Top Rated Medicare Advantage Plans in Washington

by David Bynon, last updated October 14, 2024

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Washington's Top Medicare Advantage Plans: How to Find Yours

If you are thinking about getting out of Original Medicare and into a Medicare Advantage plan available in Washington, you're not alone. Nearly half of the estimated 64 million people with Medicare will join a Medicare Advantage plan this year. Some join to get more benefits. Some join to save money. And some like a plan's doctors and other healthcare providers.

This page aims to assist you in uncovering the highest-rated Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in Washington, identifying the insurance providers that offer these plans, and providing guidance on locating suitable plans within your specific region. This information is vital since plan availability varies across different areas.

Comparing the Leading Medicare Advantage Plans in Washington

Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reviews and rates all Medicare Advantage plans in Washington based on a 5-star scale. Input for the ratings comes from information that each plan self-reports, as well as individual member complaints. (Read more about Medicare star ratings.)

There are no 5-star plans in Washington in 2025. However, there are 4.5-star plans. This year, the highest rated Medicare plans available in Washington come from:

We recommend evaluating the health plans from these Washington health insurance companies ahead of all others. Here's why. Simply put, more stars generally mean members will get better results. Members might get better service, phone support, and care from a 5-star than they would from a four-star plan.

CRUCIAL: Benefits are not the same throughout Washington. That's why it is essential that you fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans.

Complete List of Washington's Providers

Approximately 14 health insurance providers offer Medicare Advantage plans in Washington, including:

• Aetna Medicare
• Asuris Northwest Health
• Cigna Healthcare
• Community Health Plan of WA Medicare Advantage
• Devoted Health
• Humana
• Kaiser Permanente
• PacificSource Medicare
• Providence Medicare Advantage Plans
• Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
• Regence BlueShield
• UnitedHealthcare
• Wellcare
• Wellcare by Health Net

Top Ranked Plans in Washington

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, here are the top-ranked Medicare Advantage Plans available in Washington:

Whether or not you can join a plan from one of the top-rated providers depends on where you live. If your Washington County has the plan you want, and you qualify, you can enroll. Medicare Advantage plans are regional. Generally speaking, larger urban areas have more plan options than rural areas.

Top-Rated Medicare Advantage Plans in Washington by County

Choose your Washington County below to see the best (and the worst) plans.

Find Your Perfect Fit: How to Pick the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in Washington

You may be looking at plans for several different reasons, including turning 65 or the Annual Enrollment Period. Or, perhaps you are navigating a special enrollment event, such as moving to a new area. In all of these cases, there are a few important details you need to consider.

1. Evaluate How You Plan to Use Your Benefits

Do you think you’ll take maximum advantage of your benefits (doctors, hospital inpatient care, tests, etc.)? If so, prioritize plans with lower out-of-pocket maximums and lower copayments, even if they have higher monthly premiums. Otherwise, look for plans with low monthly premiums. Just be aware that plans with low or no monthly premiums tend to have higher out-of-pocket maximums and/or higher deductibles.

2. Examine Your Prescription Medication Expenses

Prescription drugs are often the main reason that seniors pay more for healthcare. Because most Washington Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage for prescriptions, it is important to ensure you get the right plan that covers your drugs at a cost you can afford.

3. Understand Your Additional Coverage Requirements

Original Medicare only covers your major medical services, leaving you to pay for dental, vision, hearing, and other healthcare services, or get additional coverage. Fortunately, a growing number of Medicare Advantage plans cover many of the essential services not covered by your Part A and Part B benefits.

4. Think About Your Preferred Healthcare Providers

Medicare Advantage plans have healthcare provider networks. Unfortunately, not all specialists and primary care doctors accept all plans. Many people on Medicare in Washington tell us it's difficult to find a plan their doctors take. We can help!

Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? These common questions and answers might help.

What are the disadvantages of a Medicare Advantage plan?

Medicare Advantage plans have several potential disadvantages. For instance, most plans require their members to use their network of providers. Also, costs are also largely based on your use of healthcare services, making it more difficult to budget for healthcare costs. And, most plans make members get referrals to see a specialist or prior authorization to receive a service. Read about all five disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans.

How much do Medicare Advantage plans cost in Washington?

A Medicare Advantage plan in Washington costs an average of $nan. This is just the monthly premium. You should also consider the out-of-pocket expenses of a plan if you have any chronic conditions, which include a plan's copays and deductibles. Prescription drug benefits are also included in most Medicare Advantage plans, but they have their own out-of-pocket costs.

What is every Medicare Advantage plan required to include?

Approved Medicare Advantage plans sold in Washington must, at a minimum, cover everything that's in Original Medicare. But plans do not have to cover healthcare services at the same cost as Original Medicare. For example, Medicare Part A covers about 80% of hospital stays, skilled nursing care, home health care, and hospice care. Whereas Part B provides coverage for about 80% of outpatient services, including lab tests and doctor visits. Medicare Advantage plans set their own copays and deductibles, and often charge more than 20%. However, plans have an annual limit and Original Medicare doesn't.

Citations & References

• CMS.gov, 2023 Medicare Part C Landscape Source Files, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
• CMS.gov, "CMS Releases 2023 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings", Last Accessed October 6, 2022
• Medicare.gov, "Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed October 1, 2022
• KFF.org, "Medicare Advantage in 2023: Enrollment Update and Key Trends", Last Accessed September 5, 2023
• Medicare.gov, "Things to know about Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed October 12, 2022
• CMS.gov, Part C and D Performance Data, Last Accessed October 13, 2024
• CMS.gov, Monthly MA Enrollment by State/County/Contract, Last Accessed October 10, 2024

Plans Offered

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Capital Blue Cross, Cigna Healthcare, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, Freedom Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Healthy Blue, HealthSun, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Medica Central Health Plan, Optimum HealthCare, Premera Blue Cross, SCAN Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare(R), Wellcare, WellPoint.