Molina Healthcare Medicare Review: Dual-Eligible and Advantage Plans

Molina medicare review searches have surged as more dual-eligible beneficiaries discover this unique insurer. Molina Healthcare was founded in 1980 by Dr. C. David Molina, an emergency room physician in Long Beach, California. He opened his first clinic to serve low-income patients who were being turned away by doctors refusing Medi-Cal. Today, Molina is a Fortune 500 company ranked number 126 on the list. The company trades on the NYSE under the ticker MOH.

It serves approximately 5.6 million members across the country. For 2025, Molina reported premium revenue of roughly $43.1 billion. However, what makes Molina stand apart is its laser focus on government-sponsored health programs. Approximately 85 percent of its members come through Medicaid contracts. This molina medicare review examines whether the company delivers solid value for Medicare beneficiaries, especially those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

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Molina Healthcare Overview and Financial Strength

Understanding Molina’s financial stability is essential before enrolling. Molina Healthcare is headquartered in Long Beach, California. The company became a licensed HMO in 1985. Joseph Zubretsky currently serves as CEO. However, Molina’s AM Best financial strength ratings trail behind major competitors. Most Molina HMO subsidiaries carry ratings between C+ (Marginal) and B (Fair). For example, Molina Healthcare of Washington holds a B rating. Meanwhile, Molina Healthcare of California was downgraded to C+ (Marginal).

The CMS Star Ratings tell a similar story. For 2026, Molina’s enrollment-weighted average star rating is 3.22 out of 5. The industry average sits at 3.98 stars according to CMS.gov star ratings data. Only 12 percent of Molina members are enrolled in plans rated 4 stars or above. As a result, Molina does not qualify for many quality bonus payments that higher-rated insurers receive.

The table below summarizes key ratings for this molina medicare review.

Rating Source Score / Grade
AM Best Financial Strength C+ to B (Marginal to Fair)
CMS Star Rating (2026) 3.22 / 5.0 (weighted average)
NAIC Complaint Data Below average (ranked last among 14 insurers by Insure.com)
JD Power MA Satisfaction Not individually ranked
BBB Accreditation Not accredited

Molina Medicare Review: Medicare Plan Options

This section of our molina medicare review covers available plan types. Molina offers Medicare Advantage HMO plans branded as Molina Medicare Choice Care. These are MAPD plans that bundle Part D prescription drug coverage. However, Molina does not offer PPO plans. It also does not sell standalone Part D prescription drug plans. Importantly, Molina does not offer Medigap supplement plans like Plan G or Plan N. All Molina Medicare plans use HMO networks.

The real strength lies in Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans. These D-SNP plans are branded as Molina Medicare Complete Care. They serve beneficiaries who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid simultaneously. Molina offers several D-SNP tiers including Complete Care, Complete Care Plus, and Complete Care Select. Each tier provides different levels of supplemental benefits. D-SNP plans coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits into a single plan. This integrated approach simplifies coverage for low-income seniors.

In a major strategic shift, Molina announced it will exit standard Medicare Advantage entirely in 2027. The company will focus exclusively on D-SNP plans going forward. The standard MAPD product was losing approximately one dollar per diluted share in 2026. As a result, current MAPD enrollees should plan for a transition. This molina medicare review strongly recommends that non-dual-eligible members explore alternatives before 2027.

Molina Healthcare Medicare Rates and Enrollment

Most Molina Medicare Advantage plans carry zero-dollar monthly premiums. Members still pay the standard Part B premium of $185 per month in 2025. Molina’s Part D prescription drug coverage includes a zero-dollar deductible. Out-of-pocket drug costs are capped at $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act provisions. Typically, Molina’s zero-premium structure appeals to budget-conscious beneficiaries.

Molina currently offers Medicare plans in approximately 20 states for 2026. Confirmed states include California, Texas, Florida, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, South Carolina, Mississippi, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Idaho, and Iowa. You can verify plan availability in your area through the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov. In most cases, you can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7 each year.

Enrollment is available online through Molina’s website. You can also call Molina directly or work with a licensed insurance agent. For dual-eligible beneficiaries, enrollment in D-SNP plans may be available through Special Enrollment Periods throughout the year. Many retirees also choose to compare home insurance rates at Home Insure Guide when reviewing their overall coverage needs alongside Medicare choices.

Molina Healthcare Additional Benefits and Perks

This molina medicare review found generous supplemental benefits. Molina Medicare plans include comprehensive dental coverage. Some plans offer up to $6,000 per year for dental services including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and dentures. Vision benefits include a zero-copay routine eye exam each year plus an eyewear allowance. Hearing benefits cover one routine hearing exam per year. Some plans provide up to two hearing aids per year.

