Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan isn’t easy, especially when you’re trying to balance affordable premiums with reliable healthcare coverage. Is SCAN a good Medicare Advantage plan for your needs, or are there better options?
In this 2026 review, we’ll explore SCAN’s benefits, costs, customer satisfaction, and potential drawbacks to help you decide whether it’s worth considering.
1. Is SCAN a Good Medicare Advantage Plan?
Yes, SCAN is a good Medicare Advantage plan for many seniors, especially those seeking low premiums and strong quality ratings. In 2026, 100% of SCAN members in star-rated plans are enrolled in plans rated 4 stars or higher by CMS, according to NerdWallet.
However, SCAN may not be ideal for everyone. Its HMO plans generally require members to use network doctors, and member experience ratings are below average.
SCAN is available in six states, so whether it’s a good choice depends on your location, preferred doctors, and healthcare needs.
2. What Is SCAN Medicare Advantage?
SCAN Medicare Advantage is a group of Medicare Part C health plans offered by SCAN Health Plan, a nonprofit insurer.
These plans provide Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage, typically including prescription drugs and extra benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing care.
Who owns SCAN Medicare Advantage? SCAN Health Plan operates under SCAN Group, a nonprofit organization based in Long Beach, California. Founded in 1977, SCAN focuses on providing healthcare coverage for older adults.
SCAN offers Medicare Advantage plans in select areas of California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, and Washington. Availability and benefits vary by county.
>>> Read more: Medicare Part B Covers: What’s Included and Excluded in 2026?
3. How Good Is SCAN Medicare Advantage Plan Quality?
Quality is the biggest factor when you ask is SCAN a good Medicare Advantage plan, and SCAN’s results are strong in its established markets.
CMS Star Ratings by State
| State | 2026 Star Rating | Notes |
| California | 4.0 | 13th straight year at 4 stars or higher |
| Arizona | 4.5 | Up one full star from 2025 |
| Nevada | 4.0 | Covers Clark and Nye counties |
| Texas | Not rated | Contract too new for an overall rating |
| New Mexico | Not rated | Not enough data for 2026 |
| Washington | Not rated | New market for 2026 |
SCAN’s California dual-eligible plans (contract H0976) are also rated 4 stars or higher.
Member Satisfaction and Service
On third-party member experience measures, NerdWallet reports that SCAN ranked second of eight major providers in California. SCAN’s growth also shows member interest: it added about 127,000 members during the last Annual Enrollment Period.
Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Costs
For budget-focused shoppers asking “is SCAN a good Medicare Advantage plan,” costs are a strong point. For 2026, 87% of SCAN plans have $0 premiums. SCAN also says about 90% of the medications members take have a $0 cost share.
Plans Built for Specific Groups
For certain groups, the answer to “is SCAN a good Medicare Advantage plan” is an especially clear yes:
- SCAN Affirm: Designed for LGBTQ+ older adults
- SCAN Inspired: Built for women’s health needs
- SCAN Allied: Designed with Astrana Health for culturally competent care for Asian seniors
- Special Needs Plans: Connections (D-SNP), Balance (C-SNP), and Embrace (I-SNP)
4. What Are the Pros and Cons of SCAN Medicare Advantage?
No single answer to is SCAN a good Medicare Advantage plan fits everyone. Here’s how the strengths and weaknesses compare.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong 2026 CMS ratings in CA, AZ, and NV | Available in only six states and 33 counties |
| Most plans have $0 premiums | Mostly HMO plans with network limits |
| Nonprofit with no shareholder pressure | TX, NM, and WA plans aren’t rated yet |
| Plans for LGBTQ+, women, and other groups | Provider networks can change mid-year |
| $0 cost share on most common drugs | Less useful if you travel often |
Provider changes are a real risk with any HMO. For example, SCAN removed UC San Diego Health primary care physicians from its HMO network in March 2026, though affiliated network doctors stayed in.
5. How Much Does SCAN Medicare Advantage Cost?
Most SCAN plans have a $0 monthly premium, but you’ll still pay your Part B premium, which is $202.90 per month in 2026. Some plans, such as SCAN Allied in Los Angeles County, include a Part B giveback that lowers that cost.
Many plans also include $0 copays for primary care and certain specialists. Depending on the plan, extras can include:
- A dental allowance of $800 to $4,000 per year
- A vision allowance of $175 to $1,000
- A flexible allowance of $360 to $1,860 for OTC items, groceries, or utilities
A $0 premium doesn’t mean free care. Copays, coinsurance, and your plan’s out-of-pocket maximum still apply. To see whether the answer to is SCAN a good Medicare Advantage plan holds up for your budget, enter your ZIP code on SCAN’s website or Medicare.gov to check exact costs.
6. Who SCAN Fits Best and Who Should Compare Other Plans
Whether SCAN suits you depends on your location and care preferences. If you’re still asking whether SCAN is a good Medicare Advantage plan for your situation, here’s a quick guide.
SCAN may fit best if you:
- Live in one of its service areas, especially California, Arizona, or Nevada
- Want low premiums and strong quality ratings
- Are comfortable using a primary care doctor and an HMO network
- Fit one of its specialty plans, such as Affirm, Inspired, or a Special Needs Plan
You may want to compare other plans if you:
- Want to see out-of-network doctors or specialists without referrals
- Spend long periods outside your home state
- Live in Texas, New Mexico, or Washington and want a plan with a proven rating history
>>> Read more: Devoted Medicare Advantage: Plans, Coverage Areas & What to Expect in 2027
7. FAQs
What is the biggest disadvantage of the Medicare Advantage plan?
Network limits are usually the biggest drawback. HMOs often require referrals, prior authorization, and in-network care except in emergencies. These trade-offs apply to all Medicare Advantage plans, so weigh them when you decide whether SCAN is a good Medicare Advantage plan for you.
What new plans will SCAN be offering in 2026?
For 2026, SCAN entered Washington state (Pierce, Spokane, and Thurston counties) and added counties in California and Texas. It also added Caregiver Advantage, a support program for family caregivers built with Careforth.
Does SCAN have a Medicare supplement plan?
Not yet. SCAN has focused on Medicare Advantage, but its new partnership with Costco plans to launch SCAN’s first Medicare supplement in one state, pending regulatory approval.
8. Final Thoughts
So, is SCAN a good Medicare Advantage plan? For people in its service areas who are comfortable with an HMO, it’s one of the stronger choices for 2026, with high ratings, $0 premiums, and specialized plans.
If you need a broad network or live in a newer, unrated market, compare other options before December 7.
