Top Rated Medicare Advantage Plans in New York
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
2025 Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment in New York
2025 Medicare Advantage Plan information will not be available until early October. We will let you know as soon as the new data is available from CMS.
Sign-Up for 2025 Medicare Plan Notification. Enrollment for 2025 starts October 15.
Finding the Top Medicare Advantage Plan in New York Starts Here
If you live in New York and you're thinking about enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, you're not alone. This year nearly half of all people with Medicare will join a Medicare Advantage plan because they want lower costs, more benefits, and access to more doctors and other healthcare providers.
This page aims to assist you in uncovering the highest-rated Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in New York, 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.
Table of Contents
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Locating the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in New York
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS) rates and reviews New York's Medicare Advantage plans based on a 5-star rating scale. Information from members and data provided by plans is used to determine a plan's star rating.
New York has 5-star Medicare Advantage plans available in 2024. Not all states and locations do. This year, the highest rated Medicare plans available in New York come from:
- Excellus Health Plan
- Excellus Health Plan, Inc
- Independent Health
- BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and BlueShield of NENY
- Capital District Physicians' Health Plan
- CDPHP Medicare Advantage
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield or Highmark Blue Shield
- MVP HEALTH CARE
We recommend evaluating the health plans from these New York 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 New York. That's why it is essential that you fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans.
Complete List of New York's Providers
Approximately 28 health insurance providers offer Medicare Advantage plans in New York, including:
- Aetna Medicare
- AgeWell New York
- BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and BlueShield of NENY
- Capital District Physicians' Health Plan
- CDPHP Medicare Advantage
- Centers Plan for Healthy Living
- Cigna
- Cigna Healthcare
- Elderplan
- EmblemHealth
- Empire BlueCross BlueShield
- Excellus Health Plan
- Excellus Health Plan, Inc
- Healthfirst Health Plan
- Healthfirst Medicare Plan
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield or Highmark Blue Shield
- Humana
- Independent Health
- MediGold
- MetroPlus Health Plan
- MVP HEALTH CARE
- UnitedHealthcare
- VillageCareMAX
- Visiting Nurse Service of New York
- VNS Health Medicare
- VNSNY CHOICE
- Wellcare
- Wellcare by Fidelis Care
Top Ranked Plans in New York
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, here are the top-ranked Medicare Advantage Plans available in New York:
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in New York
| Provider | Plan ID | Plan Name | Premium | Limit | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDPHP Medicare Advantage | H5042-009 | CDPHP Vital Rx (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,500 | 5.0 |
| CDPHP Medicare Advantage | H3388-004 | CDPHP Value Rx (HMO) | $58.30 | $6,400 | 5.0 |
| CDPHP Medicare Advantage | H3388-002 | CDPHP Choice Rx (HMO) | $128.50 | $6,100 | 5.0 |
| CDPHP Medicare Advantage | H3388-013 | CDPHP Basic RX (HMO) | $31.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| CDPHP Medicare Advantage | H3388-014 | CDPHP $0 Medicare Rx (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,000 | 5.0 |
| CDPHP Medicare Advantage | H5042-011 | CDPHP Flex Rx (PPO) | $39.40 | $6,100 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3351-012 | Univera SeniorChoice Value Plus (HMO-POS) | $60.00 | $5,000 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3351-013 | Medicare Blue Choice Value Plus (HMO-POS) | $71.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3351-016 | Medicare Blue Choice Select (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,900 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3351-006 | Medicare Blue Choice Optimum (HMO-POS) | $208.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3351-021 | Medicare Blue Choice Extra (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,900 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3351-018 | Medicare Blue Choice Advanced (HMO-POS) | $37.00 | $7,200 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3351-015 | Medicare Bassett (HMO-POS) | $109.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3351-019 | Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS) | $33.00 | $7,200 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3351-017 | Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,900 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3351-020 | Univera SeniorChoice Extra (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,900 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3351-002 | Univera SeniorChoice Secure (HMO-POS) | $98.00 | $4,500 | 5.0 |
| Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield or Highmark Blue Shield | H5526-004 | Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Forever Blue 751 (PPO) | $201.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield or Highmark Blue Shield | H5526-016 | Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Forever Blue Value (PPO) | $142.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield or Highmark Blue Shield | H5526-018 | Highmark Blue Shield Forever Blue 770 (PPO) | $199.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield or Highmark Blue Shield | H5526-022 | Highmark Blue Shield Freedom Basic (PPO) | $0.00 | $8,300 | 5.0 |
| Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield or Highmark Blue Shield | H5526-021 | Highmark Blue Shield Freedom Nation (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield or Highmark Blue Shield | H5526-020 | Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Nation (PPO) | $22.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3344-010 | Independent Health's Medicare Passport Prime (PPO) | $225.00 | $6,900 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3344-005 | Independent Health's Medicare Passport Advantage (PPO) | $99.00 | $6,900 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3362-038 | Independent Health's Encompass 65 Element (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,900 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3362-039 | Independent Health's Encompass 65 Edge (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3362-033 | Independent Health's Encompass 65 Core (HMO) | $65.00 | $6,900 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3344-012 | Independent Health's Medicare Passport Access (PPO) | $10.00 | $7,500 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3362-017 | Independent Health's Encompass 65 Basic (HMO) | $125.00 | $6,900 | 5.0 |
| MVP HEALTH CARE | H3305-022 | MVP Medicare Secure Plus with Part D (HMO-POS) | $90.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| MVP HEALTH CARE | H3305-032 | MVP Medicare Secure with Part D (HMO-POS) | $40.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| MVP HEALTH CARE | H3305-021 | MVP Medicare Preferred Gold with Part D (HMO-POS) | $140.00 | $5,800 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3335-038 | Medicare BlueClassic (PPO) | $30.40 | $7,200 | 4.5 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3335-053 | Medicare BlueEssential (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,900 | 4.5 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3335-055 | Medicare BlueActive (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,900 | 4.5 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3335-058 | Medicare BlueFlex (PPO) | $14.40 | $7,900 | 4.5 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3335-018 | Medicare BluePlus (PPO) | $109.40 | $6,100 | 4.5 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3335-015 | Medicare BlueEnhanced (PPO) | $86.00 | $5,000 | 4.5 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3335-056 | Univera SeniorChoice Access (PPO) | $14.40 | $7,900 | 4.5 |
| Excellus Health Plan, Inc | H3335-057 | Medicare Blue Choice Access (PPO) | $14.40 | $7,900 | 4.5 |
| VNS Health Medicare | H5549-012 | VNS Health EasyCare (HMO) | $25.00 | $8,300 | 4.5 |
The top providers listed above do not tell the full story. That's because your New York 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.
Top-Rated Medicare Advantage Plans in New York by County
Choose your New York County below to see the best (and the worst) plans.
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Find Your Perfect Fit: How to Pick the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in New York
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. Consider Your Expected Utilization
Utilization is what determines your overall cost. Healthy individuals use fewer healthcare services. These people can save money by evaluating plans with low monthly premiums. Be aware that these plans often have higher copayments and a higher maximum out-of-pocket limit.
The opposite is true if you have one or more health conditions and frequently use healthcare services, especially hospital inpatient care. In this case, plans with higher monthly premiums, low copayments, and low maximum out-of-pocket limits will help you save money.
2. Examine Your Prescription Medication Expenses
Prescription drugs are often the main reason that seniors pay more for healthcare. Because most New York 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 New York tell us it's difficult to find a plan their doctors take. We can help!
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
Next Steps
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Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? These common questions and answers might help.
What are the pros and cons 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 New York?
A Medicare Advantage plan in New York costs an average of $39.39. 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?
At a minimum, every Medicare Advantage plan sold in New York 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 A covers 80% of hospital stays, skilled nursing, home health care, and hospice 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.
Citations & References
- CMS.gov, 2023 Medicare Part C Landscape Source Files, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- Medicare.gov, "5-star special enrollment period", Last Accessed October 20, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed October 1, 2022
- KFF.org, "An Overview of the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit", Last Accessed October 19, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "Things to know about Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed October 12, 2022
- CMS.gov, Part C and D Performance Data, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- CMS.gov, Monthly MA Enrollment by State/County/Contract, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- CMS.gov, Biden-Harris Administration Announces Lower Premiums for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans in 2023, Last Accessed September 29, 2022
- CMS.gov, Medicare Marketing Guidelines, Last Accessed February 2, 2023
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.