Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Starts Here
If you live in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reviews and rates all Medicare Advantage plans in Pennsylvania 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.)
Pennsylvania has 5-star Medicare Advantage plans available in 2023. Not all states and locations do. This year, the highest rated Medicare plans available in Pennsylvania come from:
- Highmark
- UPMC for Life
- Independence Blue Cross
- UnitedHealthcare
We recommend evaluating the health plans from these Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. That's why it is essential that you fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans.
Complete List of Pennsylvania's MA Plan Companies
Pennsylvania's Medicare Advantage plans are offered by 15 plan providers, including:
- Aetna Medicare
- Capital Advantage Insurance Company
- Capital Blue Cross Medicare
- Cigna
- Clover Health
- Geisinger Gold
- Health Partners Medicare
- Highmark
- Humana
- Independence Blue Cross
- Lasso Healthcare
- UnitedHealthcare
- UPMC for Life
- Wellcare
- Wellcare by Allwell
Top Ranked Plans in Pennsylvania
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, here are the top-ranked Medicare Advantage Plans available in Pennsylvania:
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania
| Provider | Plan ID | Plan Name | Premium | Limit | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highmark | H3916-037 | Community Blue Medicare PPO Signature (PPO) | $0.00 | $8,300 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3957-031 | Security Blue HMO-POS ValueRx (HMO-POS) | $59.00 | $5,500 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3957-045 | Security Blue HMO-POS Standard (HMO-POS) | $193.00 | $5,000 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3957-046 | Security Blue HMO-POS Deluxe (HMO-POS) | $256.00 | $4,500 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3916-022 | Freedom Blue PPO Select (PPO) | $166.00 | $5,000 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3916-001 | Freedom Blue PPO Classic (PPO) | $278.00 | $4,500 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3916-041 | Complete Blue PPO Signature (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3916-035 | Complete Blue PPO Distinct (PPO) | $25.00 | $6,500 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3957-039 | Community Blue Medicare HMO Prestige (HMO) | $50.00 | $5,500 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3957-048 | Together Blue Medicare HMO Signature (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3916-018 | Freedom Blue PPO ValueRx (PPO) | $66.00 | $5,500 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3916-015 | Freedom Blue PPO Standard (PPO) | $171.00 | $5,000 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3916-005 | Freedom Blue PPO Deluxe (PPO) | $285.00 | $4,500 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3916-034 | Community Blue Medicare PPO Distinct (PPO) | $25.00 | $6,000 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3957-042 | Community Blue Medicare HMO Signature (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,700 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3916-039 | Community Blue Medicare Plus PPO Signature (PPO) | $0.00 | $8,300 | 5.0 |
| Highmark | H3916-036 | Community Blue Medicare Plus PPO Distinct (PPO) | $25.00 | $6,000 | 5.0 |
| Independence Blue Cross | H3952-049 | Keystone 65 Select Rx (HMO) | $55.50 | $4,900 | 5.0 |
| Independence Blue Cross | H3952-055 | Keystone 65 Basic Rx (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| Independence Blue Cross | H3952-020 | Keystone 65 Preferred Rx (HMO) | $214.00 | $3,800 | 5.0 |
| Independence Blue Cross | H3952-053 | Keystone 65 Focus Rx (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $6,500 | 5.0 |
| UnitedHealthcare | H5652-001 | Erickson Advantage Signature with Drugs (HMO-POS) | $197.00 | $2,600 | 5.0 |
| UnitedHealthcare | H5652-008 | Erickson Advantage Liberty with Drugs (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| UnitedHealthcare | H5652-006 | Erickson Advantage Freedom (HMO-POS) | $68.00 | $4,300 | 5.0 |
| UPMC for Life | H5533-003 | UPMC for Life PPO High Deductible Rx (PPO) | $33.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| UPMC for Life | H3907-037 | UPMC for Life HMO Deductible Rx (HMO) | $22.00 | $6,000 | 5.0 |
| UPMC for Life | H3907-029 | UPMC for Life HMO Rx (HMO) | $81.00 | $5,500 | 5.0 |
| UPMC for Life | H3907-049 | UPMC for Life HMO Rx Choice (HMO) | $36.00 | $4,500 | 5.0 |
| UPMC for Life | H3907-006 | UPMC for Life HMO Rx Enhanced (HMO) | $295.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| UPMC for Life | H5533-011 | UPMC for Life PPO Premier Rx (PPO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 5.0 |
| UPMC for Life | H5533-009 | UPMC for Life PPO Rx Choice (PPO) | $23.00 | $4,900 | 5.0 |
| UPMC for Life | H5533-008 | UPMC for Life PPO Rx Enhanced (PPO) | $58.00 | $7,550 | 5.0 |
