Medicare Advantage Plans 2026: Best Options
HSChange Editorial Team
Health Policy Research Team, Consumer Health Guidance
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, MD, MPH, Board-Certified Internal Medicine
Last updated: April 4, 2026
Medicare Advantage enrollment hit 35 million for 2026, with 54% of all Medicare beneficiaries now in an MA plan. The average MA plan premium is $14 per month, and 67% of plans charge nothing extra beyond the standard Part B premium. But plans vary enormously by location, network, and benefits. Here's what to know for 2026.
What Changed for 2026
The maximum out-of-pocket limit for in-network services dropped slightly to $9,250 (from $9,350 in 2025). The Part D out-of-pocket drug cap remains at $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Some plans reduced supplemental benefits or tightened networks due to CMS rate adjustments. Others expanded dental, vision, and hearing coverage to compete for enrollees.
The Biggest MA Insurers
UnitedHealthcare is the largest MA insurer by enrollment, followed by Humana, CVS/Aetna, Elevance (Anthem BCBS), and Kaiser Permanente. Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates collectively cover a large share as well. Kaiser consistently scores highest on quality ratings in the regions it serves, but it's only available in 8 states plus DC.
How to Compare Plans
Use Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov. Enter your ZIP code, current drugs, preferred pharmacy, and doctors. The tool shows estimated annual costs, star ratings, and whether your providers are in-network. Don't just look at the premium. A $0 premium plan with a $6,000 out-of-pocket max and high specialist copays could cost more than a $25/month plan with a $3,000 out-of-pocket max.
Star Ratings Matter
CMS rates every MA plan from 1 to 5 stars based on quality of care, member satisfaction, customer service, and complaints. Plans with 4+ stars get bonus payments from CMS, which they often pass to members as lower premiums or better benefits. Avoid plans with fewer than 3 stars unless you have a compelling reason (like the only plan your doctor accepts).