Best Medicare Advantage Plans in New York (2026)

New York's best Medicare Advantage plans include CDPHP Medicare Advantage for HMO coverage, Wellcare for HMO-POS options and Independent Health for PPO networks.

Explore New York Medicare Advantage plans to find the best option.

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: January 27, 2026

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Key Takeaways

New York offers 36 Medicare Advantage plans from 17 providers, including HMO, HMO-POS, PPO and PFFS options. Four plans have $0 monthly premiums, costs reach as high as $225 depending on the provider and plan type.

CDPHP Medicare Advantage leads the HMO Medicare Advantage market. Wellcare and Independent Health are the top providers for HMO-POS and PPO plans, respectively.

Before enrolling, verify your doctors and medications are covered by the plan. Compare monthly premiums, out-of-pocket maximums and network access against your healthcare needs.

Best Medicare Advantage Companies in New York

Based on CMS star ratings, premiums, MOOP costs and coverage features, we identified the best Medicare Advantage plans across New York. CDPHP Medicare Advantage leads HMO options with a $135 monthly premium, $6,000 MOOP and a 4.5-star rating, while Wellcare offers the top HMO-POS choice and Independent Health provides the strongest PPO coverage at $59 monthly with a $9,250 MOOP.

Wellcare maintains a 3.0 CMS rating, and Independent Health holds a 4.5 rating, both delivering affordable premiums with comprehensive coverage for residents.


HMO	CDPHP Medicare Advantage	4.50	$135	$6,000	CDPHP Choice Rx (HMO)
HMO-POS	Wellcare	3.00	$36	$9,250	Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
PPO	Independent Health	4.50	$59	$9,250	Independent Health's Medicare Passport Connect (PPO)

Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital stays, doctor visits and prescription drugs into comprehensive packages that go beyond what Original Medicare covers. These Part C plans include extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing services that traditional Medicare doesn't provide.

CMS Star Ratings: Plans earn 1 to 5 stars based on quality measures and member satisfaction. Higher-rated plans with 4 or 5 stars deliver better care and customer service.
Monthly premiums: You'll pay your standard Part B premium plus any plan-specific costs. Many Medicare Advantage plans charge $0 in additional monthly fees beyond Part B.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits: These annual caps protect you from high medical bills. After you reach your MOOP limit, your plan pays 100% of covered services.
Drug coverage: Most plans include Part D prescription benefits with specific drug lists called formularies. Check that your medications are covered and understand any approval requirements before enrolling.

CDPHP

Best HMO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.5
Plan Types
HMO

pros
- Strong 4.5-star CMS rating
- Two premium options under $140 monthly
- Enhanced prescription drug coverage included
- Low maximum out-of-pocket costs
cons
- HMO network limits provider choices
- No PPO or HMO-POS options available
CDPHP offers two HMO Medicare Advantage plans in New York, both earning strong 4.5-star CMS ratings. The plans provide flexibility through different premium structures, one at $50 monthly with a $6,575 maximum out-of-pocket and another at $135 monthly with a lower $6,000 maximum. Both include enhanced Part D prescription drug coverage, giving members comprehensive medication benefits beyond standard coverage.

While CDPHP focuses exclusively on HMO plans in New York, members benefit from coordinated care through primary care physicians. The comparable maximum out-of-pocket costs across both plans protect members from excessive expenses during high-usage years.

WellCare

Best HMO-POS

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
3.0
Plan Types
PFFS, HMO-POS, PPO

pros
- Two plans with $0 monthly premium
- All four plans rated 3 stars by CMS
- Members can see out-of-network providers
cons
- Offers only four plans
- Part D deductibles waived on only 0 plans
- Higher costs for out-of-network care
Wellcare's four HMO-POS Medicare Advantage plans earn 3.0-star CMS ratings and offer flexible payment options for members. Three core plans: Wellcare Fidelis Assist, Wellcare Assist, and Wellcare Fidelis Simple, all cap annual costs at $9,250, ideal for members seeking lower out-of-pocket costs.

The key difference lies in monthly premiums, with Fidelis Simple charging $0, Fidelis Assist at $32, and Assist at $51, allowing members to choose between upfront costs and monthly payments based on their budget preferences.

Independent Health

Best PPO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.5
Plan Types
HMO, PPO

pros
- Affordable $59 monthly PPO premium
- Out-of-network provider flexibility with PPO plan
- Both plans include Part D prescription coverage
- HMO option earns top CMS rating
cons
- PPO has higher $9,250 maximum out-of-pocket
- Limited to just two plan choices statewide
For members who want out-of-network flexibility, Independent Health offers a PPO plan at $59 monthly with basic Part D coverage through a defined standard benefit. The PPO's maximum out-of-pocket reaches $9,250, though it maintains a strong CMS rating.

