Written by Michael LaPick
Healthcare Writer
We aim to help you make informed healthcare decisions. While this post may contain links to lead generation forms, this won’t influence our writing. We follow strict editorial standards to give you the most accurate and unbiased information.
Key Takeaways
- Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana lead 2026 for quality, satisfaction, and statewide reach.
- Nonprofit carriers like SCAN Health Plan and Blue Shield of California focus on preventive and community-based care.
- CMS Star Ratings and J.D. Power scores highlight performance and satisfaction levels.
- Most major insurers offer Special Needs Plans (SNPs) for dual-eligible or chronic-condition members.
- Always compare coverage and networks by county before enrolling.
Overview
If you’re comparing the best Medicare Advantage plans in California for 2026, this guide will help you make sense of the options. More than 3 million Californians receive their Medicare coverage through Medicare Advantage (Part C), which combines Original Medicare (Part A – hospital insurance and Part B – medical insurance), often prescription drug coverage, and additional benefits under one plan.
To help you choose wisely, our MedicareGuide.com experts analyzed CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and J.D. Power data to spotlight California’s top-rated plans for 2026.
You’ll find side-by-side comparisons of plan ratings, satisfaction, and key benefits.
For a broader rundown of how these plans work, see our California Medicare Advantage Plans guide.
Compare options HERE & start your health plan journey.
2026 Medicare Advantage Plans in California – Comparison Overview
| Carrier | J.D. Power Score | 2026 CMS Star Rating (Part C) | Special Need Plan (SNP) Availability | Service Areas (Counties / Regions in CA) | Core Coverage Structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente | 675 | 4.5 Stars | Yes | Northern and Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco | Integrated HMO model where hospitals, physicians, and pharmacies work under one system for coordinated care |
| UnitedHealthcare | 586 | 4 Stars | Yes | Statewide availability across major metro and suburban counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and Sacramento | HMO and PPO plan options with broad national and regional networks; flexible provider access |
| Humana | 578 | 3.5 Stars | Yes | Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, Kern, Fresno, Sacramento | Offers both HMO and PPO plans, emphasizing preventive and wellness benefits with national network access |
| SCAN Health Plan | 672 | 4 Stars | Yes | Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, San Diego, Stanislaus, San Mateo | Nonprofit HMO focused on seniors; community-based care with integrated wellness and transportation services |
| Alignment Health Plan | 658 | 4 Stars | Yes | Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Placer, Yolo, Marin | HMO plans with personalized concierge and virtual-care services through the “Alignment Care Anywhere” model |
| Blue Shield of California | 631 | 3.5 Stars | No | Bay Area, Central Coast, Los Angeles Metro, Inland Empire, Sacramento regions | HMO and PPO plans; nonprofit structure focused on preventive care, virtual health, and statewide access |
| Anthem Blue Cross (Elevance) | 570 | 3 Stars | Yes | Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Tulare, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino | Offers HMO, PPO, and POS plan options; broad networks with bundled benefits and prepaid card allowances |
| Wellcare (Centene) | 613 | 3 Stars | No | Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, Fresno, Kern, Sacramento | Primarily, HMO plans focused on affordability, essential coverage, and simplified benefits structure |
Kaiser Permanente – Best for Coordinated, High-Quality Care
Regions Covered: Northern and Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Sacramento, Bay Area)
Kaiser Permanente consistently ranks among the best Medicare Advantage plans in California, earning 4.5 Stars and a J.D. Power score of 675. Its integrated HMO system connects doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies under one network for streamlined care.
Highlights
- Unified network and shared electronic records
- Prescription drug coverage included
- Optional dental, vision, and hearing add-ons
- Strong preventive and chronic-care programs
Explore more about this plan provider in our Kaiser Permanente health insurance review.
UnitedHealthcare – Best for Network Size and Flexibility
Regions Covered: Statewide — including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and Sacramento
UnitedHealthcare offers one of the most widely available Medicare Advantage plans in California, balancing accessibility with robust benefits. With a 4-Star CMS rating, it provides extensive HMO and PPO options, making it ideal for those who split their time between regions.
If you travel seasonally, explore our guide to the best Medicare plans for travelers and snowbirds.