The OTC and flex card benefit stands out in this molina medicare review. D-SNP members can receive up to $230 per month on a prepaid card. This card covers over-the-counter medicines, groceries, transportation costs, and even utility payments. For example, members can use the card at participating grocery stores and pharmacies. Molina also provides up to 104 one-way transportation trips per year to medical appointments. Post-hospital meal delivery is included as well.

Telehealth visits are available at zero-dollar copays. Molina offers the Silver and Fit fitness program rather than SilverSneakers. This program includes gym memberships at participating fitness centers. Members also receive Home Fitness Kits for at-home workouts. However, if SilverSneakers access is important to you, check whether your preferred gym participates in Silver and Fit instead. Additionally, many Medicare beneficiaries also carry a life insurance policy to protect their family, and you can compare life insurance rates at Life Insure Guide to find affordable coverage.

Molina Healthcare Claims Process and Customer Service

Customer service is a mixed bag in this molina medicare review. Molina’s general member services line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (888) 562-5442. The Medicare-specific line at (800) 665-0898 operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week. TTY users can dial 711. However, Insure.com ranked Molina’s customer service score at 68 percent. That was the lowest score among all 14 insurers reviewed.

The My Molina mobile app is available on iOS and Android. It carries a 4.23 out of 5 star rating on Google Play with over 2,100 reviews. The app lets members view benefits, download ID cards, make premium payments, and manage their care. Ironically, Molina scored 94 percent for digital experience. That was the highest of any insurer reviewed by Insure.com. In most cases, members who prefer digital tools will find the app convenient.

Claims are typically processed through the HMO network. Members must use in-network providers for coverage. Referrals from a primary care physician are required for specialist visits. This is standard for HMO plans. However, the lack of PPO options means no out-of-network coverage exists. This limitation is a frequent concern in every molina medicare review discussion.

Pros and Cons of Molina Healthcare Medicare Plans

Pros:

  • Zero-dollar premiums on most Medicare Advantage and D-SNP plans
  • Up to $230 per month flex card for OTC items, groceries, and utilities on D-SNP plans
  • Strong focus on dual-eligible care coordination with integrated Medicare-Medicaid benefits
  • Generous dental coverage up to $6,000 per year on select plans
  • Up to 104 one-way transportation trips per year to medical appointments
  • Highly rated mobile app with 94 percent digital experience score

Cons:

  • Below-average CMS Star Ratings at 3.22 versus the 3.98 industry average
  • AM Best financial strength ratings are marginal compared to major insurers
  • Exiting standard Medicare Advantage in 2027, leaving non-dual-eligible members without coverage
  • HMO-only network with no PPO option for out-of-network flexibility
  • Lowest customer service score among reviewed insurers at 68 percent

Who Is Molina Healthcare Best For?

This molina medicare review concludes that Molina is best for one specific group. Dual-eligible beneficiaries who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid will find strong value here. Molina’s D-SNP plans combine both programs into one coordinated plan. The generous flex card allowance and transportation benefits address real needs for low-income seniors. Typically, dual-eligible members benefit most from Molina’s integrated approach to care.

However, this molina medicare review cannot recommend Molina for standard Medicare Advantage shoppers. The company is exiting that market in 2027. Non-dual-eligible members should explore other options now. Molina does not offer Medigap supplement plans either. If you want Plan G or Plan N coverage, you will need to look elsewhere. For example, beneficiaries seeking premium PPO networks or higher-rated plans should consider other carriers.

In most cases, Molina delivers the most value when you are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. The company has built its entire Medicare strategy around serving this population. If you are dual-eligible and live in one of Molina’s 20 service states, a molina medicare review of your local D-SNP options is well worth your time. Check your specific county’s plan availability through Medicare.gov Plan Finder to see what Molina offers in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Molina Healthcare offer Medigap supplement plans?

No, Molina does not sell Medigap policies like Plan G or Plan N. The company focuses exclusively on Medicare Advantage HMO and D-SNP plans. As a result, beneficiaries who prefer original Medicare with a supplement will need to choose a different carrier.

Is Molina leaving Medicare Advantage in 2027?

Molina is exiting standard Medicare Advantage MAPD plans in 2027. However, the company will continue offering D-SNP plans for dual-eligible members. Typically, affected MAPD enrollees will receive advance notice and can switch to another insurer during the Annual Enrollment Period.

What is the Molina Medicare flex card and who qualifies?

The flex card provides up to $230 per month for OTC products, groceries, and utilities. In most cases, this benefit is available on Molina D-SNP plans for dual-eligible members. The card can be used at participating pharmacies and grocery stores nationwide.

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Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.

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