Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky (2026)

Key Takeaways

Seven providers offer 56 Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky, with most charging $0 monthly premiums and offering enhanced Part D drug coverage.

Humana is the best PPO Medicare Advantage provider in Kentucky, while Cigna HealthCare has the best HMO plans and Wellcare has the best HMO-POS.

When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan in Kentucky, consider whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are included in the plan’s network, check that your prescription medications are covered and evaluate your budget for premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Best Medicare Advantage Providers in Kentucky

We analyzed the best Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky to identify top providers across different plan types. We considered CMS star ratings, monthly premiums and maximum out-of-pocket costs to highlight insurers offering strong value and coverage.

Cigna HealthCare is Kentucky’s top HMO Medicare Advantage provider, offering $0 premium plans with a 3.0-star CMS rating and $5,825 average out-of-pocket costs. Wellcare leads for HMO-POS options with 3.5 stars and the lowest $5,000 MOOP, while Humana tops PPO plans with $0 premiums, 4.0 stars, and the broadest network access despite higher $9,150 MOOP limits.


HMO	Cigna HealthCare	3.00	$0	$5,825	HealthSpring Preferred (HMO)
HMO-POS	Wellcare	3.50	$32	$5,000	Wellcare Giveback (HMO-POS)
PPO	Humana	4.00	$0	$9,150	HumanaChoice H7617-050 (PPO)

Medicare Advantage Plans Explained

Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare does, plus extras like dental, vision and hearing that Original Medicare skips. Private insurers administer these plans, bundling hospital and medical coverage together.

CMS Star Ratings: These ratings measure customer satisfaction and care coordination to help you spot quality plans. Plans earning four or five stars tend to deliver better service and health outcomes.
Monthly premiums: You'll pay your regular Part B premium plus any additional plan costs each month. Many Kentucky Medicare Advantage plans charge $0 on top of your standard Medicare payment.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits: This yearly spending cap shields you from runaway medical bills. Once you hit the limit, your plan covers 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
Prescription drug coverage: Most plans include medication coverage in your benefits. Check that your current prescriptions are on the plan's drug list and note any tier placement or coverage requirements that affect your costs.

Cigna

Best HMO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
3.0
Plan Types
HMO, PPO

pros
- All plans have $0 premium
- HMO and PPO plans
cons
- Limited plan options
- PPO plan has high $9,250 MOOP limit
Cigna HealthCare offers two HMO Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky, both earning a 3.0-star CMS rating with $0 monthly premiums. The provider averages $4,350 in out-of-pocket maximums across its HMO options, and enhanced Part D drug coverage comes standard.

But Cigna's HMO plans have a narrow network that may limit your provider choices. The company's single PPO plan, HealthSpring True Choice (PPO), also has a 3.0-star rating and provides greater network flexibility. This PPO option includes enhanced Part D coverage and a wider provider network, but its MOOP jumps to $9,250.

WellCare

Best HMO-POS

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
3.5
Plan Types
HMO-POS, PPO

pros
- Three of four plans have $0 monthly premiums
- Out-of-network provider access on HMO-POS plans
cons
- PPO plan holds a lower 3-star CMS rating
- Out-of-network care costs more
Wellcare's three HMO-POS plans each earn 3.5-star CMS ratings, with two at $0 monthly premiums. The Wellcare Assist plan caps costs at $5,000 a year for $31 per month. The Wellcare Simple plan has a $7,000 MOOP at no monthly cost, while Wellcare Giveback carries a $9,000 MOOP, also premium-free.

Two of the three HMO-POS plans charge nothing per month, so your cost exposure is limited to out-of-pocket spending rather than premiums. All three plans allow out-of-network access for specialized care.

Humana

Best PPO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.0
Plan Types
HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PFFS

pros
- 21 of 28 plans have no premium
- All plan types
- PPO plans allow nationwide provider access without referrals
cons
- MOOP limits as high as $9,150 for select PPO plans
- Higher costs for out-of-network care
Humana is the best PPO Medicare Advantage provider in Kentucky, offering 28 plans across HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PFFS and Regional PPO networks. Most plans are affordable, with 24 offering $0 monthly premiums and costs generally below the national average.

