you narrow down your choices, here are some of the top Medicare Advantage plans to consider for 2025.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
If having a large network of doctors and hospitals is a priority, UnitedHealthcare is a top contender.
Many of its plans come with low or $0 premiums, access to nationwide providers, and extras like wellness programs, over-the-counter allowances, and telehealth services. UnitedHealthcare is available in all 50 states.
Humana Medicare Advantage
Humana stands out for its strong prescription drug coverage (Part D) and additional benefits that go beyond standard medical care. Many plans include fitness memberships, vision and dental benefits, and home care services.
If you take multiple medications, Humana's robust drug formulary could make it a great choice. It's available in 48 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Aetna offers competitive premiums with a good balance of affordability and broad provider access. Many plans include $0 premium options, along with prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing benefits.
Some Aetna plans also offer transportation services for medical appointments, so it's a good option for seniors who need extra support. The plans are available in 44 states plus Washington, D.C.
Cigna Medicare Advantage
Cigna is known for its affordable plans and strong customer service. It provides flexible options for those who want lower premiums while still getting benefits like wellness incentives, prescription coverage, and preventive care perks.
Cigna also has 24/7 telehealth services, which makes it easier to connect with doctors when needed. It's available in 30 states and the District of Columbia.
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage
For those who prefer integrated healthcare, Kaiser Permanente offers a seamless experience with in-network specialists, hospitals, and primary care doctors all working together. Their Medicare Advantage plans often include low copays, coordinated care, and extra perks like dental and vision coverage.
However, availability is limited to specific regions, so it's a good choice if you're in an area where Kaiser operates (California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington).
What to Consider Before Choosing a Plan
Now, it's time to pick a plan for yourself. The right option should fit your budget, healthcare needs, and lifestyle. Here's what to think about.
Premiums, Deductibles, and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Some Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums, but that doesn't always mean they're the cheapest option. You'll also want to look at deductibles, copays, and maximum out-of-pocket limits to see how much you might actually pay for healthcare throughout the year.
If you visit the doctor often or take multiple prescriptions, a plan with a slightly higher premium but lower out-of-pocket costs might save you money in the long run.
On the other hand, if you're generally healthy and don't need frequent care, a lower premium plan with higher copays could be the better choice.
Network Coverage: HMO vs. PPO Plans
Medicare Advantage plans are either HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). This affects which doctors you can see and whether you need referrals.
With HMO Plans, you'll need to use in-network doctors and hospitals for coverage. You'll also need a referral to see a specialist in most cases. These plans often have lower costs but less flexibility.
PPO Plans give you more freedom to see out-of-network doctors without referrals, but you'll usually pay more for that flexibility.
If you already have preferred doctors, specialists, or hospitals, check to see if they're in-network before choosing a plan.
Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Not all Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage; each plan has its own formulary (list of covered medications). If you take specific prescriptions, make sure the plan covers them—and check the copays and tier levels for each medication.
Some plans may offer lower premiums but higher drug costs. Others might include $0 copays for generic medications.
Extra Benefits Beyond Basic Coverage
Many Medicare Advantage plans go beyond doctor and hospital visits, offering extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover. Depending on the plan, you might get:
- Dental, vision, and hearing coverage (including dentures, glasses, and hearing aids)
- Fitness programs like SilverSneakers or gym memberships
- Telehealth services (so you can see a doctor from home)
- Meal delivery and transportation services for medical appointments
When and How to Enroll
If you're thinking about switching or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, timing matters. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This is when you can review your current plan and make changes.
Why AEP Matters
Even if you're happy with your current plan, costs, benefits, and provider networks can change every year. That's why it's important to review your coverage during AEP to make sure your plan still meets your healthcare needs.
Let's say your doctor is no longer in-network or your prescription drug costs have gone up—switching to a different plan could save you money.
You can use AEP to:
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa)
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage (Part D)
How to Enroll
Once you've compared your options and found the right plan, enrolling is simple. You can sign up:
- Online at Medicare.gov
- Through the insurance provider
- With the help of a licensed Medicare agent
The Medicare AEP period is the best time to make sure you have the right plan for the upcoming year. If you miss it, you may have to wait until the next enrollment period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a major life change, like moving or losing employer coverage.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing your Medicare Advantage plan, you'll want to think about more than the lowest premium. Your goal should be to have your healthcare needs covered and without surprise costs.
All the different plans with varying benefits, provider networks, and prescription drug coverage might be difficult to navigate. But take your time and compare your options to get the most out of your Medicare benefits.
Even if your current plan is working well, a quick review during Medicare AEP can confirm that it's still the best fit. But if your costs have gone up, your doctor is no longer in-network, or you're looking for extra perks like dental, vision, or wellness programs, it might be time to switch plans.
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