Discover the Top Medicare Advantage Plans California Offers
Choosing from the top Medicare Advantage plans California offers can feel like navigating a maze, especially with the abundance of options. Whether you’re new to Medicare or simply seeking a better plan, it’s important to know that not all plans are created equal.
If you are familiar with Medicare Advantage, you can jump directly to the plan in your California County by entering your zip code in our Plan Finder look up tool below. Otherwise, keep reading.
Explore Plans in your area using your ZIP Code
Your individual health needs and budget will heavily influence the plan that best suits you. Understanding these factors is crucial for navigating the vast landscape of Medicare Advantage plans available in California.
This in-depth guide will be a roadmap, providing clarity on California's Medicare Advantage plan options. We’ll highlight the top-rated plans, explain crucial factors to consider during your selection process and equip you with the knowledge to make an informed choice.
California’s Top Medicare Advantage Plans: An Overview
Instead of sticking with Original Medicare (Parts A and B), nearly half of Medicare beneficiaries nationwide opt for Medicare Advantage plans. Also known as Medicare Part C, these bundled plans are provided through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They’re required to cover everything Original Medicare does.
However, plans can differ in several ways, such as provider networks, cost-sharing structures, and additional benefits. These differences are why it's essential to compare your options carefully to find the best plan for your needs and preferences.
Understanding the 5-Star Rating System
You’ve likely seen or heard of Medicare's Star Ratings when evaluating Medicare Advantage plans available in California. This system, used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), rates plans on a scale of 1 to 5, with five stars representing the highest quality.
This comprehensive rating system considers member experiences, preventive care, screenings, management of chronic conditions, and customer service. It provides a valuable tool for comparing the performance and quality of different plans.
Not every California County provides access to 5-star plans. That does not mean a 4-star plan isn't good. It simply means it isn't the best of the best. Before selecting your Medicare Advantage plan, remember to check the plan's Star Rating.
Beyond the Stars: Additional Factors to Consider
While a plan's star rating offers significant insight into its quality, relying solely on this metric would be like choosing a car based only on its color. It's important to assess your unique needs. For instance, if you value wellness programs, check if the plan offers gym memberships or fitness discounts.
Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Many Medicare Advantage plans come bundled with prescription drug coverage, referred to as Part D. If you require regular medication, remember to carefully analyze a plan’s formulary – a list outlining the specific drugs covered and at what cost-sharing level.
Pay attention to any restrictions, such as prior authorization requirements or quantity limits, that might apply to certain medications. Understanding the nuances of a plan’s formulary is vital for managing your healthcare costs effectively.
Provider Networks
Unlike Original Medicare, most Advantage plans require members to stay within the plan's network of providers, except for emergencies. This network may consist of doctors, specialists, and hospitals. Verify whether your preferred providers are included in a plan's network before enrolling.
If you have doctors you see regularly, ensuring they are in the plan's network can provide continuity of care and peace of mind. It’s also essential to consider the network’s geographical coverage, especially if you frequently travel or reside in multiple locations.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Medicare Advantage plans come with varying out-of-pocket costs. Deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance influence how much you’ll pay for medical care. Carefully evaluate plan materials or use the Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov to estimate your potential annual expenses based on your healthcare needs.
Choosing a plan aligned with your health status and anticipated healthcare usage can lead to considerable savings. Factor in any potential costs for additional benefits, such as dental or vision care, to develop a comprehensive picture of your financial responsibility.
Unveiling the Standout Performers: High-Ranked Medicare Advantage Plans in California
Choosing from the best Medicare Advantage plans California offers should involve scrutinizing their offerings and understanding what sets them apart. It’s about finding the plan that aligns with your healthcare needs and financial situation.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in California
Provider | Plan ID | Plan Name | Premium | Limit | Stars |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sharp Health Plan | H5386-005 | Sharp Direct Advantage VIP Plan (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 4.5 |
Sharp Health Plan | H5386-004 | Sharp Direct Advantage Platinum Card (HMO) | $57.00 | $2,900 | 4.5 |
Sharp Health Plan | H5386-003 | Sharp Direct Advantage Gold Card (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 4.5 |
Aetna Medicare | H5521-333 | Aetna Medicare Choice Plan (PPO) | $77.00 | $5,500 | 4.0 |
Aetna Medicare | H5521-293 | Aetna Medicare Elite Plan (PPO) | $0.00 | $5,500 | 4.0 |
Aetna Medicare | H5521-425 | Aetna Medicare Core Plan (PPO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-001 | Alignment Health My Choice (HMO) | $0.00 | $498 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-035 | Alignment Health the ONE + Walgreens (HMO) | $0.00 | $999 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-034 | Alignment Health the ONE + Rite Aid (HMO) | $0.00 | $3,400 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-016 | Alignment Health Platinum + Instacart (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $998 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-026 | Alignment Health AVA + Instacart (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $1,999 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-011 | Alignment Health AllCare Preferred (HMO) | $0.00 | $999 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-019 | Alignment Health Sutter Advantage (HMO) | $19.00 | $4,900 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-008 | Alignment Health Platinum + Instacart (HMO) | $0.00 | $198 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-037 | Alignment Health Select (HMO) | $0.00 | $3,400 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-036 | Alignment Health CalPlus + Veterans (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-031 | Alignment Health Harmony (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-007 | Alignment Health My Choice CalPlus (HMO) | $0.00 | $3,000 | 4.0 |
Alignment Health Plan | H3815-013 | Alignment Health smartHMO (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,499 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-130 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-130 (HMO) | $79.00 | $5,900 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5525-057 | Humana USAA Honor with Rx (PPO) | $0.00 | $6,100 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5525-074 | HumanaChoice H5525-074 (PPO) | $46.00 | $2,900 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5525-075 | HumanaChoice H5525-075 (PPO) | $0.00 | $4,500 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-021 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-021 (HMO) | $0.00 | $800 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-146 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-146 (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,500 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-039 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-039 (HMO) | $0.00 | $1,950 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5525-080 | HumanaChoice H5525-080 (PPO) | $46.00 | $5,900 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5525-055 | HumanaChoice H5525-055 (PPO) | $28.00 | $6,500 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-147 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-147 (HMO) | $0.00 | $3,200 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-119 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-119 (HMO) | $0.00 | $1,000 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-026 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-026 (HMO) | $96.00 | $6,350 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-015 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-015 (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,500 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-116 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-116 (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,100 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-150 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-150 (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,000 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-148 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-148 (HMO) | $25.00 | $3,200 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-012 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-012 (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,200 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5525-076 | HumanaChoice H5525-076 (PPO) | $51.00 | $3,900 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5525-077 | HumanaChoice H5525-077 (PPO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-138 | Humana Community (HMO) | $55.00 | $2,700 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-029 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-029 (HMO) | $71.00 | $5,900 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-016 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-016 (HMO) | $0.00 | $3,200 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-032 | Humana Gold Plus H5619-032 (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5619-131 | UC San Diego Health Humana (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,200 | 4.0 |
Humana | H5525-056 | HumanaChoice H5525-056 (PPO) | $66.00 | $5,500 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-043 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,900 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-083 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Ventura Value (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-042 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO) | $60.00 | $2,500 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-065 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic San Mateo (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-039 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Adv Enhanced Santa Clara (HMO) | $65.00 | $3,900 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-062 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Adv Basic Santa Clara (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-054 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Santa Cruz (HMO) | $65.00 | $4,900 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-008 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced Solano (HMO) | $65.00 | $4,900 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-063 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Solano (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,300 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-040 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced Stanis (HMO) | $65.00 | $2,500 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-041 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Stanis (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,900 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-034 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Ventura (HMO) | $0.00 | $1,999 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-032 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Alam., SF, Napa (HMO) | $70.00 | $3,900 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-036 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Kern (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-059 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Alameda (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-013 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Adv Enhanced Sac., Sonoma (HMO) | $65.00 | $3,900 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-051 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Basic Sac., Sonoma (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-033 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Adv Enhanced Contra Costa (HMO) | $65.00 | $3,900 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-061 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Adv Basic Contra Costa (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-038 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced Fresno (HMO) | $70.00 | $2,500 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-046 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Fresno (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,900 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-035 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced Kern (HMO) | $29.00 | $1,500 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-060 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SF (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-003 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage LA, Orange Co. (HMO) | $0.00 | $999 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-078 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage LA, Orange Value (HMO) | $0.00 | $1,999 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-031 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Adv Enhanced Marin San Mateo (HMO) | $70.00 | $4,200 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-064 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Marin (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,000 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-015 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO) | $0.00 | $999 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-081 | Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO) | $0.00 | $1,999 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-037 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage San Diego (HMO) | $0.00 | $1,999 | 4.0 |
Kaiser Permanente | H0524-082 | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage San Diego Value (HMO) | $0.00 | $2,900 | 4.0 |
Finding Your Ideal Plan: Practical Tips for Comparing Options
Don’t rush the selection process, particularly with something as crucial as your healthcare. Consider the best Medicare Advantage plans California offers through several reliable sources and comparison methods.
Start with Medicare’s official Plan Finder tool (Medicare.gov), which enables side-by-side plan comparison based on your location and specific requirements. Utilize online resources, read reviews, and speak with friends or family members enrolled in Medicare Advantage for insights.
Seeking Expert Assistance
If navigating the complexities of Medicare Advantage proves challenging, know that resources and assistance are available to guide you. Use a Medicare agent/broker or contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE for personalized help.
These professionals can provide objective advice, answer your questions, and assist you in finding a plan that aligns with your budget and health needs. Don’t hesitate to seek expert guidance to make the Medicare Advantage selection process less overwhelming.
Explore Plans in your area using your ZIP Code
Explore Plans in California by County
Click on your California County to explore the plans available in your area.
This page was last updated on .