Updated: January 28, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Cigna HealthCare is the best HMO Medicare Advantage provider in Washington, D.C. with $0 monthly premiums and a $4,250 average maximum out-of-pocket limit.
Aetna offers the best HMO-POS plans in Washington, D.C. at $63 monthly while Blue Cross Blue Shield provides the best PPO coverage for $42 per month with greater provider flexibility.
Before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan in Washington, D.C., check that your preferred doctors and prescription medications are covered. Compare monthly premiums, out-of-pocket maximums and network access to ensure the plan fits your needs.
Based on CMS star ratings, premiums, MOOP costs and coverage features, we identified the best Medicare Advantage plans in Washington, D.C.
Cigna HealthCare leads HMO options with a $0 monthly premium and $4,250 maximum out-of-pocket limit, earning a 3.0 CMS star rating. Aetna has the best HMO-POS plans, while Blue Cross Blue Shield takes the lead for PPO coverage.
| HMO | Cigna HealthCare | 3.00 | $0 | $4,250 | HealthSpring Preferred (HMO) |
| HMO-POS | Aetna | 3.00 | $63 | $7,500 | Aetna Medicare Enhanced Plus (HMO-POS) |
| PPO | Blue Cross Blue Shield | 3.50 | $42 | $7,300 | CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Complete (PPO) |
Medicare Advantage plans cover hospital stays, doctor visits and prescription drugs in comprehensive packages that serve as alternatives to Original Medicare. These Part C plans must provide everything Original Medicare does while adding dental, vision and hearing benefits.
Best HMO
CMS Star Rating
Plan Types
Best HMO-POS
CMS Star Rating
Plan Types
Best PPO
CMS Star Rating
Plan Types
Finding the best plan for you requires balancing your medical needs, budget constraints and how much provider choice you want.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many Washington, D.C., Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships and over-the-counter allowances. Prioritize extras that match your health needs.
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.
In the nation's capital, Medicare Advantage costs vary mainly by plan type. HMO plans offer the most affordable option with $0 monthly premiums and $4,250 average out-of-pocket maximums. HMO-POS plans cost more at $51 average monthly premiums and carry higher $7,025 out-of-pocket limits. PPO plans fall in the middle with $33 average monthly costs and $6,917 out-of-pocket maximums.
| HMO | $0 | $0 | $4,250 |
| HMO-POS | $50 | $51 | $7,025 |
| PPO | $32 | $33 | $6,917 |
Get answers about how to enroll, what's covered and when you can sign up for Medicare Advantage.
You must have Medicare Parts A and B, then enroll through Medicare.gov during Annual Enrollment (October 15-Dec. 7) or other qualifying periods.
Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare does plus often include prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing aids, and fitness benefits.
Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with bundled coverage from private insurers, while Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover deductibles and copays.
The Annual Enrollment Period runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 yearly. DC residents already enrolled have additional open enrollment from Jan. 1 to March 31.
Our analysis of Medicare Advantage plans uses a scoring methodology and three key factors:
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.
