Best Medicare Advantage Plans in NY for 2026

Top Medicare Advantage Plans by Category in NY

As the Medicare landscape in New York evolves for 2026, beneficiaries have access to an array of high-quality Medicare Advantage plans that are tailored to diverse healthcare needs. To identify the Best Medicare Advantage Plans New York 2026, it’s essential to consider providers’ Star Ratings, coverage specifics, additional member benefits, and value within each plan category.

Best Overall Medicare Advantage Providers in New York

In 2026, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare lead the pack for comprehensive Medicare Advantage coverage throughout New York State. Aetna is known for best overall value, enhanced benefits, and robust statewide coverage. UnitedHealthcare is recognized for its extensive provider network and supplemental benefits such as fitness memberships and virtual care services.

Best HMO, PPO, and HMO-POS Plans

Plan Type	Top Option	Key Features
HMO	CDPHP Medicare Advantage (HMO)	$135/month premium, $6,000 MOOP, 4.5 Star CMS rating
PPO	Independent Health (PPO)	$59/month premium, $9,250 MOOP, 4.5 Star CMS rating
HMO-POS	Wellcare	Affordable premiums, 3.0 CMS Star Rating

Zero Premium Medicare Advantage NY

Thanks to highly competitive markets and CMS support, many of the largest carriers-including Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana-offer zero premium Medicare plans in New York. For instance, the AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0012 (PPO) offers a $0 monthly premium, emphasizing cost-savings for budget-conscious beneficiaries. These plans generally include essential medical and hospital coverage but often add dental, vision, and hearing benefits.

Medicare Advantage for Special Needs and Dual-Eligible

Beneficiaries who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid can consider D-SNP (Dual-eligible Special Needs Plans). The Anthem HealthPlus Full Dual Advantage LTSS 2 (HMO D-SNP) is a 5-star-rated plan that provides best-in-class support for dual-eligible members, including tailored case management and extra financial protections.

Regional Coverage: Statewide, NYC, and Upstate

When you compare Medicare Advantage NY options, plan availability and network access can vary by county and ZIP code. CDPHP and Independent Health provide outstanding options in both urban and upstate regions, while Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is a strong contender upstate. In New York City, Healthfirst and Empire BlueCross BlueShield offer diverse plans with deep provider networks and culturally competent benefits.

5-Star Rated Medicare Advantage Plans Available

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS Star Ratings) are a key indicator of Medicare plan quality, measuring factors such as member satisfaction, preventive care, and chronic condition management. For 2026, several 5-star and 4.5-star plans stand out in New York:

• Anthem HealthPlus Full Dual Advantage LTSS 2 (HMO D-SNP) – 5 Star
• Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS) – 5 Star
• CDPHP Medicare Advantage (HMO) – 4.5 Star, $135/month, $6,000 MOOP
• Independent Health (PPO) – 4.5 Star, $59/month, $9,250 MOOP

Choosing a 5-star plan allows for a special “5-Star Enrollment Period” typically from December 8 through November 30 of the following year, giving members with lower-rated plans a unique opportunity to upgrade their coverage at any time during this window.

Plans with higher Star Ratings tend to deliver superior customer service, fewer complaints, and better health outcomes. For details about how CMS Star Ratings affect your coverage and hospital billing, check out our guide on the Medicare 72 Hour Rule.

Key Factors for Selecting a Medicare Advantage Plan in New York

Determining the Best Medicare Advantage Plan NY for your specific needs means weighing several important criteria:

Provider Network Strength

Always verify that your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals participate in the plan’s provider network. This ensures continuity of care and prevents out-of-network costs. Partnering with a New York state licensed insurance agent is an excellent way to confirm up-to-date provider directories and network strength.

Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)

Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D drug coverage, but formulary inclusions and cost-sharing can differ. Confirm that all your prescription medications are covered, and review the plan’s pharmacy network. For more tips on signing up for drug coverage, see our FAQ: When Can You Sign Up for Medicare Part D?

Plan Benefits Beyond Medical Coverage

Modern plans frequently provide valuable supplemental benefits like:

• Preventive and comprehensive dental care, including crowns and dentures
• Vision coverage for eye exams and glasses
• Routine and advanced hearing care plus hearing aids
• Fitness memberships (e.g., SilverSneakers)
• Telehealth services for virtual primary care and behavioral health
• Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances

For example, UnitedHealthcare offers extensive telehealth and fitness benefits that can provide significant value, especially in urban environments like NYC.