The HumanaChoice H7617-004 plan is worth a close look, with a 4.5-star CMS rating, $0 premiums and a $5,500 MOOP. All Humana plans include enhanced Part D drug coverage, with many offering no deductible on select medication tiers. CMS star ratings range from 3 to 4.5.

Best Kentucky HMO Medicare Advantage Providers

Kentucky seniors can choose from nine HMO Medicare Advantage plans across three providers, with seven charging $0 monthly premiums. Maximum out-of-pocket costs range from $2,875 to $8,850, averaging $5,109 annually. The average star rating is 3.56, and four plans earn 4 stars or higher. All plans include enhanced Part D drug coverage.

Cigna HealthCare provides two HMO plans with 3.0-star ratings, both charging $0 monthly premiums and averaging $5,825 out-of-pocket limits.
Essence Healthcare has the highest CMS star rating but only has one plan charging $0 monthly with a $3,350 maximum out-of-pocket cost.
Humana offers six plans averaging $1 per month with a 3.17-star rating and $5,602 average maximum costs.


Cigna HealthCare	3.00	$0	$5,825	2	5.00
Essence Healthcare	4.50	$0	$3,350	1	4.64
Humana	3.17	$1	$5,602	6	3.57

HMO PROS AND CONS

HMO Medicare Advantage plans offer affordable premiums and predictable out-of-pocket costs. You'll get coordinated care through a primary care physician who manages your overall health. But you're trading cost savings for flexibility since you must stay within the plan's provider network and get referrals before seeing specialists. These plans work well if you're comfortable with your primary doctor coordinating your care and don't need out-of-network providers.

Best Kentucky HMO-POS Medicare Advantage Providers

Kentucky has 18 HMO-POS Medicare Advantage plans available from five providers. Most have $0 monthly premiums, but the average rate is $11 per month. Maximum out-of-pocket limits range from $3,900 to $9,000, averaging $5,891, and 17 out of the 18 available plans have enhanced drug benefits.

Wellcare ranks first with three plans averaging $32 per month, rated 3.5 stars, and $5,000 maximum out-of-pocket costs.
Aetna offers two plans earning 4.0 stars, $0 monthly premiums, and $4,850 MOOP, ranking second statewide.
Humana provides the greatest variety with four plans at $0 monthly premiums, averaging 3.28 stars and $6,189 maximum out-of-pocket costs.


Wellcare	3.50	$32	$5,000	3	5.00
Aetna	4.00	$0	$4,850	2	4.97
Humana	3.28	$0	$6,189	4	4.23
UnitedHealthcare	4.00	$12	$6,322	8	4.21
Anthem	3.50	$0	$6,369	1	4.01

HMO-POS PROS AND CONS

HMO-POS plans give you affordable premiums similar to traditional HMOs while letting you visit out-of-network doctors when necessary, though you'll pay extra for that flexibility. This hybrid approach suits Kentucky residents who want coordinated, budget-friendly care but need occasional access to specialists or providers outside their network, especially when traveling.

Best Kentucky PPO Medicare Advantage Providers

Kentucky residents can choose from 26 PPO options across seven providers at an average premium of $17 per month. CMS star ratings average 3.77, with most plans earning 3.5 stars.

Humana leads with a catalog of 16 PPO plans at $0 monthly premiums and 4.0-star ratings, though the $9,150 MOOP is higher than most competitors.
Aetna ranks second, offering three plans with 4.5-star ratings, $22 monthly premiums, and $5,848 average MOOP.
Essence Healthcare comes in third with one plan at $20 per month, a $4,150 MOOP and a 3-star rating.


Humana	4.00	$0	$9,150	16	5.00
Aetna	4.50	$22	$5,848	3	4.47
Essence Healthcare	3.00	$20	$4,150	1	3.98
Wellcare	3.00	$0	$7,500	1	3.95
Cigna HealthCare	3.00	$0	$9,250	1	3.87
Anthem	4.00	$30	$6,950	2	3.85
UnitedHealthcare	3.50	$46	$6,700	2	3.77

PPO PROS AND CONS

You'll pay more with PPO Medicare Advantage plans through higher monthly premiums and out-of-pocket maximums than other plan types, but you get complete health care freedom in return. These plans let you visit any Medicare-approved doctor without referrals and access both in-network and out-of-network care, though out-of-network services cost more. PPO plans work well for Kentucky residents who travel often, want to keep their current doctors, or prefer seeing specialists without getting permission from a primary care physician first.

