Which Medicare Advantage Plans Should You Compare for 2027?

Choosing Medicare Advantage coverage for 2027 requires comparing more than monthly premiums. Different plans can offer different doctor networks, prescription drug benefits, hospital coverage, out-of-pocket limits and additional services.

Several national and regional insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans. However, availability and benefits depend on your county and ZIP code.

Here are five insurance companies and plan options worth comparing before choosing coverage for 2027.

1. Humana Medicare Advantage

Humana is one of the major Medicare Advantage providers in the United States. Its plans may include medical coverage, prescription drug benefits and additional services, depending on the specific plan.

Features to compare:

• HMO and PPO plan availability
• Monthly premiums and deductibles
• Prescription drug coverage
• Dental, vision and hearing benefits
• Primary care and specialist networks
• Annual out-of-pocket maximums

Some Humana plans offer $0 monthly premiums, but beneficiaries must still consider deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and other costs.

Humana is worth comparing if you want to evaluate different plan structures and additional benefits in your area.

2. Aetna Medicare Advantage

Aetna, part of CVS Health, offers Medicare Advantage plans in multiple U.S. markets.

Depending on the location and plan, benefits may include:

• Medical and hospital coverage
• Prescription drug benefits
• Preventive healthcare services
• Dental, vision and hearing coverage
• Fitness and wellness benefits
• Telehealth services

Aetna may be worth comparing if you want to review prescription coverage and access to participating pharmacies and healthcare providers.

Check whether your regular doctors, specialists and preferred hospitals participate in the specific plan you are considering.

3. UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage

UnitedHealthcare is another major Medicare Advantage provider, with a wide range of plan options in different markets.

Potential features include:

• HMO and PPO plans
• Prescription drug coverage
• Preventive healthcare benefits
• Dental and vision services
• Hearing benefits
• Fitness and wellness programs

Some UnitedHealthcare plans are available through its partnership with AARP, although membership and eligibility requirements depend on the specific offering.

Compare provider networks, prescription costs and out-of-pocket limits before selecting a plan.

4. Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage

Kaiser Permanente offers Medicare Advantage coverage in selected states and service areas.

Its approach generally combines health insurance coverage with care delivered through its integrated healthcare system.

Features to review:

• Access to Kaiser Permanente doctors and facilities
• Primary and specialist care
• Prescription drug benefits
• Preventive services
• Dental and vision benefits where included
• Monthly premiums and cost-sharing

Kaiser Permanente may be worth considering if its healthcare facilities and providers are conveniently located and meet your needs.

However, its network structure may offer less flexibility than some PPO plans. Check the service area and provider arrangements before enrolling.

5. Anthem and Other Regional Medicare Advantage Plans

Anthem, part of Elevance Health, offers Medicare Advantage coverage in selected markets. Other regional insurers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated organizations, may also provide plans in particular states and counties.

Potential benefits include:

• Local hospital and physician networks
• Prescription drug coverage
• Preventive healthcare services
• Dental, vision and hearing benefits
• Different HMO and PPO arrangements
• Additional wellness benefits

Regional plans may be worth comparing because their provider networks and benefits can differ from those of national insurers.

Check the exact insurance company and plan available in your county rather than assuming every Blue Cross Blue Shield organization offers the same coverage.

Compare These Medicare Advantage Providers for 2027

These are companies to research, not a universal ranking of the best Medicare Advantage plans. The actual plan matters more than the insurer's name.

What Are the Important Medicare Advantage Changes for 2027?

CMS has published the 2027 Medicare Advantage availability and quality-rating information.

Some important figures include:

• Access to plans: More than 99% of Medicare beneficiaries are expected to have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan.
• Plan choices: Approximately 97% are expected to have access to 10 or more Medicare Advantage options.
• Average monthly premium: CMS projects a weighted average monthly premium of approximately $12 across Medicare Advantage plans, including plans with prescription coverage and Special Needs Plans.
• Quality ratings: Approximately 37% of Medicare Advantage prescription drug contracts earned four stars or higher for 2027.

The projected $12 average is not the price of every plan. Some plans charge higher premiums, and even a $0-premium plan can involve deductibles, copayments and other expenses.

What Should You Check Before Choosing a 2027 Plan?

1. Monthly Premiums

Compare the monthly premium for each plan. Also check whether you must pay the standard Medicare Part B premium separately.

2. Doctor and Hospital Networks

Confirm that your primary care doctor, specialists and preferred hospitals are included in the plan's network.

3. Prescription Drug Coverage

Review the plan's formulary to confirm that your medications are covered. Compare drug tiers, deductibles, copayments and preferred pharmacy arrangements.

4. Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum

Medicare Advantage plans have an annual limit on out-of-pocket spending for covered Medicare Part A and Part B services. Compare this limit because it can affect your financial exposure if you need extensive medical care.

5. Additional Benefits

Some plans offer extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs and transportation services. Check the actual coverage limits, participating providers and restrictions.

6. CMS Star Ratings

Medicare assigns plans quality ratings from one to five stars. These ratings measure areas such as customer service, care coordination, preventive services and prescription drug management.

For 2027, CMS reported that 15 Medicare Advantage prescription drug contracts received five stars. Remember that ratings are contract-specific and do not mean every plan from the same insurance company has the same rating.

When Can You Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan for 2027?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for 2027 coverage runs from:

• October 15, 2026: Enrollment begins.
• December 7, 2026: Enrollment deadline.
• January 1, 2027: New coverage generally begins.

People already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan may also have an opportunity to make a change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, from January 1 through March 31, 2027. This period generally allows eligible individuals to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and join a Part D plan.

You can compare available plans using the official Medicare Plan Finder. Enter your ZIP code, medications and preferred pharmacies to see the options available in your area.

Final Thoughts

Humana, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser Permanente and Anthem are five insurance companies worth comparing when researching Medicare Advantage coverage for 2027.

However, the most suitable plan depends on your location, healthcare providers, prescription medications, budget and expected medical needs.

Compare the actual plan benefits, provider networks, premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket limits and CMS Star Ratings before enrolling. A plan with a low monthly premium may not necessarily provide the coverage or provider access you need.