Call SelectQuote
Work with one of our licensed insurance agents to get answers to your Medicare questions, unbiased comparisons of coverage and resources to simplify the entire process. Call 1-833-574-3011 (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) to get started.
Get More From a Medicare Advantage Plan
An alternative to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans can be beneficial to many. Let SelectQuote help you decide whether a Medicare Advantage plan is a good fit for you. It’s free, and there’s no obligation to enroll.
Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania for 2026
Pennsylvania offers diverse Medicare Advantage options for 2026. These all-in-one plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare by bundling hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) with additional coverages like prescription drug (Part D) coverage.
Key Pennsylvania Medicare Takeaways
Total Enrollment: 2,981,142 individuals are enrolled in Medicare plans throughout Pennsylvania.
MA Popularity: Approximately 53% of Pennsylvania Medicare beneficiaries choose a Medicare Advantage plan over Original Medicare.
Decreasing Premiums: The average monthly Medicare Advantage premium in Pennsylvania decreased from $24.26 in 2025 to $22.99 in 2026.
What is a Medicare Advantage plan in Pennsylvania?
Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) serves as an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Offered by private, Medicare-approved insurance companies, these plans bundle your hospital and medical coverage into a single policy. Medicare Advantage plan options may also include prescription drug coverage (Part D) alongside benefits like fitness memberships, routine dental care, and routine vision services.
The ideal plan structure for you depends heavily on your preferred doctors and the level of flexibility you need. The two most common Medicare Advantage plan types are:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): With an HMO, you generally must see healthcare providers within the plan’s specific network to be covered, except in emergencies. You will also typically need a referral from a primary care doctor to see a specialist.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): A PPO gives you more freedom to see doctors outside the plan’s network without a referral, though your out-of-pocket costs will be lower if you stay within the preferred network.
Because coverage tiers, medical networks, and premium costs change across counties, plan availability is entirely determined by your specific Pennsylvania ZIP code. A plan offered in Philadelphia may look very different from what is available to a resident in Pittsburgh or Centre County. If you need help navigating coverage options, the includes an abundance of programs and services available for state residents, including free, unbiased Medicare counseling through the PA MEDI program.
Popular Medicare Advantage Carriers Available in Pennsylvania
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issues annual star ratings for every Medicare Advantage plan. Plans are rated on a one-to-five-star scale, measuring categories like customer service, quality of care, and member satisfaction
Carrier | Plan Types Available in PA | Average Premium | |
UPMC for Life | 4.5 Stars | HMO, PPO, SNP | Many $0 options available (Avg: ~$21/mo) |
Geisinger Gold | 4.5 Stars | HMO, PPO, SNP | Many $0 options available (Avg: ~$54/mo for PPO) |
Highmark (Blue Cross Blue Shield) | 4.45-4.5 Stars | HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, SNP | Many $0 options available (Avg: ~$26/mo for HMO) |
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) | 4.0-4.5 Stars | HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, SNP | Many $0 options available (Avg: ~$18/mo for HMO-POS) |
Aetna | ~4.0 Stars | HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, SNP | Many $0 options available (Avg: ~$21 to $34/mo) |
Humana | ~4.0 Stars | HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNP | Many $0 options available |
Source: CMS Part C and D Performance Data
Plan Availability by Top Pennsylvania Counties
When shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan in Pennsylvania, it is important to remember that insurance is highly localized. Carrier networks, monthly premiums, and additional perks (such as dental allowances or fitness benefits) vary by county and ZIP code.
Here is how the plan landscape breaks down across Pennsylvania’s three most populated regions:
Philadelphia County: Features a highly competitive market with an expansive selection of plans. Localized networks like Independence Blue Cross (Keystone Health Plan East) and Jefferson Health Plans compete alongside national carriers, providing urban beneficiaries with a large selection of $0 premium HMO options.
Allegheny County (Pittsburgh): Heavily shaped by robust local healthcare networks, with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and UPMC for Life dominating the landscape. Plans here are tightly integrated with regional hospital systems, offering Western PA residents highly stable HMO and PPO networks.
Montgomery County: Blends suburban provider flexibility with access to major metro plans. Beneficiaries have access to dozens of unique choices—including a balanced mix of regional and multi-state carriers—with over half of the available plans traditionally securing a four-star CMS rating or higher.
Disclaimer: Medicare Advantage plan availability, premiums, and provider networks in Montana vary by county and ZIP code. County-level descriptions are based on general Medicare market trends, population distribution, and typical rural vs. urban plan availability patterns. Actual plan options and benefits are determined by each insurance carrier and may change annually.
