✍️ BeSecuredNow Editorial Team | 📅 August 2026 | ⏱️ 5 min read
Key Takeaway: The best Medicare plan depends on your health needs, medications, and preferred doctors. Medicare Advantage plans from UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna consistently earn the highest star ratings. For predictable costs, Medigap Plan G is the most comprehensive supplement plan available to new enrollees.
Best Medicare Plans by Type
| Plan Type | Best For | Top Provider | Avg Monthly Cost |
|---|
| Medicare Advantage (HMO) | Lower premiums, coordinated care | Kaiser Permanente | $0–$80/mo |
| Medicare Advantage (PPO) | More provider flexibility | UnitedHealthcare | $30–$120/mo |
| Medigap Plan G | Comprehensive gap coverage | AARP/UHC, Mutual of Omaha | $100–$200/mo |
| Medigap Plan N | Lower premium, some cost-sharing | Cigna, Aetna | $80–$160/mo |
| Part D (drug coverage) | Prescription coverage | Humana, SilverScript | $15–$55/mo |
Top Medicare Advantage Providers in 2026
🥇 Kaiser Permanente — Best Star Rating
CMS Star Rating: 5.0/5 | Available in select states
Kaiser Permanente consistently earns the highest CMS star ratings among Medicare Advantage plans. Their integrated care model (insurer and provider in one) results in excellent care coordination. Available in CA, CO, GA, HI, MD, DC, OR, VA, and WA. If Kaiser is available in your area, it's worth serious consideration.
🥈 UnitedHealthcare — Best National Coverage
CMS Star Rating: 4.0–4.5/5 | Available in all 50 states
UnitedHealthcare offers the largest network of any Medicare Advantage provider — available in all 50 states with access to over 1.5 million physicians. Their AARP-branded Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans consistently earn high satisfaction scores and offer strong dental/vision/hearing benefits.
🥉 Humana — Best for Drug Coverage
CMS Star Rating: 4.0/5 | Strong Part D offerings
Humana is a top-5 Medicare Advantage provider with strong standalone Part D drug plans. Their Gold Plus HMO and PPO plans consistently offer competitive premiums and robust drug formularies. Best for beneficiaries with significant prescription drug costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Medicare star ratings?
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) rates Medicare Advantage and Part D plans on a 1–5 star scale annually. Stars measure quality, performance, and member satisfaction. Plans with 4+ stars offer higher quality care and earn bonus payments — plans with low ratings can be terminated. Always choose a 4-star or higher plan when available in your area.
How do I compare Medicare plans in my area?
Medicare.gov's Plan Finder tool is the most comprehensive comparison resource — enter your ZIP code, medications, and preferred doctors to see all available plans ranked by total estimated annual cost. SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselors also provide free personalized guidance.
Can I switch Medicare plans every year?
Yes — Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 – December 7 annually. During this period, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change Part D drug plans, or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.