Top 10 US Medicare Advantage Plans 2026

The 2022 rebrand from Anthem signals a shift to whole health, with a strong dual-eligible (D-SNP) program that integrates behavioral health services, reducing hospital readmissions by 18% compared to Aetna's standard offerings. Its community-focused model fosters loyalty among members with chronic conditions, supported by targeted wellness incentives.

Centene dominates the dual-eligible and low-income senior segment with 1.5 million members through its WellCare subsidiary, acquired for $17B in 2019. By applying deep Medicaid managed care expertise to Medicare, it outperforms Kaiser in Rural MA markets underserved by larger plans, achieving 12% growth there in 2024. This data-led strategy ensures cost-effective coverage for seniors who need it most.

Kaiser Permanente leads in care quality with 1.4 million members in its integrated delivery system, consistently earning 4.5-5 STAR ratings. Its friction-free model, where members see Kaiser physicians at Kaiser facilities, reduces hospital readmissions by 15% compared to rivals. This coordinated approach delivers superior outcomes at lower costs.

BCBS Michigan boasts 800,000 members with industry-leading retention rates of 94%, driven by high brand loyalty among Michigan seniors. Its Priority Health subsidiary adds a managed care network.

Cigna/Evernorth serves 600,000 members while rebuilding MA scale after strategic portfolio adjustments in 2023-2024. Its Evernorth pharmacy arm provides integrated PBM capabilities that reduce drug costs by an average of $450 per member annually. Compared to BCBS Michigan, Cigna expands offerings to compete in select rural markets where its pharmacy network is 18% more accessible.

Molina Healthcare MA leads with 400,000 members and stands out for its rapid expansion, entering 8 new states since 2022. Leveraging its Medicaid DNA, Molina excels at managing high-acuity, socially complex populations, a critical edge as 45% of new enrollees have dual-eligibility status.

SCAN Health Plan MA is a California-based nonprofit with 285,000 members and boasts the highest STAR ratings in Southern California, achieving a 4.5 overall score in 2025. As a pioneer of Medicare Advantage since 1977, SCAN brings decades of actuarial data on senior health trends. Monthly premiums average $0 for Part C.