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Best-Rated Medicare Advantage Plans for 2024 Guide

Written By: William Rivers
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: July 23, 2024
Last updated: September 30, 2024

We've combed through the data and found some of the best-rated Medicare Advantage plans for 2024. UnitedHealthcare stands out with the largest provider network, high CMS ratings, and benefits like meal delivery and low insulin costs. Humana offers roughly 9,400 zero-premium plans with drug coverage and competitive insulin pricing. Aetna brings extensive dental, vision, and hearing coverage, while Blue Cross Blue Shield is known for strong local support and diverse plans. Highmark excels in member experience with all-encompassing healthcare options. With these top choices, you're on your way to finding the perfect plan tailored to your needs.

Key Takeaways

  • UnitedHealthcare offers extensive provider networks, high CMS Star Ratings, and AARP partnership benefits.
  • Humana provides 9,400 zero-dollar premium plans, competitive insulin pricing, and a 3.9-member experience star rating.
  • Aetna includes meal delivery and extensive dental, vision, and hearing coverage, with varying satisfaction ratings by market.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield has strong local support, high CMS Star Ratings, and diverse plan options across 48 states and Puerto Rico.

Top Medicare Advantage Companies

When evaluating top Medicare Advantage companies, Humana and United Healthcare stand out due to their impressive star ratings and extensive plan offerings. As two of the best private insurance companies, they both deliver a range of benefits that cater to diverse needs.

Humana, a leading Medicare Advantage provider, boasts a member experience star rating of 3.9 out of 5, reflecting strong care accessibility and coordination. This rating, given by CMS, underscores Humana's dedication to member satisfaction.

Humana also offers expansive coverage options, including approximately 9,400 zero-dollar premium plans available in most states (excluding Maryland and Wyoming). Many of these plans include drug coverage, making it a top-rated drug provider as well. The overall benefit of these plans is significant, especially for those looking for cost-effective solutions.

Meanwhile, United Healthcare shines with a 4 out of 5-star drug plan rating, focusing on high-quality prescription drug coverage. Their partnership with Optum Home Delivery ensures there's no copay for tier 1 and tier 2 prescriptions, enhancing affordability.

Both companies offer insulin costs as low as $35 monthly, demonstrating their dedication to keeping premiums and out-of-pocket costs manageable. Overall, these providers excel in delivering thorough and satisfying Medicare Advantage plans.

UnitedHealthcare Highlights

UnitedHealthcare Highlights for Medicare

Let's explore why UnitedHealthcare stands out as a top choice for Medicare Advantage plans in 2024. One of the key reasons is their extensive provider network, the largest among Medicare Advantage plans, ensuring that we've access to a wide range of healthcare professionals and facilities. This expansive network makes it easier for members to find and receive care without hassle.

UnitedHealthcare consistently receives high ratings, boasting a strong CMS Star Rating that reflects their commitment to quality and member satisfaction. Their partnership with AARP further enhances their offerings, providing additional benefits and resources that cater specifically to the needs of older adults.

In terms of inclusive coverage, UnitedHealthcare excels by including a plethora of extra benefits. Members can take advantage of meal delivery services, which can be especially helpful during recovery from an illness or surgery. Additionally, their plans often include dental and vision coverage, addressing essential aspects of our overall health that are sometimes overlooked.

Aetna Benefits

Aetna's Medicare Advantage plans offer a wide range of benefits that extend beyond basic medical coverage. We appreciate how Aetna includes extra perks like meal delivery, which can be a significant help during recovery from illness or surgery.

Additionally, their plans often come with extensive dental coverage, vision coverage, and hearing coverage, making it easier for members to manage all their healthcare needs under one umbrella.

However, it's worth mentioning that customer satisfaction with Aetna's Medicare Advantage plans can vary. Some markets have reported customer satisfaction ratings below the industry average, which could influence your decision if consistent quality and service are top priorities for you.

While Aetna does offer a moderate percentage of high-rated plans, member satisfaction and accessibility to these highly rated options can differ depending on your location.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Overview

In our exploration of Medicare Advantage options, Blue Cross Blue Shield stands out for its wide availability and detailed coverage. Present in 48 states and Puerto Rico, this provider offers a vast geographic presence and a variety of plan options to meet diverse healthcare needs.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is part of the Highmark family, which is known for its high CMS Star Rating and above-average member satisfaction ratings.

One of the key strengths of Blue Cross Blue Shield's Medicare Advantage plans is their inclusive coverage options. These plans are designed to cater to a broad range of healthcare requirements, supported by a strong local support system. Whether you're looking for basic medical coverage or more specialized care, there's likely a plan that fits your needs.

To summarize its standout features, consider the following:

  1. Wide Availability: Coverage in 48 states and Puerto Rico.
  2. Strong Support: The local support system ensures personalized help.
  3. High Ratings: High CMS Star Rating and favorable member satisfaction ratings.
  4. Detailed Plans: Diverse plan options that address various healthcare needs.

Choosing Blue Cross Blue Shield means accessing a reliable network that combines extensive coverage with high-quality service.