How to Find the Best Kentucky Medicare Advantage Plans

Low premiums are only part of the picture. Network access, drug coverage and your total annual health care budget all shape which Kentucky Medicare Advantage plan works best for you.

1
Check Your Doctor and Hospital Network
Confirm your doctors, specialists and hospitals are in-network before enrolling. In Kentucky cities like Louisville and Lexington, HMO plans require you to stay in-network except for emergencies, while PPO plans allow out-of-network care at a higher cost.

Learn more: Types of Health Insurance Plans
2
Compare Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs
Monthly premiums aren't the only number that matters. The maximum out-of-pocket limit is the most you'll pay for covered services in a year, and it can matter as much as your monthly cost. A $0-premium plan with a $7,833 maximum may cost more than a $29-per-month plan capped at $6,750 if you use care regularly in Kentucky.
3
Review Prescription Drug Coverage
Check that your medications are on the plan's drug formulary and note their tier placement, which determines your cost. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D drug coverage, though some require separate Part D enrollment. Make sure your prescriptions are covered. This directly affects your total annual spending.
4
Evaluate Additional Benefits
Many Kentucky Medicare Advantage plans include extras like dental care, vision services, hearing aids, fitness memberships and transportation to medical appointments. Match those add-ons to your actual health needs. Benefits you won't use don't add value no matter how attractive they look on paper.
5
Consider CMS Star Ratings
Each plan's CMS star rating scores quality and performance on a one-to-five scale. Four- and five-star plans tend to rank higher on preventive care, care coordination and member satisfaction.

Average Kentucky Medicare Advantage Cost

Plan type is the biggest cost driver for Medicare Advantage in Kentucky. HMO plans are the most affordable, with $0 median monthly premiums and a $5,109 average maximum out-of-pocket limit. HMO-POS plans add limited out-of-network access for an average $11 per month and $5,891 MOOP. PFFS plans also carry $0 premiums but a higher $7,100 MOOP due to their fee-for-service structure. PPO plans average $18 per month with a $6,813 MOOP, giving you more provider flexibility. Regional PPOs are the priciest at $59 per month and a $9,200 out-of-pocket maximum.


HMO	$0	$3	$5,109
HMO-POS	$0	$11	$5,891
PFFS	$0	$0	$7,100
PPO	$0	$18	$6,813
Regional PPO	$58	$59	$9,200

Best Kentucky Medicare Advantage: FAQ

Get answers about Kentucky Medicare Advantage plans:

When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, enrollment occurs during the Annual Enrollment Period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 to March 31. You may also enroll during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify because of a relocation or loss of other coverage.

Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs in Kentucky?

Yes, most Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky include prescription drug coverage as part of their benefits. Before enrolling, confirm your medications appear on the plan's formulary and review their tier levels, which directly impact your out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy.

Do I need to change Medicare Advantage plans if I move to a different county in Kentucky?

Moving within Kentucky may require changing your Medicare Advantage plan since network coverage varies by county. Contact your current insurer within 30 days of relocating to verify continued coverage. You can use a Special Enrollment Period to switch plans if needed.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Kentucky Medicare Advantage Plans

MoneyGeek assessed Medicare Advantage plans in Kentucky using three core criteria:

Affordability (50%): Costs account for half the total score because they influence your spending. We analyzed combined monthly premiums for Part C and Part D coverage (weighted at 30%) and in-network maximum out-of-pocket limits (weighted at 20%). Plans with lower premiums and MOOP thresholds score higher by reducing annual health care expenses.
Star Ratings (40%): CMS star ratings assess plan performance in care quality, customer service and member experience. The Overall Star Rating merges Part C (medical benefits) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) scores into one rating on a 1 to 5-star scale. Higher-rated plans score better in our evaluation.
Availability (10%): We consider each insurer's coverage area across the United States. Providers serving more states score higher, as broader availability indicates more robust infrastructure, better support and better continuity if you relocate.

These factors create a fair comparison of Medicare Advantage plans, weighing costs against care quality and service.

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.

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