Best Medicare Advantage Plans for 2027 (AEP Guide)

Shopping for the best Medicare Advantage plans for 2027? The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026 — and the 2027 plans are finalized and ready to compare.

This guide will help you understand what makes a Medicare Advantage plan “best,” which carriers earn top ratings consistently, and exactly how to find the best plan for your specific situation.

Important disclaimer: The “best” Medicare Advantage plan is always the one that covers your specific doctors, your specific medications, and fits your budget — not the one with the most national advertising. This guide shows you how to find it.

What Makes a Medicare Advantage Plan “Best”?

CMS Star Rating (Most Important Quality Metric)

CMS rates every Medicare Advantage plan 1-5 stars based on clinical quality, member satisfaction, and care management. Updated annually and released each fall.

• 5 stars: Excellent. Can enroll at any time of year.
• 4-4.5 stars: Very good. Enroll during AEP.
• 3-3.5 stars: Average. Review carefully before staying.
• Below 3 stars: Below average. Strong reason to switch.

Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP)

The most you’d pay out of pocket for covered services in a year (not counting premiums). Federal cap is around $9,350 in-network. Many plans set it much lower — $2,000-4,000. Lower MOOP = better protection against catastrophic costs.

Drug Formulary Coverage

If your medications aren’t on the plan’s formulary — or are on a high-cost tier — the plan isn’t a good fit regardless of other features. Always run your specific medications through the plan before enrolling.

Provider Network

A plan with your doctors in-network beats a $0 premium plan with a limited network. PPO plans offer more flexibility than HMO but typically cost more.

Supplemental Benefits

Dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances, gym memberships, and transportation can add $1,000-3,000 in real annual value. Compare the actual cash value of these benefits.

Top Medicare Advantage Carriers for 2027

Kaiser Permanente

Consistently earns the highest average star ratings nationally — often 4.5-5 stars. Their integrated model (insurance + care delivery) leads to better care coordination. Available in California, Pacific Northwest, Mountain region. Best for: members in Kaiser service areas who want top-rated integrated care.

UnitedHealthcare (AARP-branded plans)

The largest Medicare Advantage insurer nationally, with plans in nearly every county. Typically 3.5-4.5 stars. Known for broad networks and SilverSneakers gym membership. Best for: frequent travelers or those who want national network access.

Humana

Strong in Southeast, Texas, and Florida. Known for $0 premium HMO plans with solid dental/vision benefits. Star ratings vary by market. Best for: budget-conscious members in Humana’s strongest markets.

Alignment Health

Strong star ratings with high-touch care management, particularly for complex cases. Available in California, Nevada, North Carolina, and select other markets. Known for above-average member satisfaction. Best for: members with complex health needs who value proactive care management.

Devoted Health

Technology-forward insurer with strong star ratings. Exceptional customer service and app-based member experience. Available in select markets in Florida, Texas, Ohio. Best for: tech-savvy seniors who want a modern plan experience.

Aetna (CVS Health)

Competitive plans in many markets with preferred pharmacy pricing at CVS locations. Solid supplemental benefits and $0 premium options in many counties.

HMO vs PPO: Which Is Right for You?

HMO: Must use in-network providers; referrals usually required; lower premiums; lower MOOP. Best for people with an established local care team who don’t travel frequently.

PPO: In-network preferred but out-of-network allowed; no referral needed; higher premiums. Best for frequent travelers or people who want maximum provider flexibility.

How to Find the Best Plan in Your Specific Area

National rankings mean very little for Medicare Advantage — plan quality varies dramatically by county. Here’s how to find the best plan for your ZIP code:

1. Go to medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code
2. Add your specific medications and preferred doctors
3. Sort by “Estimated Annual Drug and Premium Costs”
4. Filter by star rating (4 stars and above)
5. Review top 3 plans in detail
6. Call your doctors to verify in-network status for 2027

Or use a licensed Medicare broker — free, takes 20 minutes, gives you a complete clear comparison across all carriers in your area.

Red Flags When Comparing Plans

• Star rating below 3.5 stars
• MOOP close to the federal cap ($9,350)
• Heavy prior authorization requirements
• Limited specialist network in your area
• Dental coverage under $500/year
• History of significant annual premium increases