Best Medicare Advantage Plans in California for 2023
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
If you are thinking about getting out of Original MedicareOriginal Medicare is private fee-for-service health insurance for people on Medicare. It has two parts. Part A is hospital coverage. Part B is medical coverage. and into a Medicare Advantage plan available in California, you're not alone. Nearly half of the estimated 64 million people with Medicare will join a Medicare Advantage plan in 2023. Some join to get more benefits. Some join to save money. And some like a plan's providers.
MedicareWireMedicareWire is a Medicare insurance consulting agency. We founded MedicareWire after seeing and hearing how confusing and frustrating it is to find, understand, and choose a plan. Our services are free to the consumer. can help you find top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in your region of California. The overview of California's market below will give you a clear picture of your top options and who the best providers are. It also shows you how much you can expect to pay each month for a plan.
NOTE: Our analysis does not include California's Medicare Advantage SNP Plans. We evaluate these plans separately. We also did not include plans without Part DMedicare Part D plans are an option Medicare beneficiaries can use to get prescription drug coverage. Part D plans provide cost-sharing on covered medications in four different phases: deductible, initial coverage, coverage gap, and catastrophic. Each... benefits, employer plans, or Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs). If you're not looking for a Medicare Advantage plan but want to cover out-of-pocket costsOut-of-Pocket Costs for Medicare are the remaining costs that are not covered by the beneficiary's health insurance plan. These costs can come from the beneficiary's monthly premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. that Original Medicare plan doesn't cover, MedicareWire also ranked the best Medicare Supplement Plans in California.
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Who Has The Best Medicare Advantage Plans in California?
Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the U.S. Federal agency that runs the Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Programs. (CMS) rates all Medicare Advantage plansMedicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans from private insurance companies that are available to people eligible for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B). in California 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.)
California has 5-star Medicare Advantage plans available in 2023. Not all states and locations do. This year, the highest rated Medicare plans available in California come from:
- Kaiser Permanente
- Sharp Health Plan
MedicareWire recommends evaluating plans from these California providers first. Why? Because more stars mean a better plan. For instance, members may get better care and customer service from a 5-star plan than from a 4-star one.
IMPORTANT: Depending on where you live in California, Medicare Advantage plans may have many valuable benefits (as compared to Original Medicare). But, before you choose, it's crucial that you understand the potential disadvantage of Medicare Advantage plans.
Complete List of California's 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan Providers
California's Medicare Advantage plans are offered by 25 plan providers, including:
- Aetna Medicare
- Alignment Health Plan
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Co.
- Aspire Health
- Astiva Health
- Blue Shield of California
- Brand New Day
- Central Health Plan
- Central Health Medicare Plan
- Chinese Community Health Plan
- Clever Care Health Plan
- Health Net
- Humana
- Imperial Health Plan of California
- Innovative Integrated Health Community Plans
- Kaiser Permanente
- Molina Healthcare of California
- Providence Health Assurance
- SCAN Health Plan
- Sharp Health Plan
- Stanford Health Care
- UnitedHealthcare
- Wellcare
- Western Health Advantage
Top California Medicare Advantage Plans by CMS 5-Star Score in 2023
Here's a list of the best 2023 Medicare Advantage plans available in California, according to the Centers for Medicare & MedicaidMedicaid is a public health insurance program that provides health care coverage to low-income families and individuals in the United States. Services:
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in California
| Provider | Plan ID | Plan Name | Premium | Limit | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-060 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SF (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-043 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,900 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-042 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO) | $65.00 | $2,500 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-032 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Alam., SF, Napa (HMO) | $70.00 | $3,900 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-065 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic San Mateo (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-059 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Alameda (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-062 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Adv Basic Santa Clara (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-039 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Adv Enhanced Santa Clara (HMO) | $65.00 | $3,900 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-013 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Adv Enhanced Sac., Sonoma (HMO) | $65.00 | $3,900 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-051 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Basic Sac., Sonoma (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-054 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Santa Cruz (HMO) | $60.00 | $4,900 