Over 700,000 people in Connecticut are signed up for Medicare — nearly 20 percent of the state’s population

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Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people ages 65 and older. Medicare Advantage is a bundled alternative to Medicare sold by private companies. It offers all the same benefits and usually some extras, such as savings on dental and vision coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans offer more benefits than original Medicare, and they can be cheaper than paying for Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan. However, they offer less flexibility since you’ll need to get care from within the plan’s network of providers. Weigh your options to determine which plan best suits your needs.

» MORE: Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Which should I choose?

What to know about Medicare in Connecticut

More than 1 in 6 people in Connecticut are 65 and older, and there are a variety of Medicare Advantage plans in the state

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  • The average monthly premium in 2023 for a Medicare Advantage plan in Connecticut is $17.66. (It was $20.49 in 2022.)

  • There are 65 Medicare Advantage plans available in Connecticut in 2023. (This is up from 57 plans in 2022.)

  • All Medicare-eligible people in Connecticut have access to a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage companies in Connecticut

  • Aetna Medicare.

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

  • CarePartners of Connecticut.

  • Cigna.

  • ConnectiCare.

  • Humana.

  • Trinity Health Plan Of New England.

  • UnitedHealthcare.

  • Wellcare.

Top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in Connecticut

Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, awards every Medicare Advantage plan a star rating on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being a top-rated plan. Below are companies with plans that received top marks in Connecticut for the 2023 plan year

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4.5-star plans

There are no 5-star rated plans available in Connecticut for the 2023 plan year. The company below offers plans in Connecticut that are rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by CMS:

  • Humana.

4-star plans

The companies below offer plans in Connecticut that are rated 4 out of 5 stars by CMS:

  • CarePartners of Connecticut.

  • UnitedHealthcare.

This list doesn’t include special needs plans, which restrict membership to people with certain diseases or characteristics, such as having a chronic illness or living in a nursing home.

» MORE: Best Medicare Advantage plans

Find the right Medicare Advantage plan

It’s important to do your research before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan for yourself. Here are some questions to consider asking:

  • What 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 medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.

  • Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to 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 extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?

Medicare Advantage companies

Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage companies. These insurance companies offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.

  • AARP Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Aetna Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Anthem Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Cigna Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Humana Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans.

  • UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans.

  • Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans.

If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).