SCAN Health Plan Explained: Free Agent Help Compare Medicare Options & Save Money
Finding the right health insurance can feel overwhelming with all the choices out there. SCAN Health Plan has earned its reputation by maintaining an impressive 4.5-star rating for six consecutive years. The plan’s member satisfaction reached 91% in 2023, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). U.S. News & World Report has also recognized SCAN on its list of Best Medicare Advantage Companies for five years running. These achievements make SCAN a solid option to think over as you explore Medicare plans.
This piece breaks down everything about SCAN Health Plan – from coverage options to member benefits. You’ll learn if this Medicare Advantage plan fits your healthcare needs and budget perfectly.
What is SCAN Health Plan?

Image Source: Skyline Benefit
A group of senior activists in Long Beach, California, created the Senior Care Action Network in 1977. Their goal was to help seniors access care and services while staying independent [1]. The organization evolved into SCAN, now one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plans. SCAN serves more than 310,000 members across multiple states [2][3].
Overview of SCAN as a Medicare Advantage provider
SCAN functions as a Medicare Advantage Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). It provides Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans to eligible members [4][5]. The organization is a Medicare Advantage plan—also known as Medicare Part C. Members receive an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare that combines hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage in a single plan [6].
SCAN’s plans typically include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and extra benefits not found in Original Medicare. Members can access dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, transportation, and over-the-counter allowances that support their everyday health needs [6]. The organization also offers special programs, such as Independent Living Power™ and In-Home Recovery Benefits, to qualified members. These programs help seniors stay in their homes safely as long as possible [4].
Not-for-profit model and mission
SCAN stands apart from many insurance providers by maintaining its not-for-profit status. This allows SCAN to reinvest money into benefits and services rather than paying shareholders [6][7]. The organization’s straightforward mission lines up with this approach: “Keeping Seniors Healthy and Independent” [1][8].
SCAN’s employees show their steadfast dedication to improving members’ health and independence through integrity and accountability [1]. The organization goes beyond providing Medicare coverage. SCAN works to transform how older adults experience care, services, and dignity. Seniors get real choices, benefits, and independence whether they’re changing Medicare plans or enrolling for the first time [1].
Where SCAN operates: states and counties
Over the last several years, SCAN expanded beyond California. The organization now offers Medicare Advantage plans in six states [9][10]:
- Arizona (Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties)
- California (22 counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco)
- Nevada (Clark and Nye counties)
- New Mexico (Bernalillo and Sandoval counties)
- Texas (Bexar, Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties)
- Washington (Pierce, Spokane, and Thurston counties) [2][11]
This geographic growth shows SCAN’s commitment to bringing its member-focused approach to communities of all types across the United States.
SCAN Medicare Advantage Plans Explained

Image Source: California Health Care Foundation
Medicare Advantage plans are becoming more popular as seniors seek more comprehensive health coverage. Let’s take a closer look at SCAN’s Medicare Advantage offerings to help you make smart healthcare choices.
What is a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as “Part C” or “MA Plans,” give you a private health insurance alternative to Original Medicare. These plans cover everything in Medicare Parts A (hospital) and B (medical), and often include extra benefits [12]. Private companies like SCAN work with Medicare to provide your healthcare services [13].
Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D), so you won’t need a separate drug plan [14]. One key difference is that Medicare Advantage plans limit you to specific provider networks, while Original Medicare lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare [15].
Types of SCAN plans available
SCAN exclusively offers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans in its service areas [16]. They have created plans of all types to fit different needs:
- SCAN Classic: Their most popular plan with extensive benefits
- SCAN Balance: Tailored for people with diabetes or heart disease
- SCAN Inspired: Features women-focused wellness benefits
- SCAN Affirm: Blends senior care expertise with LGBTQ+ community support
- SCAN Venture: Gives you a Part B premium rebate to your Social Security
SCAN Connections combines Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits into one package for those eligible for both programs [17].
