How We Reviewed These Plans
We evaluated each Medicare Advantage insurer on network size, extra benefits, star ratings, and member satisfaction trends. Coverage and pricing vary by county, so always compare plans available specifically in your ZIP code — the same insurer's plan can look very different from one region to the next.
Insurer Ratings
| Insurer | Rating | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | ⭐ 4.6 | Largest network, AARP-branded plans | Plan quality varies significantly by region |
| Humana | ⭐ 4.5 | Strong extra-benefits packages | Fewer $0-premium plans in some areas |
| Kaiser Permanente | ⭐ 4.7 | Highest member satisfaction, integrated care | Only available in select states/regions |
| Aetna (CVS Health) | ⭐ 4.4 | Convenient CVS pharmacy integration | Network breadth varies by county |
| Cigna | ⭐ 4.3 | Simpler, more streamlined plan structures | Smaller overall Medicare Advantage footprint |
UnitedHealthcare — Largest Overall Enrollment
UnitedHealthcare, partnered with AARP-branded plans, has the largest Medicare Advantage enrollment in the country, giving it broad plan availability nationwide — though specific plan quality and extra benefits can vary a lot by county.
Kaiser Permanente — Highest Satisfaction
Kaiser Permanente consistently earns some of the highest member satisfaction and star ratings among Medicare Advantage insurers, thanks to its integrated care model, though availability is limited to the states and regions where Kaiser operates directly.
Humana — Best for Extra Benefits
Humana is known for packing its Medicare Advantage plans with extra benefits — dental, vision, hearing, and sometimes meal delivery or over-the-counter allowances — making it a strong option for members who want to maximize non-medical benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — Medicare Advantage plans are rated individually by Medicare on a 1–5 star scale, and quality can vary significantly even within the same insurer depending on your specific plan and county.
Medicare's official plan comparison tool at medicare.gov lets you look up the current star rating and specific benefits for any plan available in your ZIP code.
The specific plan matters more than the insurer's overall reputation — compare the actual plan's network, drug formulary, and star rating for your area rather than relying on brand name alone.