Medicare Advantage Guides
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), more than 5,700 Medicare Advantage plans carry a 2026 star rating across 3,188 counties. These plain-language guides explain how that quality scale works, how to compare plans in your county, and what supplemental benefits to look for; every figure traces back to CMS data documented in our methodology.
How to Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in 2026
A step-by-step guide to evaluating Medicare Advantage plans by star rating, provider network, premiums, and supplemental benefits during Open Enrollment.
Understanding Medicare Advantage Star Ratings
What the CMS 1–5 star scale means, how star ratings are calculated, and why they matter for your plan quality and insurer bonuses.
Medicare Advantage Dental, Vision & Hearing Benefits
What supplemental benefits Medicare Advantage plans may cover for dental, vision, and hearing, and how to compare them across plans in your county.
Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare
Key differences in coverage, cost, provider flexibility, and out-of-pocket limits to help you decide which Medicare option is right for you.
Methodology
Our guides are based on publicly available data from authoritative government sources. All statistics, ratings, and figures cited in these guides are drawn directly from official datasets and publications, with sources clearly referenced throughout.
We aim to present complex government data in plain language that is accessible to general audiences. When methodologies differ between data sources or change over time, we note these variations inline. Our editorial process includes regular reviews to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information presented.