The HMO from Independent Health plan costs $108 per month with a maximum out-of-pocket limit of $7,917 and includes enhanced alternative Part D prescription drug coverage with select tiers that have no deductible. This plan earns the highest CMS rating available. Both plans deliver comprehensive Medicare Advantage benefits while giving New York residents the choice between lower premiums with broader network access or enhanced drug coverage with a more structured network.

Best HMO Medicare Advantage Plans in New York

New York's HMO Medicare Advantage market offers great choices, with CMS star ratings from 3.0 to 5.0 stars and 19 of 30 plans earning 4 stars or higher. Twelve providers offer these plans, including 11 options with $0 monthly premiums. The median premium is $32, and maximum out-of-pocket costs average $8,347 annually, ranging from $6,000 to $9,250 depending on your plan.

CDPHP Medicare Advantage earns the highest marks with three 4.5-star plans averaging $135 monthly and a $6,000 maximum out-of-pocket limit.
For the lowest monthly cost, Excellus Health Plan offers four 4.0-star plans at just $12 per month, though the MOOP averages $8,554.
MetroPlus Health Plan's single offering costs $59 monthly with a $9,250 MOOP and 3.5-star rating.


CDPHP Medicare Advantage	4.50	$135	$6,000	3	5.00
MetroPlus Health Plan	3.50	$59	$9,250	1	5.00
Excellus Health Plan, Inc	4.00	$12	$8,554	4	5.00
Blue Cross Blue Shield	4.00	$54	$7,024	5	4.35
Independent Health	5.00	$108	$7,917	3	4.15
Humana	3.00	$7	$9,133	3	4.03
Healthfirst Medicare Plan	4.06	$10	$9,250	3	3.95
Aetna	3.00	$23	$9,250	3	3.94
VNS Health Medicare	3.50	$25	$9,250	1	3.73
VillageCareMAX	3.50	$59	$9,250	1	3.63

WHY CHOOSE AN HMO PLAN?

HMO plans work well for seniors who want their healthcare coordinated through a primary doctor and don't mind getting referrals to see specialists. You'll choose one primary care physician who manages your overall care, but you'll also enjoy the lowest premiums and out-of-pocket costs available. They're perfect if you prefer structured care coordination and want to keep your healthcare expenses down.

Best HMO-POS Medicare Advantage Plans in New York

New York offers 24 HMO-POS Medicare Advantage plans from eight providers, with quality ratings spanning 3.0 to 4.0 CMS stars. Seven plans earn 4-star ratings while six receive 3 stars. Monthly premiums start at $0 for seven plans, and maximum out-of-pocket costs range from $6,000 to $9,250, around $7,986 annually.

Wellcare leads with a 5.0 MoneyGeek score despite its 3.0-star CMS rating. The provider offers four plans at $36 per month with a $9,250 maximum out-of-pocket limit.
EmblemHealth's single plan charges no monthly premium and caps out-of-pocket costs at $7,500. It earns a 4.0-star CMS rating and 4.34 MoneyGeek score.
Three plans from Anthem cost $42 monthly with an $8,900 MOOP, scoring 4.15 with MoneyGeek.
With six coverage options available, UnitedHealthcare charges an average of $25 per month. Plans earn 3.5 stars from CMS and feature $7,994 maximum out-of-pocket costs.


Wellcare	3.00	$36	$9,250	4	5.00
EmblemHealth	4.00	$0	$7,500	1	4.34
Anthem	4.29	$42	$8,900	3	4.15
UnitedHealthcare	3.50	$25	$7,994	6	4.14
Aetna	3.00	$20	$7,464	2	4.13
MVP Health Care, Inc.	4.00	$141	$6,176	2	4.11
Excellus Health Plan, Inc	4.00	$99	$6,727	4	4.06
Elderplan	3.50	$29	$7,550	2	3.96

WHY CHOOSE AN HMO-POS PLAN?

If you want lower monthly costs than PPO plans but more flexibility than standard HMOs, HMO-POS plans might be your sweet spot. These plans let you see out-of-network providers when needed without referrals, though you'll pay higher costs for those visits. They're ideal for New York seniors who primarily stick with in-network doctors but want the security of accessing specialists outside their network or getting care while traveling.

Best PPO Medicare Advantage Plans in New York

New York's 34 PPO Medicare Advantage plans give you more freedom to choose healthcare providers than HMO options, though you'll pay higher premiums for that flexibility. Monthly costs range from $0 to $232 with a median of $46, while out-of-pocket maximums average $8,470 and run from $4,000 to $9,250. Quality remains strong across the state's options, with 10 plans earning 4.5-star ratings and another 14 achieving 3.5 stars. The remaining 10 plans hold 3-star ratings, giving residents 10 total plans rated 4 stars or higher.

Independent Health leads the state's PPO market with a perfect 5.0 MoneyGeek score, offering one 4.5-star plan at $59 monthly with a $9,250 out-of-pocket limit.
Excellus Health Plan ties for the top MoneyGeek score at 5.0 but provides eight plan options averaging $140 per month and $7,900 MOOP limits, though it carries a lower 3.5-star rating.
Blue Cross Blue Shield ranks third with a 4.4 MoneyGeek score across three 4.5-star plans that cost $196 monthly on average but feature the lowest MOOP at $6,700.


