Best Medicare Advantage Plans in New York 2026

Overview

Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan in New York requires understanding your healthcare needs and comparing plan features, benefits, and networks across counties. Whether you’re shopping in NYC, Syracuse, Buffalo, or Long Island, reviewing plan quality and financial stability helps you narrow down your options. For a broader look at plan availability, visit our guide to New York Medicare Advantage plans.

This ranking uses 2026 Medicare Star Ratings, member experience scores, and A.M. Best evaluations of each carrier’s financial strength.

Comparison Table: Best Medicare Advantage Plans in NY (2026)

Aetna Medicare (CVS Health) — Best overall for value, benefits, and statewide coverage

Aetna ranks highly this year thanks to strong Medicare Advantage Star Ratings, broad availability across New York, and plans focused on affordability and ease of use.

Consumer Overview

• Affordable plans backed by CVS Health

• Broad New York provider network

• Many plans include dental, vision, hearing, fitness (SilverSneakers), OTC allowances, and telehealth

• Most plans combine Medicare Parts A & B with Part D drug coverage

• Benefits vary by county; some NYC plans offer $0 premiums, $0 PCP copays, and a $9,250 MOOP

• Strong wellness support, including chronic condition management and virtual care

Plan Types

• HMO: In-network care only (except emergencies); referrals may be required

• HMO-POS: HMO benefits plus limited out-of-network access (higher cost)

• PPO: Use in- or out-of-network providers; no referrals required (higher cost out-of-network)

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) — Best for network size and extra member benefits

UnitedHealthcare offers one of New York’s largest provider networks and strong supplemental benefits like fitness programs and virtual care.

Consumer Overview

• Access to a broad network of doctors and hospitals for flexibility and convenience

• Extra perks: fitness memberships, virtual care, and coordinated support for chronic conditions

• Medicare Advantage plans typically include added benefits beyond Original Medicare, often with integrated Part D drug coverage

• Plan availability varies by location

Plan Types

• HMO: Local provider network; must stay in-network except for emergencies; some plans don’t require specialist referrals

• HMO-POS: HMO features plus limited out-of-network coverage (usually higher cost); some plans allow out-of-network dental only; referrals may not be required

• PPO: In- and out-of-network flexibility (higher cost out-of-network); no referrals needed

• Local PPO vs. RPPO: Local plans cover specific counties; RPPO plans span larger regions with uniform premiums, benefits, and cost-sharing

Humana — Best for PPO flexibility and travel-friendly coverage

Humana offers Medicare Advantage plans across the U.S., emphasizing broad extra benefits, strong network access, and competitive pricing.

Consumer Overview

• Plans cover Medicare Parts A & B and often include Part D drug coverage.

• Many plans come with routine dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, and virtual care.

• Some plans feature $0 primary care visits, $0 copays for preventive services, and low monthly premiums (depending on ZIP code).

• Access to a wide provider network and flexible plan types for different healthcare needs

Plan Types

• HMO: Network-based care, typically lower cost, may require referrals.

• PPO: More flexibility to choose out-of-network providers (higher cost); no referrals in many cases.

• PFFS: Choose any Medicare-approved doctor who accepts the plan’s terms.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield — Best for Upstate NY and strong local provider networks

Excellus delivers dependable plan options across Upstate and Western New York with strong ties to community providers.

Consumer Overview

• Plans include Medicare Parts A & B, and most also include Part D prescription drug coverage.

• Extras such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness, and wellness benefits are often included.

• Strong customer service, consistent plan ratings by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and local support.

Plan Types

• HMO: Use in-network providers only (except emergencies).

• HMO-POS: In-network care plus limited out-of-network access (typically at higher cost).

• PPO: Go in-network or out-of-network (higher cost out-of-network); no referrals typically require

Healthfirst — Best for NYC and dual-eligible beneficiaries

Healthfirst is a top choice for New York City residents, especially those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Focused on urban healthcare needs and strong relationships with local providers.

Consumer Overview

• Wide range of plans in NYC and surrounding counties (including Nassau, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan) offering:

  • $0 monthly premiums in many cases.

  • Additional benefits like over-the-counter (OTC) cards, comprehensive dental, vision, hearing, and telehealth.

  • Dual-eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs) that integrate Medicare + Medicaid benefits.

  • Large provider network and flexibility for in-network visits (and sometimes out-of-network under PPO options).

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield — Best for Western and Northeastern NY

Highmark maintains strong performance across Western and Northeastern New York, offering predictable costs, steady plan quality, and reliable access to local providers.

Consumer Overview

• Solid Medicare Advantage coverage focused on preventive care and dependable year-round benefits

• Stable provider networks across multiple Upstate regions

• Plans commonly include $0 premiums, low copays, and added benefits like dental, vision, and hearing

• Veteran-focused Medicare Advantage options that work alongside VA benefits

• Medigap members can add Whole Health Balance for $34.95/month to receive dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits

How to Choose the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in New York

Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan requires comparing doctors, medications, and benefits across counties. Before enrolling:

1. Review your providers

Check that your primary care physician and specialists participate in the network. If you’re considering switching back, review how to change from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare.

2. Confirm prescription drug coverage

Compare formularies and cost tiers.

3. Understand Medicare Advantage Part C

Review Medicare Advantage Part C to understand how medical and drug coverage work together.

4. Compare Star Ratings

Plans with higher Star Ratings tend to offer better long-term value.

5. Evaluate travel needs

If you travel often, explore the best Medicare plans for travelers and snowbirds.

Methodology

This data analysis was built using verified data from CMS Part C & D Performance Data, J.D. Power, AM Best, and carrier websites as of November 2025.

Key Factors Included:

1. CMS Star Ratings: Assessed plan quality using metrics from the official CMS database.
2. Satisfaction Scores: Drawn from the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Medicare Advantage Study results.
3. Financial Strength: Verified via AM Best Financial Ratings, ensuring all carriers meet “A” (Excellent) or higher.
4. Parent Company Updates: Incorporated public filings, such as CVS Health’s 2026 Medicare Advantage report.
5. Plan Benefit Reviews: Evaluated dental, vision, hearing, and OTC allowances using each carrier’s published plan materials.

For national comparisons, visit our Best Medicare Advantage Companies 2026 analysis.

Bottom Line: Which Medicare Advantage Plan Is Best in NY?

Aetna and UnitedHealthcare top the list for 2026 due to strong performance, broad availability, and competitive benefits. Humana, Excellus, Healthfirst, and Highmark also provide excellent options depending on your region and healthcare needs. To find the best plan for your ZIP code, compare options at Healthcare.com or speak with a licensed insurance agent for personalized guidance.

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.