The bottom line: Aetna’s improved star ratings stand out in a year when the average rating for all plans dropped, and the company's member experience ratings remain above average. Although Aetna reduced some benefits for 2025, its widely available plans are worth a look. Jump to: Full Review
Aetna Medicare Advantage pros and cons
Pros
- $0-premium offerings: In 2025, Aetna estimates that 83% of Medicare-eligible beneficiaries have access to a $0-monthly-premium Aetna Medicare Advantage plan.
- Broadly available: Aetna offers Medicare Advantage plans in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
- Low drug costs: All Aetna Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans come with a $0 deductible for all Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs, as well as a $0 copay on Tier 1 drugs.
- MinuteClinic access: Because Aetna is a CVS Health company, members in some plans can visit any MinuteClinic location and pay the same copay they’d pay to visit their primary care physician.
Cons
- Member love is mediocre: Aetna customer satisfaction numbers landed below the regional industry average in some major Medicare markets, according to J.D. Power’s latest survey.
- Reduced offerings: Aetna ended the fitness reimbursement program they introduced in 2024 and dropped Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans in Idaho and New Mexico.
Compare against other providers
🔍 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
» More options in our roundup of the best Medicare Advantage plans
Compare against other providers
🔍 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
» More options in our roundup of the best Medicare Advantage plans
Our full review
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Aetna Medicare Advantage star ratings
Average star rating, weighted by enrollment: 4.29
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are rated above the industry average, receiving an average rating of 4.29 stars out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2025, weighted by enrollment. For comparison, the average weighted star rating for all plans is 3.96.
Of Aetna members who are in plans with a Medicare star rating, 85% are in plans rated 4 stars or above for the 2025 plan year.
CMS maintains its own database of star ratings, which rank each plan from best (5 stars) to worst (1 star). The agency bases these ratings on plans’ quality of care and measurements of customer satisfaction, and ratings may change from year to year.
All Medicare Advantage plans are evaluated on health plan measures, and Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage are also evaluated on drug plan measures.
You can find a plan’s rating with Medicare's plan finding tool.
What does Aetna Medicare Advantage cost?
About 6 in 10 Aetna plans in 2025 have no premium, and the company estimates that 83% of Medicare-eligible beneficiaries have access to a $0-monthly-premium plan. You'll still be responsible for paying your Medicare Part B premium, which is $185 per month in 2025.
Most people pay this standard Part B amount, but if your income is above a certain threshold, you'll pay the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA). Some Medicare Advantage plans cover part or all of your Part B premium.
Requirements for copays, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on your plan, location and the services you use. Other out-of-pocket costs to consider include:
Whether the plan covers any part of your monthly Medicare Part B premium.
The plan’s yearly deductibles and any other deductibles, such as a drug deductible.
Copayments and/or coinsurance for each visit or service. For instance, there may be a $10 copay for seeing your primary doctor and a $45 copay for seeing a specialist.
The plan’s in-network and out-of-network out-of-pocket maximums.
Whether your medical providers are in-network or out-of-network, or how often you may go out-of-network for care.
Whether you require extra benefits, and whether the plan charges for them.
Here are examples of Aetna Medicare Advantage costs for three plans in a mid-range city:
Aetna Medicare Advantage plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
Aetna Medicare Premier Plus (PPO) | Monthly premium: $0. Deductible: None. Out-of-pocket max: $4,150 in-network. Copays:
Dental allowance: $2,000. |
Aetna Medicare Premier (HMO-POS) | Monthly premium: $0. Deductible: None. Out-of-pocket max: $3,900 in-network. Copays:
Dental allowance: $1,000. |
Aetna Medicare Core (HMO-POS) | Monthly premium: $0. Deductible: None. Out-of-pocket max: $3,400 in-network. Copays:
Dental allowance: $2,500. |
Selected plans are available in ZIP code 66013. *Inpatient hospital copay is per day for days 1-6. | |
To get a sense of costs, use Medicare’s plan finding tool to compare information among available plans in your area. You can select by insurance carrier to see only Aetna plans or compare across carriers.
What additional benefits does Aetna Medicare offer?
Aetna Medicare Advantage offers all members access to routine vision, dental and hearing coverage, and many of its plans offer added benefits. Here are a few standouts:
Medicare Extra Benefits Card: On some plans, members will get an allowance they can put toward things like medical expenses for in-network services or certain over-the-counter wellness items.