Pennsylvania Medicare Enrollment Periods
Timing is critical when managing your Medicare coverage. Missing an enrollment window can result in lifelong premium penalties or delay your access to benefits.
To ensure you maintain continuous coverage, keep track of these standard federal and state-specific enrollment windows:
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7
Often called the fall open enrollment, this is the main window where any Medicare beneficiary can change their coverage. During this time, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or pick up a new Part D prescription drug plan. Any changes you make during AEP go into effect on January 1 of the following year.Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 to March 31
This specific window is reserved exclusively for individuals who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1. During OEP, you are permitted to make a one-time change: you can either switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or drop your Medicare Advantage plan completely to return to Original Medicare (and add a standalone Part D prescription plan).Special Enrollment Period (SEP): You do not have to wait for a standard enrollment season if you experience certain life changes. SEPs allow you to change your coverage throughout the year based on qualifying events. Common triggers for Pennsylvania residents include:
Moving to a New County or ZIP Code: Because Medicare Advantage plans are zip-code specific, moving into a new PA county (or relocating into the state) re-opens your enrollment window so you can select a plan within your new local network.
Losing Employer Coverage: Retiring or losing your current job-based health insurance opens a window to seamlessly enroll in Medicare.
Qualifying for a Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP): If your income qualifies you for both Medicare and Pennsylvania Medicaid, you can enter an SEP to enroll in a specialized D-SNP plan, which typically offers enhanced coordination of care and extra financial help with premiums and copays.
Pennsylvania Medicare Advantage FAQs
What is the most popular Medicare Advantage plan in PA?
Popularity depends heavily on your local network and the county you live in. There is no single "best" or most popular plan across the entire state. A plan that is highly popular in Allegheny County (like UPMC for Life) may not even be available or have network doctors in Philadelphia County (where Independence Blue Cross is prominent). The most popular plan for you is the one that includes your preferred physicians and specific prescription drugs in its local network.
How much does Medicare Advantage cost in Pennsylvania?
According to CMS, the average Medicare Advantage plan premium in Pennsylvania for 2026 is $22.99. CMS also reports that 100% of Pennsylvania Medicare beneficiaries have access to a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 monthly plan premium. However, it’s important to understand that "zero premium" does not mean entirely free. Even if you enroll in a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan, you must continue to pay your standard monthly Medicare Part B premium, which is $202.90 per month in 2026. You will also be responsible for costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Can I switch my Medicare Advantage plan mid-year in PA?
Generally, you cannot change plans mid-year unless you fall into a designated enrollment window or experience a life change. You can switch your plan during the standard Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from January 1 to March 31. Outside of that window, you can only switch mid-year if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Common local PA triggers for an SEP include moving to a new county or qualifying for a Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) through Pennsylvania Medicaid.
Compare Medicare Supplement Plans in Pennsylvania
While Medicare Advantage plans are a popular way to access the same benefits of Original Medicare alongside additional routine benefits, they aren’t the only option for alternative or supplemental coverage. If you prefer freedom from network restrictions, you may consider pairing Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, also known as Medigap. You can easily view your options and to find a policy that allows you to see any doctor in the country who accepts Medicare, without needing a referral. Remember that you cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time—you must choose one or the other.
Why choose SelectQuote for Pennsylvania Medicare coverage?
Navigating the local Medicare plan landscape can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. With over 40 years of experience, SelectQuote can help you compare plans from the nation's most recognized carriers in just minutes. Our licensed insurance agents cut through the fine print to find coverage that fits your lifestyle, your healthcare needs, and your budget.
Our commitment to providing unbiased guidance and support for our customers is reflected in our:
Trustpilot Rating: Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by thousands of verified consumers who praise our clear explanations and helpful, consultative approach.
BBB Rating: We proudly hold an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting our high standards of trust and customer resolution.
Localized Reviews: Pennsylvania beneficiaries report that working with SelectQuote helps eliminate the confusion of Medicare enrollment by providing a clear, personalized review of plans that work with their specific local doctors, local hospital networks, and monthly prescription costs.
We do the shopping. You do the saving.
No obligation to enroll
SelectQuote Senior Insurance Services is a division of SelectQuote Insurance Services. © 2026 SelectQuote Senior Insurance Services. All rights reserved.
Please see the Disclosures Page for more information.
MULTI-PLAN_SQSRW2026_M
Looking for an affordable Medicare plan? Let us help.
We’ll call you.
If you’re pressed for time, complete this form and a member of our team will call you at your selected time.