Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan can be overwhelming, especially with all the fine print around premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket limits. If you’re looking at 2026 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, the good news is that many options keep monthly premiums at $0 — but that doesn’t mean $0 cost. What you actually pay depends on doctor visits, prescriptions, and your plan’s Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP).
Skyline Benefit is an independent Medicare broker helping seniors in Los Angeles, Orange County, and nationwide compare UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Medicare Advantage plans. We break down premiums, networks, and drug coverage so you can choose confidently.
How Much Are the 2026 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Premiums?
- CA-004P (Los Angeles HMO-POS): $0 premium with prescription drug coverage built in.
- CA-005P (Orange County HMO-POS): $0 premium, similar structure, with access to a wide dental and pharmacy network.
- CA-37 (UCLA/LA County): $75 monthly premium, but includes richer dental coverage options.
Which UnitedHealthcare Plan Fits California Seniors Best?
UnitedHealthcare offers multiple Medicare Advantage plans across California, and the right choice depends on your priorities for 2026.
- CA-004P (HMO-POS, Los Angeles) → $0 monthly premium, broad UHC network access, and flexibility through HMO-POS for certain services. Best for cost-conscious seniors in LA who want strong basics and national UHC backing.
- CA-37 (HMO-POS, UCLA focus) → $75 monthly premium with direct access to UCLA doctors and specialists. Ideal for those who prioritize premium provider access and specialty care.
- CA-005P (HMO-POS, Orange County) → $0 premium with $0 preventive care copays, rich dental options, and worldwide emergency coverage. Best fit for Orange County seniors or those near county borders who want comprehensive extras.
What Is the MOOP (Maximum Out-of-Pocket) in 2026?
The MOOP caps what you’ll pay out of pocket in a year. Once you hit this number, all covered in-network services cost $0:
- Classic $0 premium HMO-POS plans: around $3,400–$3,600 in-network.
- Specialty UCLA plan (CA-37): higher premium, but also higher MOOP around $4,000+.
For seniors with ongoing medical needs, MOOP is often more important than the monthly premium.
What About Prescription Drug Coverage?
UHC Medicare Advantage plans include Part D with these highlights:
- $0 copays for Tier 1 and Tier 2 generics at preferred pharmacies.
- Insulin capped at $35 per month (or 16% coinsurance, whichever is lower) until catastrophic coverage — then $0.
- Specialty drugs (Tier 5): around 29% coinsurance.
This gives predictable costs for routine medications and critical protection for high-cost drugs.
Extra Benefits with UnitedHealthcare in 2026
UHC plans continue to layer extras that seniors rely on:
- Dental: cleanings, x-rays, and basic coverage with access to a large dental network (POS flexibility means some out-of-network coverage at higher cost).
- Vision: annual exam plus eyewear allowance ($100–$450 depending on the plan).
- Hearing: coverage through UHC’s hearing network for exams and discounted hearing aids.
- UCard®: swipe to pay copays, use OTC allowances, or access gym memberships and wellness rewards.
What Seniors Often Overlook in 2026 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans
Many seniors focus on $0 premiums or drug coverage but miss the smaller details that can make or break their budget. Two standouts in the 2026 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage lineup are:
- UCard flexibility: Beyond OTC items, UHC’s UCard can cover groceries, utilities, and even transportation on select plans in Los Angeles and Orange County. That’s real cash back into your monthly budget if you use the benefit fully.
- Specialist coinsurance and copays: Even with $0 primary care visits, some plans carry $30–$40 specialist copays. For members managing chronic conditions, those visits add up fast. Always review the specialist column in your Summary of Benefits.
Why UnitedHealthcare Still Leads in 2026
With over 9 out of 10 members keeping their doctors under UHC’s national network, the carrier offers stability and breadth. The balance of $0 premium plans, competitive MOOP, and strong extras make UHC a top pick for many seniors across Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Need Help With 2026 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans?
Skyline Benefit is an independent Medicare insurance broker. We’ll confirm your doctors, prescriptions, and costs under UnitedHealthcare’s 2026 Medicare Advantage options — and compare them with other carriers at no extra cost.
Call us at: (714) 888-5112