Written by Howard Yeh
Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer at HealthCare.com
Compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap Plans That Fit Your Needs
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Key Takeaways
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New York has 227 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, up from 218, and the average premium dropped to $30.79 a month.
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Two contracts earned 5 stars for 2027: an Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield contract in the NYC area and a UnitedHealthcare nursing home plan.
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Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Healthfirst enroll the most members. Excellus BCBS, CDPHP and MVP are strong upstate.
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Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027.
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The right plan depends on your county, doctors and prescriptions. Compare plans by ZIP code.
The best Medicare Advantage plan in New York for 2027 depends on where you live. Two New York contracts earned 5 stars for 2027: an Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield contract in the NYC area and a UnitedHealthcare nursing home plan. Among regional insurers, Independent Health and Highmark lead with 4.5-star contracts. Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Healthfirst enroll the most members, while Excellus BCBS, CDPHP and MVP compete hard upstate.
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan in New York means comparing benefits and networks county by county. Whether you’re shopping in NYC, Syracuse, Buffalo or Long Island, plan quality and local doctor networks help you narrow your options. For a broader look at plan availability, see our guide to New York Medicare Advantage plans.
Compare options HERE & start your health plan journey.
2027 at a Glance: Medicare Advantage in New York
- More plans: 227 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, up from 218 in 2026.
- Lower average premium: $30.79 a month, down from $36.19.
- $0-premium options: 100% of New Yorkers with Medicare can choose a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan.
- Stand-alone drug plans: 9 Part D plans, with premiums starting at $37.30 a month.
- When to shop: Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027.
Source: the CMS 2027 state fact sheet, released September 28, 2026. About 4.05 million New Yorkers have Medicare.
Comparison Table: Best Medicare Advantage Plans in NY (2027)
| Insurer | 2027 contract star rating | Share of NY Medicare Advantage enrollment |
| Aetna (CVS Health) | 3 to 4 | 18.6% |
| UnitedHealthcare | 3 to 5 | 18.1% |
| Healthfirst | 2.5 to 3.5 | 17.2% |
| Excellus BCBS (Lifetime Healthcare) | 3 to 4 | 12.0% (15.3% for all Lifetime Healthcare plans, including CDPHP) |
| Fidelis Care / Wellcare (Centene) | 3 | 7.5% |
| Humana | 3 | 5.4% |
| CDPHP | 3.5 | 3.4% |
| VNS Health | 4 | 3.3% |
| Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Elevance Health) | 3 to 5 | 3.3% |
| MVP Health Care | 3.5 | 2.7% |
| Independent Health | 4.5 | 2.1% |
| EmblemHealth | 3.5 to 4 | 1.7% |
| Highmark BCBS (Western & Northeastern NY) | 4 to 4.5 | 1.7% |
Star ratings are 2027 overall ratings released by CMS on October 8, 2026, for each insurer’s contracts that sell individual plans in New York for 2027. Enrollment shares: MedicareGuide analysis of CMS enrollment data, September 2026. Ratings apply to a contract, not a state, so confirm your exact plan’s rating on the Medicare.gov Plan Finder.
Top-Rated Medicare Advantage Plans in New York for 2027
Two New York-only contracts earned 5 stars for 2027. One is Anthem HP (H6988), which sells Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO-POS and D-SNP plans in NYC, Long Island, Westchester, Rockland and Orange. The other is a UnitedHealthcare nursing home plan (H2292). Independent Health (both contracts) and Highmark Western and Northeastern New York (one of two contracts) reached 4.5 stars.
The 4-star group includes Aetna’s multi-state PPO contract, Excellus BCBS (its largest contract), UnitedHealthcare of New York (one contract), Highmark’s HMO contract, EmblemHealth’s main contract, VNS Health, Hamaspik and MetroPlus Health, run by NYC Health + Hospitals. One multi-state contract sold in New York also scored 4.5. It is a UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete PPO D-SNP contract (H2001). UHC’s larger New York Dual Complete contract (H3387) is rated 4. Check what is sold in your county.
