Top Medicare Advantage Plans in New York for 2024
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
2024 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Begins October 15
Be the first to know about the best new plans in New York for 2024. Sign-up for our 2024 Medicare Advantage plan notification service HERE. The 2024 Medicare Part C information will be available in early October.
Finding the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in New York Starts Here
If you live in New York and you're thinking about enrolling in a 2024 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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Comparing the Leading Medicare Advantage Plans in New York
Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reviews and rates all Medicare Advantage plans in New York 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.)
New York has 5-star Medicare Advantage plans available in 2023. Not all states and locations do. This year, the highest rated Medicare plans available in New York come from:
- Excellus Health Plan
- BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and BlueShield of NENY
- Capital District Physicians' Health Plan
- Independent Health
- 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 MA Plan Companies
New York's Medicare Advantage plans are offered by 22 plan providers, including:
- Aetna Medicare
- AgeWell New York
- BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and BlueShield of NENY
- Capital District Physicians' Health Plan
- Centers Plan for Healthy Living
- Cigna
- Elderplan
- EmblemHealth
- Empire BlueCross BlueShield
- Excellus Health Plan
- Healthfirst Health Plan
- Healthfirst Medicare Plan
- Humana
- Independent Health
- MediGold
- MetroPlus Health Plan
- MVP Health Care
- UnitedHealthcare
- Visiting Nurse Service of New York
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and BlueShield of NENY | H5526-004 | Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Forever Blue 751 (PPO) | $201.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and BlueShield of NENY | H5526-016 | Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Forever Blue Value (PPO) | $142.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and BlueShield of NENY | H5526-020 | Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Nation (PPO) | $22.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and BlueShield of NENY | H5526-021 | Highmark Blue Shield Freedom Nation (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and BlueShield of NENY | H5526-022 | Highmark Blue Shield Freedom Basic (PPO) | $0.00 | $8,300 | 5.0 |
| BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and BlueShield of NENY | H5526-018 | Highmark Blue Shield Forever Blue 770 (PPO) | $199.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Capital District Physicians' Health Plan | H3388-014 | CDPHP $0 Medicare Rx (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,000 | 5.0 |
| Capital District Physicians' Health Plan | H5042-009 | CDPHP Vital Rx (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,500 | 5.0 |
| Capital District Physicians' Health Plan | H3388-004 | CDPHP Value Rx (HMO) | $58.30 | $6,400 | 5.0 |
| Capital District Physicians' Health Plan | H5042-011 | CDPHP Flex Rx (PPO) | $39.40 | $6,100 | 5.0 |
| Capital District Physicians' Health Plan | H3388-002 | CDPHP Choice Rx (HMO) | $128.50 | $6,100 | 5.0 |
| Capital District Physicians' Health Plan | H3388-013 | CDPHP Basic RX (HMO) | $31.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan | H3351-013 | Medicare Blue Choice Value Plus (HMO-POS) | $71.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan | H3351-016 | Medicare Blue Choice Select (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,900 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan | H3351-006 | Medicare Blue Choice Optimum (HMO-POS) | $208.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan | H3351-021 | Medicare Blue Choice Extra (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,900 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan | H3351-018 | Medicare Blue Choice Advanced (HMO-POS) | $37.00 | $7,200 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan | H3351-015 | Medicare Bassett (HMO-POS) | $109.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan | H3351-012 | Univera SeniorChoice Value Plus (HMO-POS) | $60.00 | $5,000 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan | H3351-002 | Univera SeniorChoice Secure (HMO-POS) | $98.00 | $4,500 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan | H3351-020 | Univera SeniorChoice Extra (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,900 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan | H3351-017 | Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,900 | 5.0 |
| Excellus Health Plan | H3351-019 | Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS) | $33.00 | $7,200 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3362-017 | Independent Health's Encompass 65 Basic (HMO) | $125.00 | $6,900 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3362-033 | Independent Health's Encompass 65 Core (HMO) | $65.00 | $6,900 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3362-039 | Independent Health's Encompass 65 Edge (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3362-038 | Independent Health's Encompass 65 Element (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,900 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3344-005 | Independent Health's Medicare Passport Advantage (PPO) | $99.00 | $6,900 | 5.0 |
| Independent Health | H3344-010 | Independent Health's Medicare Passport Prime (PPO) | $225.00 | $6,900 | 5.0 |
| MVP Health Care | H3305-032 | MVP Medicare Secure with Part D (HMO-POS) | $40.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| MVP Health Care | H3305-022 | MVP Medicare Secure Plus with Part D (HMO-POS) | $90.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| MVP Health Care | H3305-021 | MVP Medicare Preferred Gold with Part D (HMO-POS) | $140.00 | $5,800 | 5.0 |
| Visiting Nurse Service of New York | 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.
Best MA 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. 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 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. Consider Your Needs for Additional Coverage
Original Medicare doesn't cover all costs related to health care. It covers major medical expenses and preventative care services, however, it doesn't cover prescriptions, vision, hearing, or dental. Many of the essential services your Part A or Part B benefits don't cover are covered by Medicare Advantage plans.
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 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 do Medicare Advantage plans cost in New York?
A Medicare Advantage plan in New York costs an average of $41.24. 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 are Medicare Advantage plans required to cover?
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, "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 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 Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Centene Corporation, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Cigna-HealthSpring, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Oscar Health Insurance, Premera Blue Cross, Medica Central Health Plan, SCAN Health Plan, Scott and White Health Plan now part of Baylor Scott & White Health, and UnitedHealthcare.
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