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) and who they serve
SCAN’s Special Needs Plans help people with specific healthcare needs. These specialized plans include:
- Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs): Support people with severe conditions like diabetes, heart failure, or ESRD [18]
- Institutional SNPs (I-SNPs): Support those who need long-term care facility services [12]
- Dual Eligible SNPs (D-SNPs): Created for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid [5]
Each SNP customizes its benefits, provider networks, and drug formularies to match the needs of its target group [12].
SCAN Health Plan OTC and extra benefits
SCAN Health Plan goes beyond standard Medicare coverage. Many plans include FlexEssentials cards that provide allowances for over-the-counter health products [6]. Your plan might include:
- Dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Fitness memberships and tools
- Caregiver support services
- Grocery allowances at various retailers, including Asian markets [9]
These additional benefits demonstrate SCAN’s steadfast commitment to supporting its members’ wellness and independence.
How SCAN Has Grown and Evolved
SCAN’s experience, from a small Long Beach initiative to a multi-state health plan, demonstrates remarkable growth in the Medicare Advantage space.
From Long Beach to multi-state expansion
SCAN Health Plan started its operations in Southern California and steadily expanded across the Golden State. The organization served members in 11 California counties [10] by 2020. Their growth accelerated after that, and now they serve 13 counties across Northern and Southern California [10]. SCAN maintained its steadfast commitment as a not-for-profit organization by reinvesting in member benefits throughout this expansion.
Key milestones in SCAN’s history
The year 1983 marked a turning point for SCAN when the federal government chose it as one of four nationwide sites to pilot the Social Health Maintenance Organization demonstration program [19]. SCAN became a licensed health plan in California by November 1984 [19]. The organization saw its membership more than double between 1996 and 1998 as it expanded into three more Southern California counties [19]. The most important milestone came in 2021 when SCAN added over 60,000 new members [19].
Recent growth in Arizona, Texas, and Nevada
In 2022, SCAN entered the Arizona and Nevada markets—its first expansion beyond California [20]. This calculated move introduced SCAN Desert Health Plan to Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties in Arizona, while SCAN Health Plan (Nevada) launched in Clark County [3]. SCAN continues its bold growth path by expanding into Texas counties, including Harris and Bexar [2].
SCAN Health Plan Ratings and Member Experience

Image Source: PR Newswire
Quality metrics matter a lot when you review Medicare Advantage options. Seniors considering SCAN Health Plan should understand performance ratings to know what to expect.
CMS Star Ratings and what they mean
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reviews Medicare Advantage plans each year using a 5-star rating system. Five stars indicate excellent quality, while one star indicates poor performance [7]. These ratings look at customer satisfaction, member experience, plan performance, chronic condition management, and preventive care [21]. The assessments help beneficiaries make better comparisons of plans during enrollment periods [7].
SCAN Health Plan reviews and satisfaction scores
SCAN Health Plan has maintained impressive credentials, with 4.5 stars in California and 4+ star ratings for 12 consecutive years [22]. The plan ranked second among California Medicare Advantage providers in J.D. Power’s 2023 customer satisfaction survey, scoring 708 out of 1,000 points [23]. U.S. News gave SCAN an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, which beats competitors like UnitedHealthcare (3.9) and matches Devoted Health (4.0) [24].
Is SCAN a good Medicare Advantage plan?
SCAN’s plans ended up with a 4.01-star average rating for 2026 (weighted by enrollment). This is a big deal as it means that they beat the industry average of 3.98 [16]. All the same, member experiences differ. Many members praise SCAN’s low out-of-pocket costs and strong customer service [1], but some report issues with provider networks [16]. SCAN scores well in preventive care and member satisfaction, though other plans sometimes offer bigger networks or better drug coverage options [1].
Other Medicare Health Insurance Plans Local Cities, States, and Residents We Help at Free No-Cost as Broker Agents.
North Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Paradise, Nevada Las Vegas, Jackson Hattiesburg Petal Gulfport Laurel Gulfport Biloxi Pascagoula Ocean Springs Moss Point Mississippi, Mobile Birmingham Alabama, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Glendale, Gilbert Arizona, Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, California, Oak Park Naperville Schaumburg Skokie Oaklawn Evergreen Park Joliet Kankakee Hyde Park Bolingbrook Chicago Illinois, New Orleans Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Metairie, Lafayette, Lak Charles, Kenner, Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Tallulah, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Fishers, South Bend, Carmel, Bloomington, Hammond, Gary, Muncie, Schererville, Michigan City, Valparaiso, Crown Point, Merrillville, Danville, Chesterton, Griffith, Schererville, Indiana, Tampa Jacksonville Daytona Beach Pensacola Fort Lauderdale Miami Tallahassee Florida, Atlanta, Sandy Springs–Roswell, Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, Macon, Athens, Gainesville, Warner Robins, Valdosta, Dalton, Albany, Brunswick, Rome, and Hinesville Georgia, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Lubbock, Laredo, Irving, Garland, Frisco, McKinney, Amarillo, Grand Prairie, Brownsville, Killeen, Denton, Texas, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, Michigan, Little Rock Arkansas, and Wisconsin.
Conclusion
SCAN Health Plan is a great way to get complete Medicare Advantage coverage. This not-for-profit organization has maintained its steadfast dedication to seniors’ health and independence for over 45 years.
SCAN’s excellence is evident in its 4.5-star rating, which has remained strong for six years, and its 91% member satisfaction score. These achievements showcase the organization’s commitment to quality care and service. The plan’s growth from California into five other states proves its success in meeting seniors’ healthcare needs.
Members can find coverage that fits their specific needs through various specialized plans—from SCAN Classic to options for specific conditions and demographics. The plan goes beyond standard Medicare coverage by providing extra perks like OTC allowances, transportation services, and wellness programs that support overall health.
SCAN’s status as a not-for-profit changes how it uses member premiums. They put money back into better services and more coverage options instead of focusing on shareholder profits. U.S. News & World Report has recognized SCAN’s excellence for five years running.
You should consider whether SCAN’s provider networks align with your preferred doctors and specialists before making your Medicare choice. While some members note network limitations, most appreciate the low out-of-pocket costs and outstanding customer service. SCAN Health Plan developed an approach worth learning about if you want complete Medicare Advantage coverage that’s both high-quality and affordable.
Key Takeaways
SCAN Health Plan stands out as a top-rated, not-for-profit Medicare Advantage provider that prioritizes member benefits over shareholder profits, making it an excellent option for comprehensive senior healthcare coverage.
• SCAN maintains an impressive 4.5-star CMS rating for six consecutive years with 91% member satisfaction, demonstrating consistent quality care and service excellence.
• As a not-for-profit organization, SCAN reinvests premiums into enhanced benefits rather than paying shareholders, offering better value for members.
• SCAN offers specialized plans including diabetes/heart disease coverage, women-focused wellness, LGBTQ+ support, and dual-eligible options across six states.
• Members enjoy extensive extra benefits like OTC allowances, transportation services, fitness programs, and grocery allowances beyond standard Medicare coverage.
• While SCAN excels in preventive care and customer service with low out-of-pocket costs, some members report provider network limitations to consider.
SCAN’s 45+ year commitment to keeping seniors healthy and independent, combined with U.S. News & World Report’s recognition for five consecutive years, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking comprehensive, affordable Medicare Advantage coverage.
Scan Medicare Health Insurance HMO Plan, Medicare Coverage by State: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington.
FAQs
Q1. How does SCAN Health Plan compare to other Medicare Advantage providers? SCAN Health Plan consistently ranks highly among Medicare Advantage providers. It has maintained a 4.5-star CMS rating for six consecutive years and achieved a 91% member satisfaction rating. SCAN has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Medicare Advantage Companies for five consecutive years.
