HealthMetrix Research Picks 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans for Exceptional Benefit Value & Overall Performance

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicare Advantage+Part D plans in 47 states and Puerto Rico will be recognized for exceptional value in the design of their medical and Part D prescription drug benefits available effective January 1. The 2026 Senior Choice Gold Award recipients were selected from Medicare Advantage plans across over 100 markets based on cost-sharing analysis conducted by HealthMetrix Research Inc. posted on MedicareNewsWatch.com. The 2026 Senior Choice Gold Award selections include recognition for plans achieving at least 3.5-star overall ratings for quality and performance as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). 

According to HealthMetrix Research Inc. president Alan Mittermaier:

"The continuing concerns about inflation and its impact on health care out-of-pocket costs weighs heavily on Medicare beneficiaries regardless of socioeconomic status. The annual Senior Choice Gold Award highlights both forward-looking 2026 cost-sharing along with past quality and performance ratings. Each award recipient has demonstrated the commitment to excellence in the design of their 2026 Medicare plan benefits, copayments, deductibles and premiums including the Part D prescription drug benefits. Over 70% of the award recipients also achieved at least 4-star overall CMS ratings for exceptional performance. HealthMetrix Research understands the importance of providing this independent recognition as Medicare beneficiaries consider their 2026 Medicare Advantage+Part D options." 

The award criteria were based on 2026 core benefits and cost-sharing features approved by Medicare for the selected plans as published on Medicare Plan Finder (www.Medicare.gov). These include applicable plan copayments, deductibles and premiums adjusted for beneficiaries' health status (Excellent, Good, Poor) and utilization of healthcare services. The HealthMetrix Research cost-sharing analysis is available at www.MedicareNewsWatch.com. HealthMetrix Research neither recommends nor endorses specific Medicare Advantage plans.

The following 40 Medicare Advantage sponsors are recognized for "Excellence in 2026 Medicare Benefits Value & Performance".

2026 Senior Choice Gold Award Recipients and States

www.MedicareNewsWatch.com

Contact: Alan Mittermaier, President HealthMetrix Research Inc., 614-236-8345

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SOURCE HealthMetrix Research Inc.