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-061 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Adv Basic Contra Costa (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-063 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Solano (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-033 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Adv Enhanced Contra Costa (HMO) | $70.00 | $3,900 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-008 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced Solano (HMO) | $70.00 | $5,500 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-046 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Fresno (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,900 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-041 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Stanis (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,900 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-038 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced Fresno (HMO) | $65.00 | $2,500 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-040 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced Stanis (HMO) | $65.00 | $2,500 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-036 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Kern (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-034 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Ventura (HMO) | $0.00 | $1,999 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-035 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced Kern (HMO) | $29.00 | $1,500 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-083 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Ventura Value (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-003 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage LA, Orange Co. (HMO) | $0.00 | $999 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-078 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage LA, Orange Value (HMO) | $0.00 | $1,999 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-064 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Marin (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-031 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Adv Enhanced Marin San Mateo (HMO) | $70.00 | $4,200 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-015 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO) | $0.00 | $999 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-081 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO) | $0.00 | $1,999 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-037 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage San Diego (HMO) | $0.00 | $1,999 | 5.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H0524-082 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage San Diego Value (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 5.0 |
| Sharp Health Plan | H5386-005 | Sharp Direct Advantage VIP Plan (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 5.0 |
| Sharp Health Plan | H5386-003 | Sharp Direct Advantage Gold Card (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 5.0 |
| Sharp Health Plan | H5386-004 | Sharp Direct Advantage Platinum Card (HMO) | $58.00 | $2,900 | 5.0 |
| SCAN Health Plan | H5425-075 | SCAN Classic (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,000 | 4.5 |
| SCAN Health Plan | H5425-073 | SCAN Options (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,800 | 4.5 |
| SCAN Health Plan | H5425-092 | SCAN Affirm partnered with Included LGBTQ+ Health (HMO) | $0.00 | $499 | 4.5 |
| SCAN Health Plan | H5425-065 | SCAN Prime (HMO) | $25.00 | $299 | 4.5 |
| SCAN Health Plan | H5425-084 | SCAN Venture (HMO) | $0.00 | $1,000 | 4.5 |
| SCAN Health Plan | H5425-074 | SCAN Compass (HMO) | $28.00 | $5,000 | 4.5 |
| SCAN Health Plan | H5425-082 | SCAN Alta (HMO) | $0.00 | $900 | 4.5 |
| SCAN Health Plan | H5425-005 | Scripps Classic offered by SCAN Health Plan (HMO) | $0.00 | $3,400 | 4.5 |
| SCAN Health Plan | H5425-004 | Scripps Signature offered by SCAN Health Plan (HMO) | $74.00 | $2,500 | 4.5 |
The top providers listed above do not tell the full story. That's because your California County may or may not have one of the top-rated plans. Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans are regional. Read How Does Medicare Advantage Work to learn more.
Best Medicare Advantage Plans in California by County
Choose your California County below to see the best (and the worst) 2023 plans.
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How to Select California's Best Medicare Advantage Plan
If you’re approaching the age of 65, navigating a special enrollment event, or looking to review your plan options ahead of the Annual Enrollment PeriodThe Annual Enrollment Period is when Medicare beneficiaries can join, drop or change Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. AEP begins on 15 October and ends on 7 December., there are a number of details you need to consider when comparing your options.
1. Consider Your Expected Utilization
Do you think you’ll take maximum advantage of your benefits? If so, prioritize plans with lower out-of-pocket maximums and lower copaymentsA copayment, also known as a copay, is a set dollar amount you are required to pay for a medical service., even if they have higher monthly premiumsA premium is an amount that an insurance policyholder must pay for coverage. Premiums are typically paid on a monthly basis. In the federal Medicare program, there are four different types of 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 deductiblesA deductible is an amount a beneficiary must pay for their health care expenses before the health insurance policy begins to pay its share..
2. Evaluate Your Prescription Costs
Prescriptions are often the main reason that people pay more for healthcare. Because most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage for prescriptions, it is important to ensure you get the right plan that covers your medications at a cost you can afford.
