Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Washington 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 Washington, 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 Washington. The overview of Washington'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 Washington'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).
Call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) for assistance. There's no obligation.
Who Has The Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Washington?
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 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 2023. However, there are 4.5-star plans. This year, the highest rated Medicare plans available in Washington come from:
- Kaiser Permanente
- Humana
We recommend evaluating the health plans from these Washington providers ahead of all others. Here's why. Simply put, more stars generally mean members will get better results. Members might get better service 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 so important to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans specifically for you and your personal situation.
Complete List of Washington's 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan Providers
Approximately 18 health insurance providers offer Medicare Advantage plans in Washington, including:
- Aetna Medicare
- AMERIGROUP
- Asuris Northwest Health
- Cigna
- Community Health Plan of WA
- Health Alliance Northwest
- Humana
- Kaiser Permanente
- Molina Healthcare
- PacificSource Medicare
- Premera Blue Cross
- Providence Health Assurance
- Regence BlueCross BlueShield
- Regence BlueShield
- Regence BlueShield Of Idaho
- UnitedHealthcare
- Wellcare
- Wellcare by Health Net
Top Ranked 2023 Medicare Advantage Plans in Washington
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, here are the top 2023 Medicare Advantage Plans available in Washington:
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Washington
| Provider | Plan ID | Plan Name | Premium | Limit | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | H5216-048 | HumanaChoice H5216-048 (PPO) | $199.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-047 | HumanaChoice H5216-047 (PPO) | $99.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-247 | HumanaChoice H5216-247 (PPO) | $0.00 | $6,500 | 4.5 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H5050-023 | Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Anchor (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,600 | 4.5 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H5050-021 | Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Centennial (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,950 | 4.5 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H5050-019 | Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Columbia (HMO) | $49.00 | $4,200 | 4.5 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H5050-009 | Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Essential (HMO) | $99.00 | $4,100 | 4.5 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H5050-004 | Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Optimal (HMO) | $296.00 | $3,150 | 4.5 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H5050-013 | Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Vital (HMO) | $29.00 | $5,600 | 4.5 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H5050-017 | Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Harbor (HMO) | $49.00 | $5,800 | 4.5 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H5050-022 | Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Key (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,600 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5619-099 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-099 (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,700 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-061 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-061 (HMO) | $57.00 | $5,900 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-100 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-100 (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-133 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-133 (HMO) | $14.00 | $6,700 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-114 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-114 (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,700 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-134 | Humana Value Plus H5619-134 (HMO) | $31.00 | $6,700 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H2486-006 | Humana Gold Plus H2486-006 (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-063 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-063 (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,000 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-060 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-060 (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-143 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-143 (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,700 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H2486-007 | Humana Gold Plus H2486-007 (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-056 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-056 (HMO) | $0.00 | $7,000 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-064 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-064 (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-059 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-059 (HMO) | $33.00 | $5,500 | 4.0 |
| Humana | H5619-057 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-057 (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H9003-001 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced (HMO-POS) | $127.00 | $3,000 | 4.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H9003-006 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Standard (HMO-POS) | $42.00 | $4,900 | 4.0 |
| Kaiser Permanente | H9003-009 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Value (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $5,300 | 4.0 |
| Providence Health Assurance | H9047-062 | Providence Medicare Cottonwood + Rx (HMO-POS) | $35.00 | $4,800 | 4.0 |
| Providence Health Assurance | H9047-063 | Providence Medicare Pine + Rx (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,500 | 4.0 |
| Providence Health Assurance | H9047-059 | Providence Medicare Bridge + Rx (HMO-POS) | $35.00 | $4,900 | 4.0 |
| Providence Health Assurance | H9047-065 | Providence Medicare Choice + Rx (HMO-POS) | $89.00 | $4,500 | 4.0 |
| Providence Health Assurance | H9047-064 | Providence Medicare Extra + Rx (HMO) | $173.00 | $3,400 | 4.0 |
| Providence Health Assurance | H9047-054 | Providence Medicare Timber + Rx (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,500 | 4.0 |
| Regence BlueCross BlueShield | H6237-007 | Regence BlueAdvantage HMO (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,500 | 4.0 |
| Regence BlueCross BlueShield | H6237-008 | Regence BlueAdvantage HMO Plus (HMO) | $45.00 | $4,900 | 4.0 |
| Regence BlueCross BlueShield | H3817-009 | Regence MedAdvantage + Rx Enhanced (PPO) | $157.00 | $5,000 | 4.0 |
| Regence BlueShield | H5009-008 | Regence MedAdvantage + Rx Classic (PPO) | $77.00 | $6,200 | 4.0 |
| Regence BlueShield | H5009-009 | Regence MedAdvantage + Rx Primary (PPO) | $28.00 | $6,700 | 4.0 |
| Regence BlueShield | H5009-010 | Regence MedAdvantage + Rx Core (PPO) | $0.00 | $7,400 | 4.0 |
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.
Best 2023 Medicare Advantage Plans by Washington County
Choose your Washington County below to see the best (and the worst) 2023 plans.
For fast, friendly assistance call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) .
How to Find the Best Medicare Advantage Plan Available in Washington
You may be looking at plans for several different reasons, including turning 65 or 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.. 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
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 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 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.
4. Consider Your 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 doctor accepts. We can help!
Should I Choose an HMO or PPO plan?
There are many plan options available when shopping for Medicare Advantage plans in Washington, 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 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 authorizationPrior authorization is a process used by health plans to control healthcare costs. Most HMO plans and some PPO plans require authorization before receiving certain treatments, medical services, or prescription drugs. 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 $37.36. 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 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..
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 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 about 80% of hospital stays, skilled nursing care, 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. 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.
Methodology and Sources
Our analysis of the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in Washington 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
- 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 2022: Enrollment Update and Key Trends", Last Accessed August 25, 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 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 .