Independent Health	4.50	$59	$9,250	1	5.00
Excellus Health Plan, Inc	3.50	$140	$7,900	8	5.00
Blue Cross Blue Shield	4.50	$196	$6,700	3	4.40
Aetna	4.50	$48	$8,975	6	4.39
Cigna HealthCare	3.00	$0	$6,800	1	4.36
UnitedHealthcare	3.50	$40	$8,539	4	4.01
Humana	3.00	$15	$9,250	5	3.95
Wellcare	3.00	$0	$9,250	3	3.87
MVP Health Care, Inc.	3.50	$58	$9,250	2	3.65
Healthfirst Medicare Plan	3.00	$55	$9,250	1	3.57

WHY CHOOSE A PPO PLAN?

PPO plans cost more than other Medicare Advantage options, but they're worth it if you want complete provider freedom without referral requirements. You can see any specialist directly and even visit out-of-network doctors when needed, though staying in-network saves money. These plans work best for New York residents who travel frequently, have established relationships with specific doctors, or want unrestricted access to specialized care.

How to Choose the Best New York Medicare Advantage Plan

Finding the best plan for you requires balancing your medical needs, budget constraints and how much provider choice you want. Evaluate these factors when choosing Empire State coverage:

1
Confirm Your Doctors and Hospitals Are In-Network
Contact your doctors and hospitals to verify they're in the plan's network, not just with the insurance company generally. Each plan from the same insurer can have different provider networks.
2
Compare Total Costs, Not Just Premiums
Plans with no premium may carry higher out-of-pocket costs through copays and deductibles. Factor in your expected medication expenses and typical specialist visits when calculating annual costs.
3
Check Prescription Drug Coverage
Review the drug list to verify your prescriptions are included and check which tier they're in. You'll pay more for higher-tier medications, and some drugs need prior approval from the plan.
4
Compare Different Plan Types
Pick an HMO plan type for the lowest premiums and coordinated care through your primary doctor. HMO-POS works if you want occasional out-of-network flexibility. PPO suits frequent travelers or those wanting unrestricted specialist access.
5
Review Star Ratings and Quality Metrics
Star ratings measure plan quality, service and member satisfaction on a 1-5 scale. Higher-rated plans—especially those with 4 or 5 stars—deliver superior care and customer service.
6
Compare Extra Benefits
Plans often add benefits like dental coverage, vision care, fitness memberships and allowances for over-the-counter health items. Prioritize extras that match your health needs.
7
Check Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Out-of-pocket maximums protect you from excessive medical expenses by capping what you pay annually. Plans with lower caps offer stronger financial protection but charge higher monthly premiums.

How Much Does Medicare Advantage Cost in New York?

PPO plans represent the most expensive Medicare Advantage costs in New York, with median premiums of $46 and averages of $59 monthly, plus out-of-pocket maximums averaging $8,470. PPOs charge more for unrestricted specialist access and out-of-network provider flexibility. HMO-POS plans offer a middle ground at $55 average monthly premiums but deliver the lowest out-of-pocket limits at $7,986. HMO plans provide the most affordable option with $32 median and $54 average monthly premiums, though their $8,347 average out-of-pocket maximums nearly match PPO levels.


HMO	$32	$54	$8,347
HMO-POS	$41	$55	$7,986
PFFS	$88	$89	$3,400
PPO	$46	$59	$8,470

Best New York Medicare Advantage: FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions about how to enroll, what's covered and when you can sign up for Medicare Advantage across New York.

How do you get a Medicare Advantage plan in New York?

Enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7) or when first eligible for Medicare. Apply through Medicare.gov, contact insurers directly, or work with a licensed agent. Coverage begins Jan. 1 for fall enrollments or during other qualifying periods.

What does Medicare Advantage cover?

Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare does plus prescription drugs, with many adding dental, vision, and wellness benefits.

What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with bundled coverage from private insurers, while Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover deductibles and copays.

When is open enrollment for Medicare Advantage in New York?

New York offers multiple Medicare Advantage enrollment periods: Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 annually, Jan. 1 to March 31 for current members, and seven months around your 65th birthday.

Our Methodology: How We Ranked New York's Best Medicare Advantage Plans

We analyzed Medicare Advantage plans using a weighted scoring system that prioritizes affordability and quality. Our methodology scores three main factors to help you find plans that offer the best value for your health care needs.

Affordability (50%): Cost comprises half of our overall score because it affects 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 health care 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. Top-rated plans earn better scores in our analysis.
Availability (10%): We score providers based on how many states they operate in, including Washington, D.C. Providers with broader geographic availability score higher because they're more likely to maintain coverage if you move and often have more resources for customer support and plan improvements.

This scoring system helps you compare plans objectively while accounting for what matters most: 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.

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