Aetna
4.27
CMS Star Rating
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Aetna vs. Cigna: Medicare Advantage Comparison
Aetna is a larger Medicare Advantage provider and is available in more states, while Cigna has a higher percentage of $0-premium plans.
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Written by Kate Ashford, CSA®
Lead Writer
Aetna's star ratings improved in 2025 — a year when the average rating for all plans dropped — and the company scored above average for member experience.
Cigna Medicare Advantage offers the highest percentage of $0-premium plans and the lowest average monthly premium of the major providers, and the majority of Cigna’s members are in highly rated plans.
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Cigna
3.93
CMS Star Rating
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Here’s a look at how Aetna and Cigna Medicare Advantage compare.
Why trust NerdWallet
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and highly rated, for both star ratings and member experience scores.
Pros
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.
Cons
Customer satisfaction lands below the regional average in some major Medicare markets.
Reduced benefits and plans are no longer available in two states.
Other factors to consider
Provider size | 4th-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. |
Medicare Advantage enrollment | More than 4.4 million. |
Percent of plans rated 4 stars or higher | 78%. |
Percent of plans with $0 premium | 59%. |
Plans available | HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, SNP. |
Aetna Medicare Advantage plan availability
Aetna
4.27
CMS Star Rating
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Cigna Medicare Advantage
Cigna Medicare Advantage plans are low-cost, member experience scores are good and star ratings are average among all providers.
Pros
8 in 10 Cigna plans are $0-premium plans.
Member experience scores are above average.
Strong benefits include 24/7 telehealth and meal delivery.
Cons
Available in only 29 states and Washington, D.C.
Highest NCQA scores are 3.5 stars 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 | 33%. |
Percent of plans with $0 premium | 80%. |
Plans available | HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, SNP. |
Cigna Medicare Advantage plan availability
Cigna
3.93
CMS Star Rating
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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.
