We analyzed the best Medicare Advantage plans in California based on CMS star ratings, premiums, maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs and coverage features. SCAN Health Plan provides the best HMO options in the state, featuring an average monthly premium of $6 and an average maximum out-of-pocket limit of $1,615. Alignment Health Plan leads the state for HMO-POS and PPO plans with competitive pricing and comprehensive benefits. Both of these top-rated providers maintain solid 4.0 CMS star ratings, balancing affordability with quality care.
Best Medicare Advantage Plans in California (2026)
Updated: December 30, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
SCAN Health Plan has the best Medicare Advantage HMO plans in California, with a 4.0 CMS star rating, $6 average premium and $1,615 average maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit.
Alignment Health plan has the best Medicare Advantage HMO-POS and PPO plans in California. Average premiums for the company's HMO-POS plans are $0 while its PPO plans are more expensive at $76 per month but provider greater flexibility when choosing healthcare providers.
When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, consider your monthly costs, maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits, provider access, and prescription coverage alongside your healthcare needs. Always confirm your doctors, hospitals, and medications are in-network before enrolling.
Best Medicare Advantage Companies in California
| HMO | SCAN Health Plan | 4.00 | $6 | $1,615 | SCAN Select (HMO) |
| HMO-POS | Alignment Health Plan | 4.00 | $0 | $998 | Alignment Health Platinum + Instacart (HMO-POS) |
| PPO | Alignment Health Plan | 4.00 | $76 | $3,930 | Alignment Health Balance (PPO) |
Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are private insurance alternatives to Original Medicare that bundle hospital, medical and often prescription drug coverage into a single plan. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare does but frequently include extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing coverage.
- CMS Star Ratings: Medicare rates plans on a 1-5 star scale based on quality and performance. Plans with 4 stars or higher demonstrate strong customer satisfaction, effective care management and reliable service.
- Monthly Premiums: You'll pay your Part B premium plus any additional plan premium. Many Medicare Advantage plans charge $0 in additional monthly premiums, though costs vary by coverage level and your location.
- Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) Limits: These caps protect you from excessive medical costs by limiting your annual spending on covered services. Once you reach your MOOP limit, your plan covers 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
- Drug Coverage: Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D) built into the plan. Check your plan's formulary to confirm your medications are covered and understand any restrictions or prior authorization requirements.
SCAN Health Plan
Best HMO
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
5/5Quality
2.6/5Availability
CMS Star Rating
4.0Plan Types
HMO
Alignment Health Plan
Best HMO-POS and PPO
MoneyGeek Rating
4.8/ 5
5/5Affordability
5/5Quality
3/5Availability
CMS Star Rating
4.0Plan Types
HMO, HMO-POS, PPO
Best HMO Medicare Advantage Plans in California
California has 114 HMO Medicare Advantage plans from 16 providers, including 75 plans with a $0 monthly premium. The median monthly premium is $0, while maximum out-of-pocket costs average $3,043 and span from $296 to $9,250. CMS star ratings range from 3.0 to 4.5 stars, and 67 plans earn 4.0 stars or higher.
SCAN Health Plan leads California's HMO Medicare Advantage options with a MoneyGeek score of 4.61, offering 13 plans with a 4-star CMS rating, an average monthly premium of $6 and an average maximum out-of-pocket cost of $1,615. Providence Medicare Advantage Plans follows closely with a score of 4.54, featuring one plan with no monthly premium, a $400 MOOP and a 4-star CMS rating. Aetna rounds out the top three with a MoneyGeek score of 4.47 across its 2 plans at no monthly premium but with a higher MOOP limit averaging $1,713 and a lower 3.0 CMS rating.
| SCAN Health Plan | 4.00 | $6 | $1,615 | 13 | 4.61 |
| Providence Medicare Advantage Plans | 4.00 | $0 | $400 | 1 | 4.54 |
| Aetna | 3.00 | $0 | $1,713 | 2 | 4.47 |
| Imperial Health Plan of California, Inc. | 3.50 | $0 | $296 | 1 | 4.33 |
| Astiva Health | 3.50 | $0 | $3,045 | 4 | 4.29 |
| Alignment Health Plan | 4.00 | $0 | $7,639 | 17 | 4.28 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | 3.94 | $21 | $2,969 | 7 | 4.27 |
| Clever Care Health Plan | 3.50 | $0 | $1,250 | 2 | 4.22 |
| Central Health Medicare Plan | 3.00 | $0 | $2,180 | 7 | 4.19 |
| Humana | 3.00 | $6 | $3,147 | 15 | 4.16 |
WHY CHOOSE AN HMO PLAN?
