Every year, there's a new crop of Medicare plans available in California. Even if you like your current plan, it might change significantly for next year.
That's why NerdWallet's editorial team analyzes every Medicare plan top to bottom each year.
For 2027, there are 394 Medicare Advantage plans commercially available in California. We dove deep into the data to analyze and compare every single one.
45+ Medicare companies and brands analyzed by our team of experts.
30+ years of combined experience covering Medicare and personal finance.
Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet’s Medicare content, including articles, reviews and recommendations, is produced by a team of writers and editors who specialize in Medicare. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Nasdaq, MSN, MarketWatch, Yahoo! Finance and other national and regional media outlets. They have been cited in publications including Healthline, and appeared on NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast.
Compare the best Medicare Advantage plans in California
Insurance company | NerdWallet rating | $0 plan availability | Members in high-quality plans | Member experience | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST MAJOR COMPANY | |||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.6/5 | 80% (Above average) | High (85% to 100%) | 3.86 (Above average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.7/5 | 54% (Below average) | High (85% to 100%) | 3.12 (Below average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.6/5 | 78% (Above average) | High (85% to 100%) | 3.09 (Below average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.4/5 | 66% (Below average) | Low (49% or less) | 3.56 (Average) | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
NerdWallet’s picks in California
We analyzed every Medicare Advantage plan sold in California to find the best based on premiums, prescription drug coverage, costs for medical care, quality ratings, customer satisfaction and more.
These companies had plans that came out on top of our state-specific analysis:
Clever Care Health Plan.
Astiva Health.
Here's every Medicare Advantage plan in California that includes prescription drug coverage and earned at least 4 out of 5 stars on our scoring system. Plans are listed in order of NerdWallet's star rating, starting with the highest-rated plans.
Standard plans
Clever Care Longevity (HMO).
Clever Care Value (HMO).
Astiva Health Premier Plan - NorCal (HMO).
Astiva Health Savings Plan - NorCal (HMO).
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic Kern (HMO).
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage LA, Orange Co. (HMO).
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO).
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Ventura (HMO).
Astiva Health Savings Plan (HMO).
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO).
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage LA, Orange Value (HMO).
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage San Diego (HMO).
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Ventura Value (HMO).
Blue Shield 65 Plus Choice Plan (HMO).
Blue Shield 65 Plus Plan 2 (HMO).
Blue Shield 65 Plus (HMO).
Alignment Health + CommUnity 046 (HMO).
Alignment Health My Choice 001 (HMO).
Alignment Health Platinum + Instacart 008 (HMO).
Alignment Health Platinum + Instacart 016 (HMO-POS).
Alignment Health Smart 013 (HMO).
Alignment Health Smart 047 (HMO).
Alignment Health Smart 055 (HMO).
Humana Community (HMO).
Humana Gold Plus Giveback H5619-146 (HMO).
Special needs plans
Astiva Health C-SNP Deluxe (HMO C-SNP).
Clever Care Total+ (HMO C-SNP).
Clever Care Breathe+ (HMO C-SNP).
Astiva Health C-SNP WOW (HMO C-SNP).
Astiva Health C-SNP WOW - NorCal (HMO C-SNP).
Blue Shield Medicare + Medi-Cal Plan (HMO D-SNP).
Alignment Health Balance 033 (HMO C-SNP).
SCAN Balance (HMO C-SNP).
SCAN Embrace (HMO I-SNP).
SCAN Embrace (HMO-POS I-SNP).
SCAN Strive (HMO C-SNP).
Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE H5619-038 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete South P1 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete North P2 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete South P6 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete South P7 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete South P9 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete South P10 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete South P11 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete North P16 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete North P17 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete North P18 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete North P19 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete North P20 (HMO D-SNP).
Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete North P21 (HMO D-SNP).
» MORE: Best Medicare Advantage plans
What to know about Medicare Advantage in California
More than 7.2 million people in California are signed up for Medicare.
The average monthly premium in 2027 for a Medicare Advantage plan in California is $14.12. (In 2026, it was $13.77.)
There are 394 Medicare Advantage plans available in California in 2027. (In 2026, there were 402.)