Expanded $0 copays: Some Aetna plans offer a $0 copay for labs and for visits to your primary care physician. In 2025, all plans will offer a $0 copay for colonoscopies, so long as they’re with in-network providers.
MinuteClinic access: Since Aetna is a CVS Health company, members in plans that don’t require a primary care physician (PCP) can visit any MinuteClinic location for medical needs and pay the same copay they would pay to see their PCP.
In-home health visits: Some beneficiaries can request an in-person home health visit or telehealth call as an added convenience.
Concierge services for local resources: Aetna’s Resources for Living program can help beneficiaries find the support they need, whether that’s assistance at home, caregiver resources or help finding local activities.
Meals at home: After a hospital stay, some plans offer to bring healthy (fresh) meals to your door to help you recuperate.
Aetna Medicare Advantage plan types
Aetna offers Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans, as well as stand-alone prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans without drug coverage. The company offers a Medicare Advantage plan for veterans — Aetna Medicare Eagle — in 43 states and Washington D.C. The plan is designed to complement the health care coverage veterans receive from the VA.
Plan availability may vary by county. Other plan offerings may include the following types:
- HMO plans
A health maintenance organization (HMO) generally requires that you use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. You may need a referral from your primary doctor to see a specialist, and out-of-network benefits are usually limited.
- HMO-POS plans
HMO point-of-service plans give you a bit more flexibility than traditional HMO plans. While you do have a primary doctor and you may still need a referral, you have more freedom to see out-of-network providers, although you’ll pay more for out-of-network care.
- PPO plans
Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans provide the most freedom, allowing you to see any provider that accepts the insurance. You may not need to choose a primary doctor, and you don’t need referrals to see specialists. You can seek out-of-network care, although it may cost more than seeing an in-network doctor.
- SNPs
Special needs plans (SNPs) restrict membership to people with certain diseases or characteristics. The benefits, network and drug formularies are tailored to the needs of those members. Aetna offers three types of SNPs:
Chronic Condition SNP: Designed to meet the needs of members living with certain chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes or chronic heart failure.
Dual-Eligible SNP: For people who are entitled to Medicare and who also qualify for assistance from a state Medicaid program.
Institutional plans: Provide specialized care to members who live in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities and need an institutional level of care.
Aetna third-party ratings
AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A (Excellent)
AM Best is a credit rating agency that specializes in the insurance industry. In March 2024, AM Best affirmed its Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) for Aetna Life Insurance Co. and the other operating entities of Aetna that are wholly owned subsidiaries of CVS Health. AM Best also affirmed its A (Excellent) FSR rating of Texas Health Aetna, as well as Allina Health, which is a joint venture with subsidiaries of Aetna Inc.
An A rating in this category indicates that AM Best believes Aetna has an excellent ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations.
J.D. Power Ranking
In its 2024 Medicare Advantage Study — the 10th it’s done so far — J.D. Power measured member satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans based on eight factors ranging from level of trust to how well a provider resolves problems or complaints. The study was fielded in the 10 biggest state Medicare markets, and here’s how Aetna ranked out of all major providers in the locations it offers plans:
Florida: 3rd out of 6.
Georgia: 3rd out of 4.
Illinois: 2nd out of 5.
New York: 4th out of 5.
North Carolina: 2nd out of 4.
Ohio: 2nd out of 4.
Pennsylvania: 6th out of 7.
Texas: 5th out of 6.
NCQA Score Range: 2.5 to 4.5 out of 5
The National Committee for Quality Assurance rates health insurance plans on a 5-point scale (with 5 being best) based on quality of care, patient satisfaction and health plans’ efforts to keep improving.
In its September 2024 ratings of Aetna plans, the NCQA awarded ratings between 2.5 and 4.5, with the majority receiving ratings of 4.0. One plan received a rating of 2.5: Aetna Better Health Premier Plan MMAI in Illinois.
💬 From our Nerds: Is Aetna Medicare Advantage good insurance?
“Aetna Medicare Advantage plans score above the industry average overall, and the company rates well for member experience. But plans in your area may have lower ratings, so it’s smart to compare options.
“Make sure your doctors are in-network for the plan you’re considering. To be doubly sure, call your preferred doctors and ask them if they accept that insurance plan. And research what you’ll pay for your prescription drugs before you enroll.”
— Kate Ashford, lead writer covering Medicare
Aetna Medicare Advantage service area
Aetna offers Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Aetna launched Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans in Illinois and Pennsylvania for 2025 and will offer Aetna Medicare Eagle MA-only plans — veteran-specific Medicare Advantage offerings — in 43 states and Washington D.C.
Aetna is the third-largest for-profit Medicare Advantage provider, with more than 4.1 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Aetna Medicare Advantage plans. The company added 116,000 members for the 2025 plan year, according to a report from health care analytics firm Chartis.
About Aetna
Founded in 1853, Aetna became a subsidiary of CVS Health Corp. in 2018. The company’s headquarters are in Hartford, Connecticut.
Aetna’s health insurance offerings include medical, dental and pharmacy plans. Aetna offers individual and group health insurance, including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Read the NerdWallet reviews of these other Aetna Medicare offerings:
Aetna Medicare Advantage customer service
Aetna Medicare Advantage members can contact customer service in a few ways:
Call the main national service number, which is available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, at 855-335-1407 (TTY: 711).
Find the specific phone number for your plan.
What’s the difference between Medicare and Aetna Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare is health insurance provided by the federal government — specifically, Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage is a bundled alternative to Original Medicare, provided by private insurance companies like Aetna, that includes Medicare Part A, Part B and usually Medicare Part D.
Because Medicare Advantage is provided by private insurers, you typically must get medical care from providers within that insurer’s network.
Does Aetna Medicare Advantage have OTC benefits?
Most Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include an over-the-counter benefit that gives members a certain amount of money throughout the year to spend on over-the-counter health and wellness products. OTC benefits may vary by plan, and not all plans include them.
Compare Medicare Advantage providers
Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. These insurers offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.
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?
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
- Nearly 8 in 10 Aetna plans are rated 4 stars or higher.
- Available in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
- Some plans offer MinuteClinic access for low copays.
- Customer satisfaction lands below the regional average in some major Medicare markets.
- Reduced benefits and plans are no longer available in two states.
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2025 Star Ratings Data Tables (ZIP). Accessed Apr 15, 2025.
- 2.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CY2025 Landscape (202412). Accessed Apr 15, 2025.
- 3.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans. Accessed Apr 15, 2025.
- 4.AM Best. AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Most of CVS Health Corporation’s Aetna Inc. Subsidiaries; Withdraws Credit Ratings of Members of Texas Health Aetna. Accessed Apr 15, 2025.
- 5.J.D. Power. Regional Medicare Advantage Plans Have Higher Customer Satisfaction than Commercial Member Health Plans, J.D. Power Finds. Accessed Apr 15, 2025.
- 6.NCQA. Health Plans. Accessed Apr 15, 2025.
- 7.Chartis. Medicare Advantage market growth slows amid intensified headwinds. Accessed Apr 15, 2025.
Medicare Advantage review methodology
The Medicare Advantage marketplace is concentrated among just a handful of companies; in many places, one insurer serves more than half of the market. NerdWallet reviewed 26 Medicare Advantage brands, with some insurers having more than one brand under their umbrella. (For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield includes the brands Anthem and Highmark.) At the national level, these reviews include nine of the 10 largest brands by enrollment. At the state level, our research includes at least one major insurer in 47 of the 49 states that offer Medicare Advantage plans, and includes the top two insurers in 35 of those states. (Alaska doesn't offer Medicare Advantage plans.) We also look at online search volume to identify regional and other notable players in the space.
NerdWallet’s Medicare Advantage reviews are based on ratings data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as well as pricing, plan availability by state, plan types available, consumer experience, extra benefits offered and more. These reviews are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several plans to find the best coverage and rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines for additional information.
Compare Medicare Advantage plans
Insurance company | CMS star rating | States available | Members in high-rated plans | Member experience | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(855) 821-0556 / TTY 711 Call UnitedHealthcarefrom UnitedHealthcare | |||||
3.95 | 3.95/5 | 49 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.41 (Average) | |
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | |||||
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 3.63 | 3.63/5 | 48 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico | Low (49% or less) | 3.62 (Above average) |
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | |||||
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.29 | 4.29/5 | 44 states and Washington, D.C. | High (85% to 100%) | 4.01 (Above average) |
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | |||||
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 3.97 | 3.97/5 | 29 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.82 (Above average) |