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Cigna vs. Kaiser Permanente: Medicare Advantage Comparison
Kaiser Permanente’s overall star ratings are higher, but Cigna gets better scores for member experience.
Kate Ashford, CSA® Lead Writer | Medicare, retirement, personal finance
Kate Ashford is a writer and NerdWallet authority on Medicare. She is a certified senior advisor (CSA)® and has more than 18 years of experience writing about personal finance. Previously, she was a freelance writer for both consumer and business publications, and her work has been published by the BBC, Forbes, Money, AARP, LearnVest and Parents, among others. She has a degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. Kate has appeared as a Medicare expert on the PennyWise podcast by Lee Enterprises, and she's been quoted in national publications including Healthline, Real Simple and SingleCare. She is based in New York.
Holly Carey joined NerdWallet in 2021 as an editor on the team responsible for expanding content to additional topics within personal finance. She currently leads the Medicare team. Previously, Holly wrote and edited content and developed digital media strategies as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Navy. She is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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Cigna Medicare Advantage offers plans in 29 states and Washington, D.C., and the company’s member experience ratings, including metrics like care coordination and customer service, are above average for major providers. Cigna’s average star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are lower than Kaiser’s ratings, but neither provider beats the industry average.
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans are available in only eight states and Washington, D.C., and Kaiser’s member experience scores from CMS fall below those of other major providers. Kaiser Permanente also offers 4-star plans in only three states.
Here’s a look at how Cigna and Kaiser Permanente compare.
Cigna Medicare Advantage
Cigna
3.76
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Cigna plans are low-cost and member experience scores are higher than average, but star ratings from the CMS have declined.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.49 (Above 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.
States available
29 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.49 (Above 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.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Kaiser Permanente plans get average star ratings — lower than last year — and the provider sells plans in only eight states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
2.44 (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.
States available
8 states and Washington, D.C.
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 89%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
2.44 (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.
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?
