Medicare Advantage Plans 2026
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Reviewed by Galit Sacajiu MD, MPH
Medicare Advantage (Part C) lets you get your Medicare coverage through a private insurer approved by Medicare. The plan must cover everything Original Medicare covers, and most plans add benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drugs.
More than 34 million Americans — over half of all Medicare beneficiaries — are enrolled in Medicare Advantage as of 2026. Plans are offered by insurers like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, among many others. The average monthly premium is $14, and many plans are available for $0 per month on top of your standard Part B premium.
What Medicare Advantage Covers
Every Medicare Advantage plan must cover all Part A and Part B services. Most plans go further and include:
Extra benefits vary by plan and location. Not every plan offers every benefit listed above.
Plan Types
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
You must use providers in the plan's network for non-emergency care. You typically need a referral to see a specialist. HMOs generally have the lowest premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
You can see any Medicare-accepting doctor, in or out of network. Out-of-network care costs more, but no referrals are required. PPOs offer more flexibility at a higher monthly premium.
SNP (Special Needs Plan)
Designed for people with specific chronic conditions (Chronic SNPs), people who are institutionalized (I-SNPs), or people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (D-SNPs). These plans tailor their benefits and drug formularies to the specific needs of their members.
PFFS (Private Fee-for-Service)
The plan sets its own payment rates. Any Medicare-approved provider who agrees to the plan's terms can treat you. Less common than HMO and PPO options.
2026 Costs
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average monthly plan premium | $14.00 |
| Plans available at $0/month | Many — varies by region |
| Maximum out-of-pocket (in-network) | Up to $9,350 |
| Maximum out-of-pocket (in + out of network) | Up to $14,000 |
| Part B premium (still required) | $202.90/month |
You continue paying your Part B premium ($202.90/month for most people) even when enrolled in Medicare Advantage. Some plans offer a Part B giveback benefit that reduces this premium.
How to Compare Plans
Plan availability and quality vary significantly by ZIP code. When comparing options in your area, look at these factors:
Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
| Medicare Advantage | Original Medicare + Medigap | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Often $0 plan premium | Part B + Medigap ($100-$300+/mo) |
| Doctor choice | In-network (HMO) or any (PPO) | Any Medicare-accepting doctor in the U.S. |
| Out-of-pocket risk | Capped annually (up to $9,350) | Capped by Medigap plan |
| Drug coverage | Usually included | Separate Part D plan required |
| Dental/Vision | Often included | Not included |
| Prior authorization | Often required | Not required |
| Best for | People who want one plan, want extras | People who travel, want any doctor |
When You Can Enroll
The best time to enroll. You can join an Advantage plan when you first become eligible for Medicare.
Open to everyone on Medicare. You can join, switch, or drop an Advantage plan. Changes take effect Jan 1.
If you're already in an Advantage plan, you can switch once or return to Original Medicare. New enrollments not permitted.
Moving, losing other coverage, gaining/losing Medicaid, or other qualifying events can trigger a special window to enroll or switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medicare Advantage the same as Medicare?+
Medicare Advantage is a way to get your Medicare benefits through a private insurer instead of through the federal government directly. You still have Medicare. The plan covers at least everything Original Medicare covers, and usually more. You pay premiums to the private insurer rather than (or in addition to) the standard Part B premium.
Can I keep my doctor with Medicare Advantage?+
It depends on the plan type and your doctor. HMO plans require you to use in-network providers. PPO plans let you see out-of-network doctors but at a higher cost. Before enrolling, check the plan's provider directory to confirm your primary care doctor and key specialists are in-network.
What happens if I need care when traveling?+
Most HMO plans only cover emergency and urgent care outside your service area. PPO plans give you more flexibility. If you travel frequently or split time between states, a PPO or a traditional Medicare plus Medigap combination gives you broader access to care.
Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans?+
Yes, during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 to Dec 7) you can switch plans, drop Advantage and return to Original Medicare, or join Advantage for the first time. There is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from Jan 1 to Mar 31 where you can make one change.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover prescriptions?+
Most do. Plans that include drug coverage are called MAPD plans (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans). A small number of plans do not include drug coverage, in which case you can enroll in a standalone Part D plan. Always verify drug coverage before you enroll.
What is a Medicare Advantage star rating?+
CMS rates each Medicare Advantage plan on a 1 to 5 star scale based on quality of care, customer service, member experience, and health outcomes. Five-star plans are rare and allow enrollment at any time of year. Aim for plans rated 3.5 stars or higher.
Find Plans by State
Plan availability, premiums, and networks vary by county. Select your state to see what's available where you live.