3. Understand Your Additional Coverage Needs
Original Medicare does not all health care costs. It covers your major medical and some preventive care services, but it does not cover dental, vision, hearing, or prescriptions. A growing number of Medicare Advantage plans cover many of the essential services that your Part A and Part BMedicare Part B is medical coverage for people with Original Medicare benefits. It covers doctor visits, preventative care, tests, durable medical equipment, and supplies. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of most medically necessary healthcare services. benefits do not.
4. Consider Your Healthcare Providers
Most Medicare Advantage plans available in California use local healthcare provider networks to deliver care. But not all specialists and primary care doctors accept all plans. It can be exhausting trying to find a plan you want that your doctor(s) will accept. We can help!
Should I Choose an HMO or PPO plan?
There are many plan options available when shopping for Medicare Advantage plans in California, including HMO and PPO options. These are some of the differences you should consider before making a plan selection.
- With an HMO you may pay less out-of-pocket, but you will need to choose a primary physician to coordinate your care. Referrals for specialists are often required. Except in an emergency, you must remain within the provider network.
- With a PPO you are not required to get referrals for specialty care. You have the option to get health care outside of the plan's provider network. However, typically you will pay more and the out-of-pocket maximum for out-of-network care will be higher.
Need help choosing? Call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) for plan assistance. There's no obligation.
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? These common questions and answers might help. Or, call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed advisor.
What are the disadvantages of a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage plans may have several disadvantages. Most plans require that their members use their network providers. It is also difficult to budget for healthcare costs as costs are largely determined by your use of healthcare services. Many plans require that members obtain referrals to a specialist before they are authorized to receive a service. Discover more disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans.
How much does Medicare Advantage cost in California?
The average cost of a Medicare Advantage plan in California is $19.42. But that's just the monthly premium. If you have one or more chronic health conditions, a plan's out-of-pocket costs (e.g. deductibles and copays) are also a factor to consider. Plus, most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug benefits, which have their own out-of-pocket costs.
What are Medicare Advantage plans required to cover?
At a minimum, every Medicare Advantage plan sold in California must cover all of the benefits offered in Original Medicare. However, plans are not required to cover healthcare services in the same way. Medicare Part AMedicare Part A is hospital coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. It covers inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It also covers limited home healthcare services and hospice care. covers 80% of hospital stays, skilled nursing, home health careHealth care services and supplies a doctor decides you may receive in your home under a plan of care established by your doctor. Medicare only covers home health care on a limited basis as ordered..., and hospiceHospice is a special way of caring for people who are terminally ill. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach that addresses the medical, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. care. Part B covers 80% of doctor visits, lab tests, and other outpatient services. But, Medicare Advantage plans can set their own copays, and often charge more than 20%. On the positive side, plans must set an annual out-of-pocket limit.
Methodology and Sources
Our analysis of the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in California excludes employer group plans, Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs), Medicare Savings Account Plans (MSAs), Special Needs Plans (SNPs), and plans that do not include Part D benefits.
CMS rates health plans in several categories, including delivery of health care, member experience and customer service. When comparing plan ratings, we use state-specific data, not CMS' nationwide figures.
Medicare Advantage plan data is sourced from CMS public use files (see: Citations & References). When needed, we combined affiliated companies to calculate insurer averages.
Citations & References
- CMS.gov, 2023 Medicare Part C Landscape Source Files, Last Accessed October 15, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "5-star special enrollment period", Last Accessed October 20, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed October 16, 2022
- KFF.org, "Medicare Advantage 2022 Spotlight: First Look", Last Accessed November 2, 2021
- Medicare.gov, "How to join a Medicare Advantage Plan", Last Accessed October 11, 2022
- CMS.gov, Part C and D Performance Data, Last Accessed October 19, 2022
- CMS.gov, Monthly MA Enrollment by State/County/Contract, Last Accessed October 1, 2022
- CMS.gov, Biden-Harris Administration Announces Lower Premiums for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans in 2023, Last Accessed September 29, 2022
This Medicare Advantage state information page was last updated on .