Highlights
- Large doctor and hospital network
- Dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits
- Virtual care and 24/7 nurse line
- Dual-eligible and chronic SNPs
Explore more about this plan provider in our UnitedHealthcare health insurance review.
Compare options HERE & start your health plan journey.
Humana – Best for Extra Benefits and Wellness Programs
Regions Covered: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, Kern, Fresno, Sacramento
Humana emphasizes flexibility and preventive care, earning 3.5 Stars for 2026. Its plans offer a rich mix of wellness and supplemental benefits, helping it stand out among the best Medicare Advantage plans in California.
Highlights
- Dental, vision, and hearing benefits
- Fitness and wellness allowances
- “Part B give-back” options in some counties
- SNP availability for eligible members
Explore more about this plan provider in our Humana health insurance review.
SCAN Health Plan – Best for Senior-Centered Community Care
Regions Covered: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, San Diego, Stanislaus, San Mateo
SCAN Health Plan, a nonprofit based in California, maintains a 4-Star rating and high J.D. Power score (672). It focuses on senior independence and community engagement.
Highlights
- Dental, vision, hearing, and OTC benefits
- Community wellness and transportation support
- Culturally tailored plans for diverse members
- Dual and chronic SNP coverage
Alignment Health Plan – Best for Tech-Enabled Personalized Support
Regions Covered: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Placer, Yolo, Marin
Alignment Health Plan delivers personalized, digital-first healthcare through its Alignment Care Anywhere platform. With 4 Stars, it’s one of California’s most innovative Medicare Advantage carriers.
Highlights
- 24/7 telehealth and home-based care
- OTC and grocery benefits
- Chronic-condition management
- SNPs available in most regions
Blue Shield of California – Best for Preventive Care and Statewide Access
Regions Covered: Bay Area, Central Coast, Los Angeles Metro, Inland Empire, Sacramento
Blue Shield of California, another nonprofit leader, holds a 3.5-Star rating and a focus on wellness and virtual access.
Highlights
- SilverSneakers® fitness and Teladoc® virtual visits
- Dental, vision, hearing coverage
- Strong provider network statewide
Explore more about this plan provider in our Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance review.
Anthem Blue Cross (Elevance Health) – Best for Comprehensive Benefits and Flexibility
Regions Covered: Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Tulare, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino
Anthem Blue Cross offers HMO, PPO, and POS options with integrated extras. Its 3-Star rating and wide coverage make it a reliable choice for many Californians.
Highlights
- Prepaid benefit cards for groceries and utilities
- Dental, vision, hearing, OTC benefits
- SNP plans for dual and chronic members
Explore more about this plan provider in our Anthem Blue Cross health insurance review.
Wellcare (by Centene) – Best for Affordable Simplified Coverage
Regions Covered: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, Fresno, Kern, Sacramento
Wellcare delivers straightforward, low-cost Medicare Advantage plans with essential benefits.
Highlights
- Simplified HMO plans with drug coverage
- Dental, vision, hearing, and OTC benefits
- Wellness and fitness extras
Explore more about this plan provider in our WellCare health insurance review.
Methodology
This ranking of the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in California uses verified data from CMS Part C Performance Data, J.D. Power, and each carrier’s official website (as of November 2025).
Key Factors Included
- CMS Star Ratings: Measured quality and member experience. Learn how star ratings affect these plans in our 2026 Medicare Advantage Star Ratings Changes report.
- Satisfaction Scores: Based on J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Medicare Advantage Study.
- Plan Benefits: Assessed dental, vision, hearing, OTC, and fitness offerings.
For a national overview, visit our Best Medicare Advantage Companies 2026 report.
Bottom Line
For 2026, Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana offer the best Medicare Advantage plans in California, combining high satisfaction and strong Star Ratings.
Nonprofit carriers like SCAN and Blue Shield excel in preventive and community care, while Alignment Health Plan leads in tech-enabled innovation.
For value-seekers, Anthem Blue Cross and Wellcare remain affordable alternatives.
Review how these carriers compare nationally in our Best Medicare Advantage Companies 2026 analysis.
Compare Plans and Get Help
You can compare Medicare Advantage plans in California or get personalized quotes at Healthcare.com.
For individual guidance, speak with a licensed medicare agent to review 2026 plans and coverage options near you.
Shop for a Medicare plan with additional benefits!
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