Plan Star Ratings and Member Satisfaction Scores

High CMS plan ratings (4.0+ Stars) typically reflect strong performance on clinical care, patient experience, and preventive services. Opting for a plan with a higher Star Rating can mean better access to care and greater peace of mind. Explore our resources on coverage details and preventive screenings, such as How Often Will Medicare Pay for a Colonoscopy?

Cost Protection: Premiums, MOOP, and Deductibles

Examine a plan’s premium, MOOP (Maximum Out-of-Pocket), and deductible structures to ensure affordability and predictable costs. Dual-eligible members and those who need frequent care should pay particular attention to these figures.

Average Premiums and Cost Considerations for 2026

There is significant variety in premiums and cost-sharing structures across New York’s Medicare Advantage plans in 2026.

Monthly Premiums

A wide selection of plans offer zero-premium Medicare Advantage NY options-an attractive feature for budget-minded residents. However, some plans, depending on supplemental benefits or network breadth, can rise to $199.20/month. Notable examples include:

• AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0012 (PPO): $0/month
• Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO): $54/month
• CDPHP Medicare Advantage (HMO): $135/month

Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) and Deductibles

The MOOP-the highest amount you could pay for covered care in a year-ranges from $3,000 to $9,250 annually, with a median around $6,300. Deductibles can vary, but many NY plans keep them low ($0 to $615 depending on the plan type and level of supplemental coverage).

Value Comparisons: Premiums vs. Benefits

Many zero-premium and low-premium plans still include rich supplemental benefits such as dental, hearing, and vision, but higher premium plans may offer broader provider networks or lower cost-sharing for complex services. To maximize your value, compare Medicare Advantage Plans in NY based on your unique medical usage and coverage needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about NY Medicare Advantage Plans

Who Is Eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan in New York?

To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must:

• Have Medicare Parts A and B
• Reside in the plan’s service area
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident for at least five years

New York is a guaranteed issue state, so seniors can later switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan without medical underwriting. Learn more about this flexibility by reading What Is the Best Secondary Insurance with Medicare?

When Can I Enroll or Change My Plan?

Enrollment periods include:

• Initial Enrollment Period: Around your 65th birthday
• Annual Open Enrollment: October 15 – December 7 each year
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31
• Special Enrollment Periods: For qualifying situations (moving, losing coverage, etc.)

For step-by-step enrollment advice, refer to our comprehensive guide, How to Get Medicare.

How Many Plans Are Available in New York?

In 2026, there are 27 different Medicare Advantage providers in New York, offering over 218 plan variations across counties. Leading companies include Aetna, Anthem, CDPHP, Humana, Independent Health, UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare, Excellus BCBS, Healthfirst, and Highmark. Differences in network, cost, and benefits can be significant depending on your location in New York City, Upstate, or Long Island.

What Should I Consider When Comparing Medicare Advantage Plans?

Focus on:

• Provider network access and your preferred doctors/hospitals
• Total cost of coverage, including premiums, deductibles, and MOOP
• Prescription drug coverage and covered medications
• Availability and generosity of dental, vision, hearing, and OTC benefits
• CMS Star Ratings and quality indicators
• Ability to switch to or from Medigap if your needs change

Why Are More New Yorkers Choosing Medicare Advantage?

Over half of all eligible New York seniors now select Medicare Advantage plans for their extra benefits, cost-savings, and annual out-of-pocket protection. Plan offerings continue to expand, with rising Star Ratings and a focus on member satisfaction, comprehensive coverage, and preventive care services. For more on how preventive care and coverage work, see our resource: How Often Will Medicare Pay for a Colonoscopy?

Do Plan Benefits and Star Ratings Change Each Year?

Yes. Medicare Advantage plans are updated annually. Coverage, drug formularies, out-of-pocket costs, and Star Ratings can all change for 2026. It’s recommended that beneficiaries review their Annual Notice of Change and use the open enrollment periods to compare plans to ensure best value and ongoing coverage for their providers and medications.