HMO plans require you to choose a primary care physician and get referrals for specialist visits, but usually cost less than other plan types. Choose an HMO if you're comfortable with a smaller provider network and want to minimize your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Best HMO-POS Medicare Advantage Plans in California
Five providers offer 47 HMO-POS Medicare Advantage plans in California, and more than half are available at $0 monthly premium. Maximum out-of-pocket costs average $2,762, starting as low as $299 and reaching up to $7,550. Quality remains strong across HMO-POS options in the state, where 30 plans earn 4.0 CMS star ratings and 17 plans earn 3.0 stars.
Alignment Health Plan leads California's HMO-POS Medicare Advantage options with a MoneyGeek score of 4.8, offering 1 plan with a 4-star CMS rating, no monthly premium and an average maximum out-of-pocket cost of $998. Aetna ranks second with a MoneyGeek score of 4.29 across 7 plans featuring a $10 average monthly premium, a $1,594 MOOP and a 3-star CMS rating. Anthem takes third place with a MoneyGeek score of 4.14, providing nine plans at no monthly premium but with a higher MOOP averaging $2,674, while UnitedHealthcare offers the most plan variety with 29 options and a 4-star CMS rating but charges an average $34 monthly premium with a $3,327 MOOP.
| Alignment Health Plan | 4.00 | $0 | $998 | 1 | 4.80 |
| Aetna | 3.00 | $10 | $1,594 | 7 | 4.29 |
| Anthem | 3.00 | $0 | $2,674 | 9 | 4.14 |
| UnitedHealthcare | 4.00 | $34 | $3,327 | 29 | 4.00 |
| Aspire Health | 3.00 | $366 | $3,900 | 1 | 3.25 |
WHY CHOOSE AN HMO-POS PLAN?
HMO-POS plans combine HMO structure with the flexibility to see out-of-network providers at higher costs, making them ideal for seniors who want lower premiums but occasional access to specialists outside their network. Choose an HMO-POS if you primarily use in-network care but want the option to see out-of-network doctors without referrals when needed.
Best PPO Medicare Advantage Plans in California
While California's 13 PPO Medicare Advantage plans cost more than HMO options, they provide greater freedom in choosing healthcare providers. Monthly premiums fall between $0 and $120, with a median of $41. Out-of-pocket maximums run higher with PPO plans, averaging $5,423 and ranging from $2,850 to $6,750. Four plans earn a 4.0 CMS star rating or higher, including two with 4.5-star ratings.
California seniors seeking PPO Medicare Advantage plans will find Alignment Health Plan leading the field with a perfect MoneyGeek score of 5, combining a 4-star CMS rating with 2 PPO options that average $76 per month and a relatively low $3,930 maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit. Humana ranks second with a 4.5 MoneyGeek score, offering 8 PPO plans at an average monthly premium of just $33, which is the lowest among top providers, though its MOOP rises to $5,346 and its CMS rating is 3.5 stars. Aetna places third with a 4.28 MoneyGeek score, offering 2 plans that average $53 per month with a high $6,050 MOOP limit.
| Alignment Health Plan | 4.00 | $76 | $3,930 | 2 | 5.00 |
| Humana | 3.50 | $33 | $5,346 | 8 | 4.50 |
| Aetna | 4.50 | $53 | $6,050 | 2 | 4.28 |
| UnitedHealthcare | 3.50 | $120 | $6,700 | 1 | 3.50 |
WHY CHOOSE A PPO PLAN?
PPO plans usually have higher premiums but give the most flexibility by letting you see any provider without referrals, though staying in-network saves money. Choose a PPO if you travel frequently, want access to specialists without primary care physician approval or have established relationships with out-of-network doctors.
How to Choose the Best California Medicare Advantage Plan
Selecting the right Medicare Advantage plan depends on your healthcare needs, budget and preferred level of provider flexibility. Consider these key factors when comparing plans in California:
- 1Confirm That Your Doctors and Hospitals Are In-Network
Call your current providers to confirm they accept the specific plan you're considering, not just the insurance company. Networks vary between plans, even from the same insurer.