Nationally, the average 2027 rating for plans with drug coverage is 3.99, down from 4.01, per the CMS 2027 Star Ratings fact sheet. About 71% of enrollees in plans with drug coverage are in contracts rated 4 stars or higher.
Aetna Medicare (CVS Health): Best Overall for Statewide Coverage
Aetna has the largest share of New York Medicare Advantage members at 18.6%. Its New York HMO contract is rated 3 stars for 2027. Its multi-state PPO contract is rated 4. A third contract is rated 4.5, but in New York it covers only employer retiree plans.
Most Aetna plans include Part D drug coverage, and many add dental, vision, hearing, fitness, over-the-counter allowances and telehealth. Plan types include HMO, HMO-POS and PPO. Benefits vary by county.
UnitedHealthcare (UHC): Best for Network Size and Extra Member Benefits
UnitedHealthcare holds 18.1% of the market and offers a large provider network. Its main UnitedHealthcare of New York contracts are rated 3.5 and 4 stars for 2027.
Extras often include fitness memberships, virtual care and chronic condition support. UHC sells HMO-POS, PPO and special needs plans in New York. Its PPOs are local plans that cover specific counties.
Humana: Best for PPO Flexibility and Travel-Friendly Coverage
Humana holds 5.4% of the New York market, and both of its New York contracts are rated 3 stars for 2027. Its PPOs cover out-of-network providers at a higher cost, which helps if you travel or split time between states.
Many Humana plans include Part D plus routine dental, vision, hearing and fitness benefits. Some offer $0 primary care visits and low premiums, depending on your ZIP code.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield: Best for Upstate NY and Strong Local Networks
Excellus covers the Rochester, Central New York, Southern Tier and Utica regions, including North Country counties. In Western New York, it sells plans under the Univera Healthcare name. Its largest contract earned 4 stars for 2027, and its contracts range from 3 to 4.
For 2027, Excellus sells HMO, HMO-POS and HMO D-SNP plans to individuals, and most include Part D. It has no individual PPO plans listed for 2027. Extras such as dental, vision, hearing and fitness are common.
Healthfirst: Best for NYC and Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries
Healthfirst is a top choice in New York City, especially for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. It is the #1 insurer among individual (non-employer) Medicare Advantage plans in New York, with 20.3% of that market.
Its 2027 plans are offered in the five boroughs plus Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties, depending on the plan. Healthfirst offers $0-premium options and several dual-eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs). Its contracts are rated 2.5 to 3.5 stars, with its largest at 3.5.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield: Best for Western and Northeastern NY
Highmark sells plans as Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Western New York and Highmark Blue Shield in Northeastern New York. One of its two New York contracts earned 4.5 stars for 2027, and the other earned 4. Its HMOs are in the 4-star contract. The 4.5-star contract sells one individual plan for 2027, a Western NY PPO without drug coverage.
Plans focus on preventive care and stable local networks, and many include dental, vision and hearing benefits.
Independent Health: Best Star Ratings in Western NY
Independent Health serves Western New York, and both of its Medicare contracts earned 4.5 stars for 2027, tied for the highest among New York-based insurers. For 2027, it offers HMO, PPO and special needs plans to individuals.
EmblemHealth: Best for NYC and Long Island HMOs
EmblemHealth’s main contract earned 4 stars for 2027. Its 2027 lineup is all HMO, sold in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester, depending on the plan. Its VIP Dual plans are listed only for 2026, so current members should review their Annual Notice of Change.
See which plans, star ratings and $0-premium options are available in your county.
Best Options in NYC vs. Upstate New York
Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Fidelis Care sell in many parts of the state. The strongest local options depend on your region.
- New York City and nearby counties: Healthfirst, EmblemHealth, VNS Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. VNS Health’s contract earned 4 stars and includes dual-eligible plans. Anthem’s 5-star contract also sells here.
- Western NY: Independent Health (4.5 stars), Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (4 and 4.5 stars) and Univera Healthcare, part of Excellus.
- Rochester, Central NY, Southern Tier and North Country: Excellus BCBS.
