Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania (2026)

Key Takeaways

Pennsylvania Medicare beneficiaries have access to 29 Medicare Advantage plans through 12 different insurers, offering HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PFFS and Regional PPO options. Seven plans cost nothing monthly, while premiums reach $194 for more comprehensive coverage.

UPMC for Life secures the top HMO spot in Pennsylvania, with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Geisinger Gold earning best-in-class ratings for HMO-POS and PPO plans, respectively.

Compare monthly premiums, out-of-pocket maximums, provider networks and prescription coverage when selecting a plan. Verify your doctors and medications are covered before you enroll.

Best Medicare Advantage Companies in Pennsylvania

Based on CMS star ratings, premiums, MOOP costs and coverage features, we identified Pennsylvania's best Medicare Advantage plans. UPMC for Life offers the top HMO option with a $21 average monthly premium, $5,771 average MOOP, and a 4.5-star CMS rating.

Blue Cross Blue Shield leads for HMO-POS plans while Geisinger Gold provides the best PPO coverage, with both maintaining star ratings of 4.45 and 4.5, respectively. These providers deliver competitive pricing and broad benefits across all plan types.


HMO	UPMC for Life	4.50	$21	$5,771	UPMC for Life HMO Deductible Rx (HMO)
HMO-POS	Blue Cross Blue Shield	4.45	$91	$5,279	Security Blue HMO-POS ValueRx (HMO-POS)
PPO	Geisinger Gold	4.50	$54	$5,600	Geisinger Gold Preferred Complete Rx (PPO)

Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital stays, doctor visits and prescription drugs into comprehensive coverage packages. These private insurance alternatives to Original Medicare must match traditional Medicare's benefits while adding dental, vision and hearing services.

CMS Star Ratings: Plans are rated 1 to 5 stars on quality metrics and member satisfaction. Plans rated 4 or 5 stars are the top performers on care quality and customer service.
Monthly premiums: Your total monthly cost is your Part B premium plus any plan-specific amount. Many plans charge nothing on top of Part B, but the total depends on coverage level and location.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits: The MOOP is the most you'll pay for covered services in a calendar year. Once you reach it, your plan pays 100% of covered care.
Drug coverage: Most plans include prescription drug coverage. Check the drug list to confirm your medications are covered and note any usage restrictions.

UPMC Health Plan

Best HMO

MoneyGeek Rating

4.4/ 5

4.2/5Affordability

5/5Quality

2.5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.5
Plan Types
HMO, PPO

pros
- Eleven plans across HMO and PPO types
- All plans rated 4.5 stars by CMS
- One HMO plan at $0 a month
- Enhanced Part D drug coverage on all plans
cons
- HMO plans require specialist referrals
- Average MOOP of $5,771, above some competitors
- PPO MOOPs average $7,060
UPMC for Life has five HMO plans, all rated 4.5 stars. The average HMO MOOP is $5,873 and all plans include enhanced Part D drug coverage. One plan is $0 a month, and the UPMC for Life HMO Deductible Rx plan starts at $22 a month.

UPMC for Life also has six PPO plans, all rated 4.5 stars by CMS. PPO members can see out-of-network providers and all plans include enhanced Part D coverage.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Best HMO-POS

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.45
Plan Types
HMO-POS, HMO, PPO

pros
- Out-of-network access through HMO-POS coverage
- Lowest MOOP among Pennsylvania HMO-POS plans
- Enhanced Part D drug coverage
- Preventive care and wellness programs included
cons
- Out-of-network visits cost more than in-network care
Blue Cross Blue Shield has five HMO-POS plans in Pennsylvania averaging $91 a month with a $5,279 MOOP. It also has 10 HMO plans and 22 PPO plans across the state.

All plans include vision benefits with eyewear allowances, hearing aid coverage, preventive dental and fitness programs. Some plans add OTC allowances and transportation to medical appointments.

Geisinger Gold

Best PPO

MoneyGeek Rating

4.4/ 5

4.3/5Affordability

5/5Quality

2.5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.5
Plan Types
PPO, HMO

pros
- PPO MOOP of $5,600, the lowest in Pennsylvania
- PPO at $54 a month
- Both plans include enhanced Part D coverage
- Silver Circle wellness program for members 55 and older
cons
- HMO is cheaper monthly but has a higher MOOP
- Two standard plan options statewide
Geisinger Gold has two Medicare Advantage plans. The PPO is $54 a month with a $5,600 MOOP, the lowest in Pennsylvania. Both plans include enhanced Part D drug coverage and access to more than 30,000 doctors and 180 hospitals statewide.