- 2Compare Total Costs, Not Just Premiums
A $0 premium plan might cost more overall if it has high copays and out-of-pocket maximums. Calculate your expected annual costs based on your usual healthcare usage, including regular medications and specialist visits.
- 3Evaluate Prescription Drug Coverage
Verify your medications are covered under the plan's formulary and check which tier they're in. Higher tiers mean higher copays, and some plans require prior authorization for certain drugs.
- 4Consider Different Plan Types
There are several plan types to consider. Choose an HMO if you rarely see specialists and want lower costs. Pick an HMO-POS if you need occasional out-of-network access. Select a PPO if you travel frequently or want unrestricted specialist access.
- 5Review Star Ratings and Quality Metrics
CMS star ratings reflect customer satisfaction, care quality and plan administration. Plans with 4.0 stars or higher deliver better service and health outcomes.
- 6Assess Extra Benefits
Many California Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships and over-the-counter allowances. Compare which extras matter most for your lifestyle and health needs.
- 7Understand Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Out-of-pocket maximums cap your annual spending on covered services. Lower maximums provide better financial protection if you face serious illness or injury, though they typically come with higher premiums.
How Much Does Medicare Advantage Cost in California?
Medicare Advantage costs in California vary by plan type, reflecting trade-offs between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket maximums. HMO plans are the cheapest in the state with a median premium of $0 and average of $18 per month, though out-of-pocket maximums average $3,043. HMO-POS plans cost slightly more at a $28 average monthly premium but feature lower out-of-pocket maximums averaging $2,762. PPO plans are the most expensive option in the state, showing a median monthly premium of $41 and an average of $47. PPO out-of-pocket maximums average $5,423, nearly double those of HMO plans. These higher costs reflect the added flexibility to see out-of-network providers and access specialists without referrals.
| HMO | $0 | $18 | $3,043 |
| HMO-POS | $0 | $28 | $2,762 |
| PPO | $41 | $47 | $5,423 |
Best California Medicare Advantage: FAQ
Here are quick answers to common questions about enrolling in Medicare Advantage, understanding coverage and navigating enrollment periods in California.
How do you get a Medicare Advantage plan in California?
You can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) or when you first become eligible for Medicare. Visit Medicare.gov to compare plans, call insurers directly or work with a licensed insurance agent. Coverage usually starts Jan. 1 for fall enrollments or the first day of the month after you sign up during other qualifying periods.
What does Medicare Advantage cover?
Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare does, including hospital stays (Part A) and doctor visits (Part B), plus most include prescription drug coverage (Part D). Many California plans add dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships and over-the-counter allowances. You'll still pay Medicare Part B premiums plus any additional premium your Medicare Advantage plan charges.
What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a bundled plan from a private insurer that includes medical coverage and often prescription drugs. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to help pay deductibles and copays. Medicare Advantage uses provider networks, while Medicare Supplement lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
When is open enrollment for Medicare Advantage in California?
The Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. California also has a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 to March 31 for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. New Medicare beneficiaries get a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period around their 65th birthday.
Our Methodology: How We Ranked California's Best Medicare Advantage Plans
We analyzed Medicare Advantage plans in California using a weighted scoring system that prioritizes affordability and quality. Our methodology evaluates three main factors to help you identify plans that deliver the best value for your healthcare needs.
- Affordability (50%): Cost makes up half of our overall score, because it directly impacts your budget. We evaluated monthly premiums for Part C and Part D coverage combined (30% weight) and in-network maximum out-of-pocket limits (20% weight). Plans with lower premiums and MOOP amounts score higher, since they reduce your total annual healthcare spending.
- Star Ratings (40%): CMS star ratings measure plan quality across categories like care effectiveness, customer service and member satisfaction. The Overall Star Rating combines both Part C (medical coverage) and Part D (prescription drug) ratings on a scale from 1 to 5 stars. Higher-rated plans earn better scores in our analysis.
- Availability (10%): We factor in how many states each provider operates in, including Washington, D.C. Providers with broader geographic availability score higher because they're more likely to maintain coverage if you move and typically have more resources for customer support and plan improvements.
This scoring system helps you compare plans objectively while accounting for the factors that matter most, including what you'll pay and the quality of care you'll receive.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.