Humana Advantages

Humana Advantages of Medicare

Humana's Medicare Advantage plans stand out for their high member satisfaction and extensive, cost-effective options. With a member experience star rating of 3.9 out of 5, Humana excels in care accessibility, specialist visits, and care coordination. This high rating shows that our members are generally pleased with the services they receive.

One of the highlights of Humana's offerings is the availability of around 9,400 zero-dollar premium plans in most states, excluding Maryland and Wyoming. These plans provide a significant cost-saving opportunity for beneficiaries. Most of these zero-dollar premium plans include drug coverage, adding more value and convenience for members who need prescription medications.

Additionally, Humana addresses the financial burden of insulin costs by offering prices as low as $35 per month for most plans. This is a considerable benefit for those managing diabetes.

While United Healthcare offers no copay for tier 1 and tier 2 prescriptions through Optum Home Delivery, Humana's competitive pricing on insulin and inclusive drug coverage make our plans highly attractive.

Highmark Features

Highmark's Medicare Advantage plans stand out for their high CMS Star Rating and exceptional member experience. As part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield family, Highmark has established a reputation for top-tier quality care and extensive coverage. Our plans are tailored to meet the diverse healthcare needs of Medicare beneficiaries, ensuring that everyone receives the assistance they require.

Highmark's strengths include:

  1. High CMS Star Rating: Our plans consistently receive high ratings, demonstrating our dedication to quality care and member satisfaction.
  2. Exceptional Member Experience Rating: We prioritize our members' experiences, ensuring they've positive interactions and receive the assistance they require.
  3. Extensive Coverage Options: From preventative care to specialized treatments, our plans cover a wide range of healthcare services.
  4. Access to a Large Network of Healthcare Providers: With a strong network of providers, members can easily find the care they need without inconvenience.

Our commitment to customer service is evident in every aspect of our Medicare Advantage plans. We recognize that navigating healthcare can be complex, and we're here to make it as seamless as possible. By choosing Highmark, you're selecting a plan that addresses your healthcare needs with excellence and compassion.

5-Star Plans by State

As we explore the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans for 2024 across different states, it's crucial to consider factors like service coverage, premium costs, and provider network size. These elements have a significant impact on the quality and accessibility of healthcare services our seniors receive.

In 2024, the best-rated Medicare Advantage plans are carefully evaluated based on CMS star ratings, which reflect the overall performance and satisfaction associated with each plan. Insurance companies must offer plans in at least 10 states to qualify for consideration. This ensures that the plans have a wide reach and can serve a substantial number of beneficiaries.

When comparing Medicare Advantage plans by state, we notice that the provider network size can vary, influencing the choice of doctors and specialists available to enrollees. Monthly premiums also vary, affecting the out-of-pocket costs for individuals.

Additionally, the coverage of services like physical rehabilitation, ambulance use, dental care, and vision services can be a determining factor for many.

Selecting the Best Plan

Selecting the Best Plan of Medicare

When choosing the best Medicare Advantage plan, we start by understanding our priorities and evaluating the criteria that matter most to us. Here's a step-by-step approach:

  1. CMS Star Ratings: These ratings reflect the quality of care and customer satisfaction. About 7% of plans achieved a 5-star rating in 2024, available in 29 states and Puerto Rico.
  2. Costs: Assess premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums to comprehend the financial impact.
  3. Medication Coverage: Verify that the plan covers our required prescriptions and check for any restrictions.
  4. Preferred Doctors: Confirm our healthcare providers are within the plan's network to avoid additional costs.

NerdWallet's top picks for 2024 include UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and Highmark. Each has unique plan benefits and coverage areas worth considering.

Delving into plan details and comparing Medicare Advantage plans will help us find the right fit based on our individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in 2024?

We believe the best Medicare Advantage plan in 2024 depends on individual needs. UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and Highmark are top-rated, offering excellent coverage and benefits like dental, vision, and $0-premium options.

What Is the Proposed Medicare Advantage Rate for 2024?

We're looking at a proposed Medicare Advantage rate increase of 2.53% for 2024. This is a jump from the 1.25% growth rate in 2023. Rates will be finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in April.

What States Have 5-Star Medicare Advantage Plans?

We can find 5-star Medicare Advantage plans in 29 states and Puerto Rico in 2024. Since availability varies, let's research specific states to guarantee we're choosing the best plan for our needs and location.

What Is the Star Rating for United Healthcare in 2024?

United Healthcare received a 4 out of 5-star rating for their drug plans in 2024. Their strong provider network, affordable prescriptions, and zero-dollar premium plans make them a solid choice for many of us seeking coverage.

Conclusion

In choosing the best Medicare Advantage plan, we must consider our unique needs and preferences. UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and Highmark all offer compelling options with distinct benefits.

By examining the 5-star plans available in our state, we can confirm we're selecting a top-rated plan that fits our lifestyle.

Let's take the time to review our options and make an informed decision for a healthier, more secure future.

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William Rivers is an editor with a master’s degree in Human Services Counseling at Maine State University. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the senior healthcare industry.

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