| UPMC for Life | H3907-046 | UPMC for Life HMO Premier Rx (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,500 | 5.0 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3959-047 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Butler Prime (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,500 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3959-046 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Washington Prime (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,500 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H5522-017 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Credit Value (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3959-053 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Philly Prime (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,900 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3959-052 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Value (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H5522-020 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Central Value (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3959-049 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Excela Prime (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $6,500 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H5522-021 | Aetna Medicare Value Plus (PPO) | $45.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3959-051 | Aetna Medicare Beaver Valley Prime (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,500 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3959-037 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Gold (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3959-045 | Aetna Medicare PennHighlands Prime (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,300 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3959-033 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Premier (HMO) | $27.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3959-001 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Gold (HMO) | $35.00 | $5,500 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3959-039 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Premier (HMO-POS) | $23.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H5522-002 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Premier Plus (PPO) | $77.00 | $6,500 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H5522-004 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Silver (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H5522-013 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Silver Plus (PPO) | $18.00 | $7,000 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H5522-022 | Aetna Medicare Silver Back (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Aetna Medicare | H3959-010 | Aetna Medicare Advantra Silver (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.5 |
| Capital Advantage Insurance Company | H3923-028 | Capital Blue Cross Select (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,000 | 4.5 |
| Capital Advantage Insurance Company | H3923-013 | BlueJourney Classic (PPO) | $51.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Capital Advantage Insurance Company | H3923-017 | BlueJourney Prime (PPO) | $174.00 | $4,000 | 4.5 |
| Capital Advantage Insurance Company | H3923-029 | Capital Blue Cross | WellSpan Health Advantage (PPO) | $0.00 | $6,600 | 4.5 |
| Capital Advantage Insurance Company | H3923-030 | Capital Blue Cross | WellSpan Health AdvantagePlus (PPO) | $19.00 | $5,900 | 4.5 |
| Capital Advantage Insurance Company | H3923-031 | Capital Blue Cross | WellSpan Health Value (PPO) | $0.00 | $8,000 | 4.5 |
| Capital Advantage Insurance Company | H3923-037 | Capital Blue Cross Enhanced (PPO) | $20.00 | $6,000 | 4.5 |
| Capital Advantage Insurance Company | H3923-036 | Capital Blue Cross Value (PPO) | $0.00 | $8,000 | 4.5 |
| Geisinger Gold | H3924-065 | Geisinger Gold Preferred Complete Rx (PPO) | $0.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Geisinger Gold | H3924-062 | Geisinger Gold Preferred Enhanced Rx (PPO) | $45.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Geisinger Gold | H3954-158 | Geisinger Gold Classic Complete Rx (HMO) | $34.00 | $4,900 | 4.5 |
| Geisinger Gold | H3924-059 | Geisinger Gold Preferred Advantage Rx (PPO) | $84.00 | $4,000 | 4.5 |
| Geisinger Gold | H3924-066 | Geisinger Gold Preferred 360 Rx (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Geisinger Gold | H3954-161 | Geisinger Gold Classic Essential Rx (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Geisinger Gold | H3954-160 | Geisinger Gold Classic 360 Rx (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,550 | 4.5 |
| Geisinger Gold | H3954-157 | Geisinger Gold Classic Advantage Rx (HMO) | $144.00 | $3,450 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H6622-052 | Humana Gold Plus H6622-052 (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,200 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H6622-035 | Humana Gold Plus H6622-035 (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H6622-036 | Humana Gold Plus H6622-036 (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H6622-054 | Humana Gold Plus H6622-054 (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-117 | Humana Value Plus H5216-117 (PPO) | $41.10 | $7,000 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-051 | HumanaChoice H5216-051 (PPO) | $43.00 | $6,300 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-120 | HumanaChoice H5216-120 (PPO) | $123.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H6622-037 | Humana Gold Plus H6622-037 (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,900 | 4.5 |
The top providers listed above do not tell the full story. That's because your Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania by County
Choose your Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania tell us it's difficult to find a plan their doctors take. We can help!
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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 Pennsylvania?
A Medicare Advantage plan in Pennsylvania costs an average of $39.11. 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 Pennsylvania 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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