The HMO is $41 a month with a $6,623 MOOP. Specialized HMO D-SNP plans are also available for qualifying members. Both standard plans include routine dental, hearing aids, vision benefits and a free Silver Circle membership for members 55 and older. Members have access to health coaching, mental health support and a 90-day prescription refill program.

Best HMO Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's HMO market has 31 plans. Twenty earn 4 stars or higher; ratings range from 3.0 to 4.5 stars. Sixteen plans are $0 a month and the median premium is $0. MOOPs range from $3,450 to $9,250 and average $6,527.

UPMC for Life tops the state with five 4.5-star plans at $21 monthly and $5,771 average maximum out-of-pocket costs.
Ten zero-premium plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield carry 4.5-star ratings and $6,133 MOOPs.
Cigna HealthCare offers four $0 premium plans averaging $5,743 in out-of-pocket maximums, though they earn just 3.0 CMS ratings.


UPMC for Life	4.50	$21	$5,771	5	4.36
Blue Cross Blue Shield	4.50	$26	$6,133	10	4.33
Cigna HealthCare	3.00	$7	$5,743	4	4.23
Geisinger Gold	4.50	$41	$6,623	5	4.16
Humana	3.50	$0	$8,105	4	4.16
Jefferson Health Plans	3.50	$16	$6,250	3	4.04

WHY CHOOSE AN HMO PLAN?

HMO plans work well for seniors who want a defined network of providers. You'll need to choose a primary care physician and get referrals for specialist visits, but you'll enjoy lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to other Medicare options.

Best HMO-POS Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's HMO-POS Medicare Advantage plans earn solid quality ratings, with 13 receiving 4 CMS stars and just two earning 3 stars. Four providers offer 23 coverage options statewide, and eight don't charge monthly premiums. Maximum out-of-pocket costs hit $6,175, spanning from $2,900 to $8,500.

A perfect 5.0 MoneyGeek score puts Blue Cross Blue Shield at the top with five plans rated 4.45 stars on average. Monthly premiums run $91 with a $5,279 maximum out-of-pocket cost.
Wellcare also scores 5.0 across two plans charging $33 per month with a $5,500 MOOP, though CMS ratings reach only 3.5 stars.
Eight plans from UnitedHealthcare score 4.34 at $18 monthly and $6,321 out-of-pocket maximums. Aetna offers eight coverage options scoring 3.8, with $21 monthly premiums and $6,509 MOOP costs.


Blue Cross Blue Shield	4.45	$91	$5,279	5	5
Wellcare	3.50	$33	$5,500	2	5
UnitedHealthcare	4.05	$18	$6,321	8	4.34
Aetna	3.92	$21	$6,509	8	3.8

WHY CHOOSE AN HMO-POS PLAN?

HMO-POS plans cost less than PPOs and allow out-of-network visits when a needed specialist isn't in the network. Out-of-network visits cost more than in-network ones, and no referral is required for either.

Best PPO Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 65 PPO Medicare Advantage plans with broader provider access than HMO options. Premiums range from $0 to $231 a month with a $14 median. MOOPs average $6,904 and range from $4,000 to $9,250. Forty-seven plans earn 4 or more CMS stars (38 at 4.5 stars and nine at 4 stars). Seventeen hold 3.5 stars and one holds 3 stars.

Geisinger Gold scores 4.4 with two plans averaging $54 a month and a $5,600 MOOP. CMS rating: 4.5 stars.
Blue Cross Blue Shield scores 4.4 with a 4.47-star CMS rating across 22 PPO plans averaging $141 a month with a $5,004 average MOOP.
Cigna HealthCare scores 4.38 with one plan at $0 a month, a $6,215 MOOP and a 3.0-star CMS rating.


