Medicare, a private health insurance program based in the United States, administered by the US Federal Government, provides extensive healthcare plans to lower health bills for those who qualify for the program.
Funded through General Revenue and the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), Medicare helps lower healthcare costs by covering hospital stays, medical services, and prescription drugs.
Currently, more than 63 million people are enrolled in Medicare. Medicare services are available for all legal US citizens aged 65 and above, those with certain disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This all-in-one healthcare insurance program provides medical coverage for prescription drugs and inpatient and outpatient care.
Medicare features Original Medicare (parts A and B) and Medicare Advantage plans (MA). Medicare Advantage plans are private health insurance plans that cover everything, such as the Original Medicare plan, with additional benefits.
What Is a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Advantage, or Part C, is like an all-in-one healthcare package, combining hospital, medical, and often prescription drug coverage into a single plan. Approximately 26 million people are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans as of 2025.
Unlike Original Medicare, which is run directly by the government, Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that work with Medicare. This means you still get all the necessary benefits of Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical services) but with extra benefits like vision, dental, hearing, and wellness programs.
Some plans even cover gym memberships and transportation for medical visits. If you’re looking for more than just the basics, a Medicare Advantage plan could be a smart way to get added benefits while keeping your healthcare costs manageable.
Medicare costs fluctuate according to the level of coverage, which means that you may even pay as low as $0 to as high as $505, depending on the plan and benefits included. It is essential to review your plan options carefully and stay informed about your enrollment choices to ensure the best coverage for your needs.
Services Included in Medicare Advantage Plan
Medicare Advantage plans cover Part A (hospital services) and Part B (medical services), along with the following benefits. These benefits do vary across plans, so they are not all guaranteed. You must look into individual plans.
- Eyeglasses for vision
- Hearing aids
- Dental care
- Fitness programs
- Health services
- Transportation services (required for a medical purpose)
Since Medicare Advantage plans have contracts with specific service providers and hospitals, beneficiaries cannot seek treatment outside of their chosen network.
To consult a specialist outside of the chosen network, beneficiaries need prior authorization or referrals from their primary healthcare providers.
Best Medicare Advantage Plans for 2025
In 2025, nearly one-third of Medicare beneficiaries will be able to choose from more than 50 Medicare Advantage plans. Before you renew your plan or sign up for it, let’s check out the best Medicare Advantage Plans for 2025.
- A Well-Connected Choice: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
- A Strong Option with Competitive Benefits: Aetna
- Affordable Coverage with Strong Member Satisfaction: Cigna
- A Strong Choice for Special Needs Coverage: Humana
Here’s a quick comparison.
| Provider | Number of Enrollees | Key Benefits | Coverage Area |
| UnitedHealthcare | 9.4 million | Largest provider network (1M+ doctors)Strong dental benefitsPartnership with AARP | 49 states and Washington, DC. |
| Aetna | 4 million | 80% of plans rated 4 stars or higherIncludes CVS MinuteClinic accessVision, dental, and hearing | 48 states and Washington, DC. |
| Cigna | 0.6 million | 80% of plans have $0 premiumLow drug deductibles24/7 telehealthMeal delivery for eligible members | 29 states and Washington, DC. |
| Humana | 12 million | Offers all three SNP typesPart B Giveback in 61% of plansVeteran-targeted plans available | 48 states and Washington, DC. |
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans: A Well-Connected Choice
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the country, with a medical network that includes over a million doctors and specialists. For many seniors, this broad reach makes it easier to find a trusted physician or specialist who accepts their plan.
UHC also has the largest Medicare Advantage dental provider network, with routine dental care included in all standard plans — something that isn’t always guaranteed by other insurers.
A major highlight of UHC’s Medicare Advantage offerings is its partnership with AARP, a widely recognized organization that advocates for older adults. With coverage spanning 49 states and Washington, DC, UHC plans are accessible to most Medicare beneficiaries.
Despite its wide availability, UHC’s member satisfaction ratings remain moderate. While many plans perform well in key areas, user experience feedback suggests room for improvement. Its Special Needs Plans (SNPs) tend to be priced higher than those of some competitors, though budget-friendly options exist.
Pros
- Largest Medicare Advantage provider network (1M+ providers)
- Strong dental benefits are included in all standard plans
- Plans are available in 49 states and Washington, DC.
Cons
- Patient experience ratings are middle-of-the-road despite good plan performance
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are among the costlier options
- Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans: A Strong Option With Competitive Benefits
Aetna, a CVS Health company, is the fourth-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, offering coverage across most of the United States. The company has gained attention for its strong performance in Medicare Star Ratings, improving at a time when industry averages declined.
