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Cigna vs. UnitedHealthcare: Medicare Advantage Comparison
UHC offers Medicare Advantage plans in nearly every state, while Cigna’s member experience ratings are higher.
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 among major providers. UnitedHealthcare covers every U.S. state except Alaska and offers the largest Medicare Advantage provider network. Both providers offer plans targeted toward veterans (Cigna’s Courage plans and UHC’s Patriot plans). And Cigna has a plan in most of its markets that offers a Part B premium rebate.
Here’s a look at how Cigna and UnitedHealthcare 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).
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and boast the largest Medicare Advantage provider network, although member experience ratings are average.
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.
3.12 (Average)
Pros
Largest Medicare Advantage medical network of all companies, with more than 1 million providers.
Largest Medicare Advantage dental network, and all standard plans offer dental coverage.
Available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
Member experience scores are average.
Offers one of the highest-priced special needs plans, although lower-priced plans are also available.
States available
49 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.
3.12 (Average)
Pros
Largest Medicare Advantage medical network of all companies, with more than 1 million providers.
Largest Medicare Advantage dental network, and all standard plans offer dental coverage.
Available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
Member experience scores are average.
Offers one of the highest-priced special needs plans, although lower-priced plans are also available.
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?