- Capital Region and Northeastern NY: CDPHP and Highmark Blue Shield.
- Most of upstate and the Hudson Valley: MVP Health Care (3.5 stars), with HMO-POS, PPO and D-SNP plans.
Help Paying for Medicare in New York
New York’s Medicare Savings Program (MSP) can pay your Part B premium, and the QMB level also covers Medicare cost-sharing. There is no asset test. Since January 2023, income limits reach 138% of the poverty level for QMB and 186% for QI.
2026 monthly income limits are $1,856 single and $2,509 for a couple for QMB, and $2,494 and $3,375 for QI. If you qualify for an MSP, you also automatically get Extra Help with Part D costs.
EPIC, New York’s drug assistance program, helps residents 65 and older who have Part D or a Medicare Advantage drug plan. The Fee Plan covers incomes up to $20,000 single or $26,000 married, and the Deductible Plan up to $75,000 or $100,000. Copays run $3 to $20. Helpline: 1-800-332-3742.
What’s Changing for 2027
- More choice: 227 plans, up from 218.
- Lower premiums: the average New York premium drops to $30.79 from $36.19.
- A plan exit: iCircle, which offered a D-SNP in 14 New York counties, is leaving Medicare Advantage, according to Becker’s Payer Issues.
- Excellus PPOs end: Excellus has no individual PPO plans for 2027. About 72,000 New Yorkers were in one in September 2026. If that is you, check your Annual Notice of Change.
- Higher drug cost limits: the Part D out-of-pocket cap rises to $2,400 (from $2,100) and the standard deductible to $700 (from $615), per the CMS 2027 Rate Announcement.
The 2027 Part B premium has not been announced yet. Our Part D cost guide explains how the drug cap works.
How to Choose the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in New York
Compare doctors, medications and benefits in your county. Before enrolling:
1. Review your providers
Check that your doctors are in the network. HMOs require in-network care except for emergencies, HMO-POS plans allow some out-of-network care, and PPOs cover it at a higher cost.
2. Confirm prescription drug coverage
Compare formularies and cost tiers, and make sure each drug you take is covered in 2027.
3. Understand Medicare Advantage Part C
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare for hospital and medical care, and most plans include Part D. Our 2027 guide to comparing Medicare Advantage plans walks through each step.
4. Compare Star Ratings
Higher-rated plans tend to offer better long-term value. Check your plan’s contract rating, not just the insurer’s name.
5. Evaluate travel needs
If you travel often, a PPO may fit better than an HMO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Medicare Advantage plan in New York for 2027?
No single plan is best statewide. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and a UnitedHealthcare nursing home plan have the only 5-star New York contracts. Among regional insurers, Independent Health and Highmark lead at 4.5 stars. Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Healthfirst have the most members. The right plan depends on your county, doctors and drugs.
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in New York for 2027?
New York has 227 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, up from 218 in 2026. How many you can choose from depends on your county.
What are the best Medicare Advantage plans in NYC?
Healthfirst, EmblemHealth and VNS Health focus on New York City, and Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Anthem also sell there. Anthem’s NYC-area contract earned 5 stars for 2027. VNS Health and EmblemHealth’s main contract earned 4 stars for 2027.
Are there $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans in New York?
Yes. Every New Yorker with Medicare can choose at least one $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan in 2027. You generally still pay your Part B premium.
When can I enroll in or switch Medicare Advantage plans in New York?
Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make one change from January 1 to March 31, 2027, during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Learn how to change plans during AEP.
Talk with a licensed Medicare agent to compare plans in your county, from NYC to upstate.
Methodology
Star ratings come from CMS 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings data (October 8, 2026). Plan counts, premiums and $0-premium access come from the CMS state fact sheet (September 28, 2026). Enrollment shares come from CMS September 2026 enrollment files, and plan types and service areas from the CMS 2027 landscape file and carrier websites as of October 2026.
For national rankings, see our Best Medicare Advantage Companies 2027 analysis.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MedicareGuide.com or HealthCare, Inc.
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.
