Cigna vs. Blue Cross Blue Shield: Medicare Advantage Comparison

Overall star ratings for Cigna and BCBS are similar, but quality varies among different BCBS companies.

May 11, 2024

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Cigna Medicare Advantage members have access to a $0-premium plan in every Cigna market, and most of Cigna's members are in highly rated plans.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is a collective of 33 different companies, and many are geographically specific, offering benefits targeted to local members.

Here’s a look at how Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage compare.

Cigna Medicare Advantage

Cigna

3.75

CMS Star Rating

Cigna plans are low-cost and member experience scores are about average, but star ratings from CMS have declined.

(844) 905-0539 / TTY 711

8am - 11pm EST, 7 days a week

Speak to a licensed insurance agent on MedicareEnrollment.com

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from MedicareEnrollment.com

States available

29 states and Washington, D.C.

Members in high-rated plans

Medium (50% to 89%)

Member experience

3.53 (Average)

States available

29 states and Washington, D.C.

Members in high-rated plans

Medium (50% to 89%)

Member experience

3.53 (Average)

Pros

More than 8 in 10 Cigna plans are $0-premium plans.
Offers a range of member benefits, such as 24/7 telehealth, meal delivery and transportation to and from health facilities.

Cons

Below-average star ratings.
Available in only 29 states and Washington, D.C.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance gives all Cigna plans a score of 3.5 stars or lower on their 5-point scale.

Other factors to consider

Provider size	7th-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage enrollment	More than 580,000.
Percent of plans rated 4 stars or higher	46%.
Percent of plans with $0 premium	83%.
Plans available	HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, SNP.

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

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage

Blue Cross Blue Shield

3.93

CMS Star Rating

Blue Cross Blue Shield plans are widely available and affordable, but some companies earn higher marks than others on member satisfaction.

(888) 498-6687 / TTY 711

8am - 11pm EST, 7 days a week

Speak to a licensed insurance agent on MedicareEnrollment.com

GET A QUOTE

from MedicareEnrollment.com

States available

48 states and Puerto Rico

Members in high-rated plans

Medium (50% to 89%)

Member experience

3.41 (Average)

States available

48 states and Puerto Rico

Members in high-rated plans

Medium (50% to 89%)

Member experience

3.41 (Average)

Pros

BCBS companies offer plans in 48 states and Puerto Rico.
$0-premium BCBS plans are available in 44 states and Puerto Rico.
BCBS plans offer extra benefits like chronic condition management and preloaded debit cards for over-the-counter items.

Cons

Ratings and member satisfaction vary among BCBS companies, and some score lower than others. You may not have access to a highly rated BCBS company.
BCBS companies offer special needs plans in only half of U.S. states.

Other factors to consider

Provider size	3rd-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage enrollment	5 million.
Percent of plans rated 4 stars or higher	45%.
Percent of plans with $0 premium	57%.
Plans available	HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PFFS, SNP.

» MORE: Read our full review of BCBS 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?

» MORE: Best Medicare Advantage plans

If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).

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.