Medicare Advantage Plans 2026
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Reviewed by Galit Sacajiu MD, MPH
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. More than 34 million Americans — over half of all Medicare enrollees — choose Medicare Advantage.
What Medicare Advantage Covers
All Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything that Original Medicare Parts A and B cover. Most plans also include additional benefits:
Plan Types
HMO — Health Maintenance Organization
You must use in-network doctors and get referrals for specialists. Generally the lowest-cost option.
PPO — Preferred Provider Organization
You can see any doctor (higher cost for out-of-network). No referrals required. More flexibility.
PFFS — Private Fee-for-Service
The plan decides how much it pays doctors. You can see any Medicare-approved provider who accepts the plan's payment terms.
SNP — Special Needs Plan
Designed for people with specific diseases (chronic conditions), institutionalized individuals, or dual eligibles (Medicare + Medicaid).
2026 Costs
- Average monthly premium$14.00
- In-network out-of-pocket maxUp to $9,350
- Many plans available at$0/month
Find Plans by State
Medicare Advantage plan availability and costs vary significantly by county. Select your state to see available plans.