Medicare Advantage Plans in California 2026
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Data sourced from CMS.gov
California has the largest Medicare Advantage enrollment in the country by total numbers, with more than 3 million beneficiaries in private plans. Kaiser Permanente is the dominant carrier, particularly in Northern California and the Bay Area. Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco each have among the broadest plan selections in the country.
Plan availability varies by county. Enter your ZIP code to see the exact plans, premiums, and coverage available where you live in California.
What to Look for in a California Medicare Advantage Plan
- ✓ Whether your current doctors and specialists are in-network
- ✓ Drug formulary — does it cover your prescriptions at a reasonable cost?
- ✓ Monthly premium and annual out-of-pocket maximum
- ✓ Extra benefits: dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs
- ✓ Star rating — CMS rates plans from 1 to 5 stars based on quality and member experience
- ✓ HMO vs. PPO — HMOs require referrals and restrict out-of-network care; PPOs are more flexible
2026 Medicare Advantage Costs in California
| Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Monthly premium | $0 to $50 (many plans at $0) |
| Annual out-of-pocket maximum | Up to $9,350 in-network (2026 CMS limit) |
| Primary care visit copay | $0 to $20 typical |
| Specialist visit copay | $20 to $50 typical |
| Inpatient hospital stay | $250 to $350/day for first few days (varies by plan) |
| Part B premium (always required) | $202.90/month standard (2026) |
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap in California
California is a large, diverse Medigap market with premiums that vary significantly between rural Northern California and the major coastal metros. The state follows federal standardization rules, so plan benefits are identical regardless of which insurer you buy from.