bestMedicare AdvantageNew YorkMoneyGeek broke down which of the widely-available plans in New York received the highest rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which has a five-star quality rating system. We also determined the best option based on plan type, prescription drug coverage and maximum out-of-pocket payments.
That said, these recommendations are generalizations. You should still shop around for a plan that fits you and review its network of healthcare providers before deciding.
MoneyGeek also analyzed the best medicare supplement plans in New York for those focused on covering out-of-pocket expenses.
bestMedicare AdvantageNew YorkBest Medicare Advantage Plans in New York
Best plan overall - Aetna Medicare
Best HMO plan - Humana
Best plan without drug coverage - Humana
Best plan for low out-of-pocket costs - Aetna Medicare
Best Medicare Advantage Plan in New York - Overall
The best Medicare Advantage Plan in New York for you will depend on your particular needs. For instance, Aetna Medicare Premier Plan (PPO) from Aetna Medicare is the best plan if you’re looking for a preferred provider organization plan with drug coverage, six core benefits and a high star rating from CMS.
A Preferred Provider Organization plan is usually more expensive than a Health Maintenance Organization plan. A PPO provides a broader network, which means a more extensive selection of doctors, hospitals or treatment centers. PPO plans don’t require you to get a referral to see a specialist. Overall, a PPO plan is an excellent option if you’re looking for flexibility and it’s within your budget.
Aetna Medicare
MoneyGeek found that Aetna Medicare Premier Plan may be the best option for those looking for a PPO in New York. It has:
- A monthly premium of $0
- Prescription drug coverage with a deductible of $250
- An in-network max-out-of-pocket limit of $6,500
- A 4.5 out of 5 star rating from the CMS
The Aetna Medicare Premier Plan includes the six most common benefits: vision, dental, hearing, fitness, worldwide emergency, and telehealth. It also received a high rating from CMS and offers Part D drug coverage. The inclusion of worldwide emergency coverage in this plan makes it a good option for travelers.
Best HMO Medicare Advantage Plan in New York
To find the best HMO Medicare Advantage Plan for you, you need to consider your healthcare needs. If you’re looking for an HMO plan with drug coverage, the six core benefits and a high star rating from CMS, you may find Humana’s Gold Plus H3533-027 is your best option.
A Health Maintenance Organization plan is usually cheaper than other plan types. However, you need to stay within your provider network to make sure you’re covered. The only exception is during an emergency.
You’ll also need a referral to see a specialist. In general, this plan is a solid option if you want lower monthly payments and in-network providers are readily available to you.
Humana
In New York, Humana Gold Plus H3533-027 may be the best option for those who prefer an HMO. This plan has the following details:
- $0 monthly premium
- Prescription drug coverage with a deductible of $425
- Has an in-network max-out-of-pocket payment of $7,550
- Received 4 out of 5 star rating from CMS
Humana Gold Plus H3533-027 provides the six most common benefits: vision, dental, hearing, fitness, worldwide emergency and telehealth. It also offers Part D drug coverage. Additionally, it has a high star rating from CMS.
Best Medicare Advantage Plan in New York Without Drug Coverage
If you don’t need Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, you’ll find that more options will be available to you. Humana’s Honor PPO is the best plan in New York if you’re looking for a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage, the six core benefits and a high star rating from CMS.
Humana
MoneyGeek found that Humana Honor may be the best option for buyers in New York who want a plan regardless of whether it has drug coverage or not. While this particular plan from Humana doesn’t include drug coverage, it has:
- $0 monthly premium
- An in-network max-out-of-pocket payment of $4,500
- A 4.5 out of 5 star rating from CMS
Humana Honor offers the six most common benefits, including vision, dental, hearing, fitness, worldwide emergency and telehealth. It also scored a high rating from CMS.
Best Medicare Advantage Plan in New York for Low Max Out-of-Pocket Costs
While many Medicare Advantage plans in New York have low or no premiums, they may still cost you thousands of dollars out of pocket. To avoid this, you need a plan with a low in-network max-out-of-pocket payment.
MoneyGeek determined that Aetna Medicare’s Premier Plan (PPO) is the best plan if you want a Medicare Advantage plan with a low in-network max-out-of-pocket payment, drug coverage, the six core benefits and a high star rating from CMS.
Aetna Medicare
In New York, the best option for those who want a plan with a low in-network max-out-of-pocket payment is Aetna Medicare’s Premier Plan (PPO). MoneyGeek determined this by filtering out plans that had high MOOP payments. In addition, this plan’s features include:
- $0 monthly premium
- An in-network max-out-of-pocket payment of $6,500
- A 4.5 out of 5 star rating from CMS
A plan with a low MOOP payment will protect you from high costs if you have expensive healthcare needs in a year. With Aetna Medicare’s Premier Plan, you won’t have to pay for in-network coverage after reaching your MOOP payment of $6,500.
Remember that PPO plans have a different max-out-of-pocket payment for in-network than for out-of-network coverage. The Aetna Medicare Premier Plan has an $8,000 out-of-network MOOP.
Medicare Advantage Plan in New York - Statistics
New York has 21 healthcare organizations that offer Medicare Advantage plans. MoneyGeek provided statistics on the state’s plan types, $0 monthly premium plans and commonly-offered benefits. This information can help you determine which plan components are rare Vs. common.
1
New York Medicare Advantage Plans Are a Mix of HMO/PPO/PFFS/MSA with 78.5% Offering Drug Coverage
In New York, 42.6% of its Medicare Advantage plans are HMO, while 50.6% are PPO. Private Fee-For-Service and Medical Savings Account plans take up 5.4% and 1.5% of the state’s market, respectively. 78.5% of the plans include drug coverage.
2
47% of Medicare Advantage Plans in New York Have a $0 Premium
New York has 69 unique plans (47%) with $0 premiums. For plans that require a monthly premium in the state, the average cost is $71.60.
3
Hearing, Vision and Telehealth Benefits Are Common in New York, With Most Plans Offering Them
The three most common benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans in New York are hearing, vision and telehealth. On the flip side, the rarest benefits are in-home support, emergency response devices and home safety devices & modifications.
Methodology
MoneyGeek collected data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 2022 MA Landscape Source Files released in October 2021. Plans in New York were filtered down to those that offer drug coverage (unless otherwise noted), offer six of the most common Medicare Advantage coverage benefits and are available to at least 50% of the population of New York based on county availability.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
