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 how much you can pay 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 offer extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage that Original Medicare doesn't include. Private insurance companies provide these plans while covering all your hospital and medical needs in one package.

CMS Star Ratings: These ratings help you spot quality plans by measuring customer satisfaction and care coordination. Plans earning 4 or 5 stars consistently offer better service and health outcomes for members.
Monthly premiums: You'll pay your regular Part B premium plus any extra plan costs each month. Many Medicare Advantage plans in the Bluegrass State charge $0 additional premiums beyond your standard Medicare payment.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits: This yearly spending cap protects you from huge medical bills. Once you hit this limit, your plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
Prescription drug coverage: Most plans bundle medication coverage directly into your benefits package. Check that your current prescriptions appear on the plan's drug list and understand any coverage requirements or cost tiers.

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 while offering a wider provider network, but a much higher $9,250 MOOP limit.

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
- 3 of 4 plans have $0 monthly premium
- Members can see out-of-network providers
cons
- PPO plan has lower 3-star CMS rating
- Higher costs for out-of-network care
Wellcare's three HMO-POS plans each earn 3.5-star CMS ratings, with two charging $0 monthly premiums. The Wellcare Assist plan caps costs at $5,000 annually for a $31 monthly premium. The Wellcare Simple plan caps spending at $7,000 with no premium, while Wellcare Giveback offers a $9,000 MOOP, also at $0 monthly cost.

These zero-premium options let members choose between upfront costs and potential out-of-pocket expenses. All three HMO-POS plans provide out-of-network access, enabling specialized care when needed.

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.

For PPO coverage, the HumanaChoice H7617-004 plan is good, offering a 4.5-star CMS rating, $0 premiums, and a $5,500 maximum out-of-pocket limit. All Humana plans include enhanced Part D drug coverage, with many offering no deductible on select medication tiers. CMS star ratings range from 3.0 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 sits at 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 have access to 26 PPO options across seven providers at an average monthly 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 rounds out the top three with one plan at $20 per month, $4,150 MOOP, and a 3.0-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 healthcare 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

The best Medicare Advantage plan in Kentucky isn't just about low premiums—you'll want to consider network access, prescription coverage, and your total healthcare budget.

1
Check Your Doctor and Hospital Network
Before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan, confirm your current doctors, specialists and hospitals participate in the plan's network. In Kentucky cities like Louisville and Lexington, HMO plans require you to stay in-network except for emergencies, while PPO plans let you go out-of-network at higher costs. Learn more about health insurance network types to understand these differences.
2
Compare Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs
Don't focus only on monthly premiums when evaluating Medicare Advantage plans. The maximum out-of-pocket limit represents the most you'll pay for covered services annually, which is essential for budgeting healthcare expenses. A plan with a $0 premium but $7,833 maximum costs might exceed a $29 premium plan capped at $6,750 if you need regular medical care in Kentucky.
3
Review Prescription Drug Coverage
Check that your medications appear on the plan's drug formulary and understand their tier placement, which affects your costs. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage, though some require separate Part D enrollment. Verify your necessary prescriptions are covered, as this can impact your overall healthcare expenses throughout Kentucky.
4
Evaluate Additional Benefits
Medicare Advantage plans often provide extras beyond basic coverage, including dental care, vision services, hearing aids, fitness memberships and transportation to medical appointments. These supplemental benefits can enhance your health and well-being across Kentucky counties. Compare which additional services each plan offers and whether they match your specific healthcare needs and lifestyle preferences.
5
Consider CMS Star Ratings
Review each plan's CMS star rating, which measures quality and performance on a scale of one to five stars. Higher-rated plans offer better customer service, care coordination and health outcomes. Plans earning four or five stars indicate superior performance in preventive care and member satisfaction, helping guide your decision.

Average Kentucky Medicare Advantage Cost

In Kentucky, Medicare Advantage costs are largely determined by plan type. Restricted networks generally keep premiums lower, while broader access comes with higher expenses.

HMO plans are the most affordable in the state, with $0 median monthly premiums and an average $5,109 maximum out-of-pocket limit. HMO-POS plans provide limited out-of-network access for an average $11 per month and $5,891 MOOP. PFFS plans have $0 premiums but higher $7,100 MOOP, reflecting their fee-for-service design. PPO plans average $18 per month with $6,813 MOOP, offering greater provider flexibility at a higher cost. Regional PPOs cost the most, averaging $59 per month with $9,200 maximum out-of-pocket costs, providing the broadest geographic coverage.


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.

Read Full Bio »