99.64% of Medicare-eligible people in California have access to a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. Medicare Advantage, sold by private insurance companies, is a bundled alternative to Medicare that offers the same benefits and usually some extras, such as cost help with dental and vision coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans offer more benefits than Original Medicare plans, and they're often cheaper than paying for Medicare and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, or Medigap. However, they offer less flexibility because you’ll need to get care from within the plan’s network of providers. Weigh your options to determine what plan best suits your needs.
Third-party ratings
JD Power releases an annual study measuring member satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans. It uses eight factors, such as level of trust, ability to get health services, ease of doing business and resolving problems or complaints.
In California, these Medicare Advantage companies scored above the regional average (623 points) on measures of member satisfaction (based on a 1,000-point scale):
Kaiser Permanente (665 points).
SCAN Health Plan (656 points).
Medicare resources in California
California Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP): Offers assistance with understanding Medicare plans, comparing coverage, and filing appeals and challenging denials.
Department of Managed Health Care: A list of agencies that can help California residents with finding resources, choosing health care and aging in place.
California Senior Gateway: Provides information and resources on topics like health care, preventing fraud and reporting abuse.
More Nerdy Perspective
What Medicare Advantage plans are rated the best in California?
SCAN Health Plan is the highest-rated Medicare Advantage company in California in 2027, earning 4.7 out of 5 stars in NerdWallet’s data-backed analysis for the state. Several other companies also made our list of the best plans in the state by scoring at least 4 out of 5 stars: Alignment, Humana and Kaiser Permanente.
⠀
However, not every plan from these companies gets high ratings. The top Medicare Advantage plans in California were Clever Care Longevity and Clever Care Value, each earning 4.6 out of 5 stars in our data-backed analysis.
⠀
A high rating alone doesn’t make a plan the right fit for you. Think about your coverage needs, doctors and prescriptions when you compare your options.
SCAN Health Plan is the highest-rated Medicare Advantage company in California in 2027, earning 4.7 out of 5 stars in NerdWallet’s data-backed analysis for the state. Several other companies also made our list of the best plans in the state by scoring at least 4 out of 5 stars: Alignment, Humana and Kaiser Permanente.
⠀
However, not every plan from these companies gets high ratings. The top Medicare Advantage plans in California were Clever Care Longevity and Clever Care Value, each earning 4.6 out of 5 stars in our data-backed analysis.
⠀
A high rating alone doesn’t make a plan the right fit for you. Think about your coverage needs, doctors and prescriptions when you compare your options.
Elizabeth Aldrichlead writer covering MedicareHow to choose a Medicare Advantage plan
It’s crucial to ask a few questions as you’re shopping for the right plan. Here’s a quick checklist to help you consider your options:
How much are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?
Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred doctor (or doctors) or hospital, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.
Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?
Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?
Are there extras? Does the plan offer any additional perks, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?
You can use Medicare’s plan finding tool to compare plans in your area.
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
Looking for additional insurance in California? Check out these resources:
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Fact Sheet. Accessed Oct 23, 2026.
- 2.JD Power. Medicare Advantage Plan Members Seek Stronger Patient Advocacy, Care Coordination. Accessed Oct 23, 2026.
Medicare Advantage review methodology
NerdWallet’s Medicare Advantage ratings are based on premiums, out-of-pocket costs, prescription drug coverage, quality data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, consumer experience and more. We analyze and calculate ratings for every Medicare Advantage plan sold throughout the U.S. on a curved 5-point scale.
At the national level, we calculate ratings for companies as the average of their plans’ scores, weighted by enrollment.
NerdWallet’s editorial team analyzed companies covering about 87% of all Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in the United States. We reviewed 23 Medicare Advantage brands, with some insurance companies having more than one brand under their umbrella. (For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield includes the brands Anthem and Highmark.)
The Medicare Advantage marketplace is concentrated among just a handful of companies. In many places, one company serves more than half of the market. At the national level, NerdWallet’s reviews include each of the 10 largest brands by enrollment.
We research and analyze all commercial Medicare Advantage plans and publish reviews for selected companies. At the state level, we review at least one major insurer in every state where Medicare Advantage plans are sold, and we review both of the top two insurers in 40 of those 49 states. (Alaska doesn't offer Medicare Advantage plans.) We also look at online search volume to identify regional and other notable players in the space.
These reviews are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several plans to find the best coverage and rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for Medicare Advantage.
This roundup includes only insurers that sell Medicare Advantage in California.