Geisinger Gold	4.50	$54	$5,600	2	4.39
Blue Cross Blue Shield	4.47	$141	$5,004	22	4.38
Cigna HealthCare	3.00	$0	$6,215	1	4.38
UnitedHealthcare	4.04	$22	$6,697	7	4.34
UPMC for Life	4.50	$17	$7,060	6	4.19
Aetna	4.50	$52	$7,433	10	4.1
Peak Health	3.50	$10	$5,700	2	4.07
Humana	3.50	$0	$8,000	8	4
Clover Health	3.50	$0	$7,499	1	3.88
Devoted Health	3.50	$2	$7,710	6	3.83

WHY CHOOSE A PPO PLAN?

PPO plans work best for Pennsylvania residents who value complete provider freedom and don't mind paying higher premiums for that flexibility. You can see any doctor without referrals and access out-of-network specialists when needed, though staying in-network saves money.

How to Choose the Best Pennsylvania Medicare Advantage Plan

Choosing Medicare Advantage coverage in Pennsylvania means weighing costs against benefits and provider access.

1
Confirm Your Doctors and Hospitals Are In-Network
Call each doctor's or hospital's office directly to confirm they accept your specific plan, not just the insurer generally. Plans from the same insurer can have different networks.
2
Compare Total Costs, Not Just Premiums
A $0-premium plan may cost more through copays and deductibles. Add expected medication costs and specialist fees to your annual calculation. A plan with a monthly premium sometimes costs less overall through lower out-of-pocket expenses.
3
Check Prescription Drug Coverage
Look up each medication before enrolling. Higher tiers mean higher per-prescription costs. Some drugs require prior authorization, which can add several days of delay.
4
Compare Different Plan Types
HMO plan types have the lowest premiums and coordinate care through a primary doctor. HMO-POS adds occasional out-of-network access. PPO is the right fit for frequent travelers or anyone who needs unrestricted specialist access.
5
Review Star Ratings and Quality Metrics
CMS rates plans on a 1- to 5-star scale covering quality and service. Plans rated 4 or 5 stars are the top performers on care quality and claims handling.
6
Compare Extra Benefits
Pennsylvania Medicare Advantage plans frequently include dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships and OTC allowances. Match what each plan includes to your actual health needs.
7
Check Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Lower MOOPs limit annual exposure but increase monthly premiums. Higher MOOPs keep premiums lower at the cost of more out-of-pocket risk.

How Much Does Medicare Advantage Cost in Pennsylvania?

Plan type drives Medicare Advantage costs across Pennsylvania, with HMO plans being the lowest cost option. HMOs offer $0 median premiums and $37 average monthly costs, though their out-of-pocket maximums average $6,527. HMO-POS plans cost slightly more at $42 average monthly premiums but provide the lowest out-of-pocket maximums at $6,175. PPO plans top the cost spectrum with $43 average monthly premiums and $6,904 out-of-pocket maximums because they let you see out-of-network providers and access specialists without referrals.


HMO	$0	$37	$6,527
HMO-POS	$31	$42	$6,175
PFFS	$0	$0	$7,100
PPO	$14	$43	$6,904
Regional PPO	$52	$52	$6,700

Best Pennsylvania Medicare Advantage: FAQ

Get answers about enrollment processes, what's covered and enrollment timing for Medicare Advantage plans across Pennsylvania.

How do you get a Medicare Advantage plan in Pennsylvania?

Enroll through Medicare.gov, contact insurers directly or work with a licensed agent. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7. Other qualifying periods may also apply.

What does Medicare Advantage cover?

Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare covers and most add prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing and fitness benefits.

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

Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare through a private insurer with its own provider network. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover deductibles and copays.

When is open enrollment for Medicare Advantage in Pennsylvania?

The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7. Current enrollees have an additional window from January 1 to March 31.

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

We scored Medicare Advantage plans in Pennsylvania on three criteria:

Affordability (50%): Costs account for half the total score. We weighted Part C and Part D combined monthly premiums at 30% and in-network MOOP limits at 20%. Lower premiums and MOOP limits score higher.
Star Ratings (40%): CMS star ratings measure care quality, customer service and member satisfaction. The Overall Star Rating combines Part C and Part D scores on a 1- to 5-star scale. Higher-rated plans score better.
Availability (10%): We assessed each insurer's coverage footprint across the United States, including Washington, D.C. Insurers serving more states score higher, which reflects broader support capacity and better continuity if you move.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he has produced original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.

He covers economics and insurance at MoneyGeek, and his work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.

Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data. No insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.

Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.A. Economics and International Relations) and Boston College (B.A.). He began his career in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.

Read Full Bio »