Nearly 80% of Aetna’s plans hold a rating of 4 stars or higher, reflecting positive results in areas like customer service, coverage options, and plan performance.
Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans include vision, hearing, and dental benefits across all offerings, with some plans featuring extra benefits like allowances for medical expenses and over-the-counter products.
Certain plans also allow members to receive care at CVS MinuteClinics for the same copay as a visit to their primary doctor — an added convenience for routine medical needs.
However, Aetna has reduced some plan options in 2025, exiting two states, and it has lower-than-average ratings in specific categories like preventive screenings and vaccinations.
While its plans tend to have lower premiums compared to other nationwide insurers, its drug deductibles can be higher, and the annual out-of-pocket maximum averages around $6,054 — slightly above competitors.
Pros
- Nearly 80% of plans rated four stars or higher
- Available in 48 states and Washington, DC.
- Some plans offer CVS Minute Clinic access at low copays.
Cons
- Lower ratings in preventive care categories like screenings and vaccines
- Higher-than-average drug deductibles
- No longer available in two states
- Cigna Medicare Advantage Plans: Affordable Coverage With Strong Member Satisfaction
Cigna stands out for its affordability, offering some of the lowest Medicare Advantage premiums in the industry.
With 80% of its plans featuring a $0 monthly premium and an average premium of just $5.50 for those that do have a cost, Cigna is a great option for individuals looking to minimize expenses while maintaining solid healthcare benefits.
The company provides one of the lowest drug deductibles among major insurers, making prescription coverage more accessible.
Beyond cost savings, Cigna ranks highly in member experience, meaning policyholders report positive interactions with their doctors and feel their healthcare needs are well-managed. The company also offers benefits, including 24/7 telehealth services and meal delivery for certain members recovering from hospital stays.
Despite these strengths, Cigna’s availability is more limited than that of some competitors, with plans offered in only 29 states and Washington, DC. The company’s overall Medicare Star Ratings from CMS remain average, though they have improved recently.
Cigna is set to sell its Medicare Advantage business to Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) in early 2025, which may lead to further changes in plan offerings.
Pros
- 80% of plans have a $0 premium
- Strong member satisfaction ratings
- 24/7 telehealth and meal delivery benefits
Cons
- Plans are available in only 29 states and Washington, DC.
- Medicare Star Ratings remain average despite improvements.
- Humana Medicare Advantage Plans: A Strong Choice for Special Needs Coverage
Humana stands out for its commitment to special needs plans (SNPs), offering all three types — chronic condition (C-SNP), dual-eligible (D-SNP), and institutional (I-SNP). Not all insurers provide this level of specialized coverage, making Humana an important option for individuals with complex medical needs.
Humana offers these plans at competitive prices, with an average premium of $22.22 for SNPs that include Part D drug coverage — lower than many competitors in this market.
For standard Medicare Advantage plans, Humana is a mixed bag. While it is one of the largest providers, offering plans in 48 states and Washington, DC, its standard plans come with higher-than-average premiums and out-of-pocket limits.
Member experience ratings are above average, but overall star ratings remain lower than some of its top competitors.
A major highlight of Humana’s offerings is the Part B Giveback benefit, available in 61% of its plans. This feature helps reduce Medicare Part B premiums, making coverage more affordable for those on a fixed income. Many of these plans cater to veterans, though they are open to all eligible individuals.
Pros
- Provides all three types of Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
- 61% of plans offer a Part B Giveback benefit
- Available in 48 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
- Only 24% of plans are rated four stars or higher
- Out-of-pocket maximums are higher than average
- Customer satisfaction scores are below average in some regions
Make Informed Healthcare Choices With Silveredge Advisors
Nearly 2.2 million Medicare beneficiaries in 26 counties will be able to choose from 75 or more plans. With that many plans available, it is quite critical for you to pick a plan that best suits your healthcare needs. Enrolling you or your loved ones for comprehensive healthcare support requires a thorough evaluation of the benefits, costs, pros, and cons of each plan.
By thoroughly reviewing your options and comparing plans based on your health priorities, you can confidently select the coverage that provides the best value. Stay informed, ask questions, and ensure your chosen plan supports your long-term well-being with Silveredge. With Silveredge’s team of licensed insurance agents, you can evaluate health insurance coverage, get an answer to your questions, and openly discuss your healthcare insurance options to sign up for the best Medicare Advantage plan of 2025.