Q2. What additional benefits does SCAN Health Plan offer beyond standard Medicare coverage? SCAN offers numerous extra benefits depending on the specific plan. These may include dental and vision coverage, transportation to medical appointments, fitness memberships, caregiver support services, and grocery allowances. Many plans also provide FlexEssentials cards with allowances for over-the-counter health products.
Q3. In which states does SCAN Health Plan operate? SCAN Health Plan currently offers Medicare Advantage plans in six states: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington. The coverage is available in select counties within these states.
Q4. What types of Medicare Advantage plans does SCAN offer? SCAN offers exclusively Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans. These include various specialized options such as SCAN Classic, SCAN Balance for people with diabetes or heart disease, SCAN Inspired with women-focused wellness benefits, and Special Needs Plans (SNPs) for specific health conditions or dual-eligible individuals.
Q5. How does SCAN’s not-for-profit status benefit its members? As a not-for-profit organization, SCAN reinvests its revenues into member benefits and services rather than paying shareholders. This allows SCAN to offer more comprehensive coverage and additional benefits, potentially providing better value for members compared to for-profit insurance providers.
References
[1] – https://medicalinsurancetoday.com/scan-medicare-advantage-2026/
[2] – https://www.scanhealthplan.com/about-scan/press-room/august-2022/scan-health-plan-will-expand-growing-national-footprint-into-texas
[3] – https://www.scanhealthplan.com/vi-VN/About-SCAN/Press-Release-Archive/SCAN-Will-Expand-its-Senior-focused-Health-Plans-to-Arizona-and-Nevada
[4] – https://www.lacera.gov/healthcare-plans/scan
[5] – https://www.scanhealthplan.com/about-scan/press-room/november-2022/scan-connections-californias-only-fully-integrated-dual-eligible-special-needs-plan
[6] – https://www.scanhealthplan.com/Plans-and-Benefits/Supplemental-Benefits/2026/Supplemental-Benefits/FlexEssentials
[7] – https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2026-star-ratings-fact-sheet.pdf
[8] – https://bettermedicarealliance.org/allies/scan-health-plan/
[9] – https://www.scanhealthplan.com/en/Plans-and-Benefits/Supplemental-Benefits/2026/Supplemental-Benefits
[10] – https://www.einpresswire.com/article/795586966/now-300-000-members-strong-scan-reaches-membership-milestone-amid-rapid-growth-and-diversification
[11] – https://www.scanhealthplan.com/en/States-and-Counties
[12] – https://www.medicare.gov/publications/12026-understanding-medicare-advantage-plans.pdf
[13] – https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/American-Indian-Alaska-Native/AIAN/Webinar-Archive-Documents/MedicareAdvantageFactSheet.pdf
[14] – https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-is-medicare-advantage/
[15] – https://www.kff.org/faqs/medicare-open-enrollment-faqs/medicare-advantage/what-is-a-medicare-advantage-plan-how-does-it-differ-from-traditional-medicare/
[16] – https://www.nerdwallet.com/insurance/medicare/scan-health-plan-medicare-advantage-review
[17] – https://www.scanhealthplan.com/Plans-and-Benefits/Pre-Plan
[18] – https://www.scanhealthplan.com/en/About-SCAN/SCAN-Club/2024/Chronic-Condition-Special-Needs-Plan
[19] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCAN_Health_Plan
[20] – https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payer/scan-health-plan-eyes-expansion-into-nevada-arizona-for-2022
[21] – https://www.ncoa.org/article/medicare-star-ratings/
[22] – https://www.scanhealthplan.com/about-scan/press-room/november-2024/us-news-best-insurance-companies-california-nevada
[23] – https://medcitynews.com/2023/08/medicare-advantage-customer-satisfaction-ranking/
[24] – https://health.usnews.com/medicare/scan-health-plan-medicare-advantage


