Find the Best Medicare Plan in New York
Licensed New York Medicare specialists compare plans from UnitedHealthcare, MetroPlus, and more — at no cost to you.
Compare New York Medicare Plans →* Referral compensation may apply. Cost to you: $0.
Medicare Advantage in New York — 2026 Overview
Approximately 36% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries in New York have chosen Medicare Advantage (Part C) over Original Medicare — near the national average of 40%. This reflects growing availability and competitive plan options throughout New York.
Medicare Advantage plans in New York must cover all the same services as Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and typically include additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage (Part D) at no extra premium.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans Available in New York
The following carriers offer Medicare Advantage plans in New York for 2026:
- UnitedHealthcare
- MetroPlus
- EmblemHealth
Plan availability, premiums, and networks vary significantly by county in New York. Availability in rural New York counties may be more limited than in major metro areas. Always verify your specific county options using Medicare’s Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare.
What to Compare When Choosing a New York Medicare Advantage Plan
- Your doctors: Confirm your primary care physician and specialists are in-network. New York’s major health systems may be in some plans but not others.
- Your prescriptions: Enter all medications into the Medicare Plan Finder to see exact drug costs per plan. Drug formularies vary widely.
- Monthly premium vs. copays: A $0 premium plan isn’t always the lowest cost. Calculate your estimated annual total: premium + expected copays + drug costs.
- Star ratings: CMS rates New York plans annually on a 1–5 star scale. Choose 4-star or higher when available in your New York county.
- Extra benefits: Many New York Medicare Advantage plans include dental cleanings, eye exams, hearing aids, and fitness memberships not covered by Original Medicare.
2026 Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods in New York
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7. You can switch to any Medicare Advantage plan in your New York county. New coverage begins January 1.
- Medicare Advantage OEP: January 1 – March 31. Switch once if already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Initial Enrollment Period: When you first become eligible for Medicare (turning 65 or joining due to disability).
- Special Enrollment: Moving within New York to a different county, losing coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help all trigger a SEP.
Free Help for New York Medicare Beneficiaries
The HIICAP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) in New York provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling from trained volunteers statewide. They can help you compare plans in your specific New York county with no obligation.
You can also use our free comparison tool (powered by eHealth’s licensed New York Medicare agents) to compare plans in minutes:
New York Insurance Resources
- Medicare.gov Plan Finder — Official plan comparison tool by ZIP code
- New York Department of Insurance — Plan complaints and consumer protection
- Complete Medicare Advantage Guide
- Medicare Advantage Costs Explained
- Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare