Aetna vs. Kaiser Permanente: Medicare Advantage Comparison

Some Aetna Medicare Advantage members have access to cost help with dental, vision and hearing care, as well as a variety of other benefits, such as in-home health visits and meal delivery after a hospital stay.

Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare Advantage plans are available in eight states and Washington, D.C., and Kaiser uses an integrated care model, so all providers are connected.

Here’s a look at how Aetna and Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage compare.

Aetna Medicare Advantage

Aetna

4.14

CMS Star Rating

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and offer a variety of extra benefits. Member experience scores are also high, and star ratings land just above the industry average.

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States available

46 states and Washington, D.C.

Members in high-rated plans

Medium (50% to 89%)

Member experience

3.77 (Above average)

States available

46 states and Washington, D.C.

Members in high-rated plans

Medium (50% to 89%)

Member experience

3.77 (Above average)

Pros

In addition to dental, vision and hearing, many plans offer perks like an over-the-counter allowance, meal delivery and in-home health visits.
More than 8 in 10 Medicare-eligible beneficiaries have access to a $0-premium Aetna plan.
Available in 46 states and Washington, D.C.

Cons

Customer satisfaction lands below industry average in some major Medicare markets.

Other factors to consider

Provider size	4th-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage enrollment	More than 3.8 million.
Percent of plans rated 4 stars or higher	58%.
Percent of plans with $0 premium	71%.
Plans available	HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, SNP.

» MORE: Read our full review of Aetna Medicare Advantage plans

Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage

Kaiser Permanente

3.93

CMS Star Rating

Kaiser Permanente plans get slightly below-average ratings, and the provider sells plans in only eight states and Washington, D.C.

(800) 215-3128

M-F 9am-9pm ET, Sa 10am-9pm ET

Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org

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from askchapter.org

States available

8 states and Washington, D.C.

Members in high-rated plans

Medium (50% to 89%)

Member experience

2.30 (Below average)

States available

8 states and Washington, D.C.

Members in high-rated plans

Medium (50% to 89%)

Member experience

2.30 (Below average)

Pros

Earns above-average customer satisfaction scores in California, one of the major Medicare markets studied by J.D. Power.
Eight in 10 members are in a highly-rated plan.
Most plans include drug coverage.

Cons

Available in only eight states and Washington, D.C.
Offers mostly HMO plans, so most members must work within Kaiser’s network of medical providers.
Member experience ratings overall are below average.

Other factors to consider

Provider size	5th-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage enrollment	1.9 million.
Percent of plans rated 4 stars or higher	43%.
Percent of plans with $0 premium	51%.
Plans available	HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, SNP.

» MORE: Read our full review of Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans

Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans

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?