Aetna
4.27
CMS Star Rating
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Aetna vs. UnitedHealthcare: Medicare Advantage Comparison
UHC is the largest Medicare Advantage provider, while Aetna has a greater percentage of highly rated 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.
UnitedHealthcare offers the largest Medicare Advantage network of all companies, with more than 1 million network care providers.
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UnitedHealthcare
3.93
CMS Star Rating
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Here’s a look at how Aetna and UnitedHealthcare 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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UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and have the largest Medicare Advantage provider network, although member experience ratings are 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.
Other factors to consider
Provider size | Largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. |
Medicare Advantage enrollment | More than 9.4 million. |
Percent of plans rated 4 stars or higher | 73%. |
Percent of plans with $0 premium | 61%. |
Plans available | HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PFFS, SNP. |
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan availability
UnitedHealthcare
3.93
CMS Star Rating
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December update
Medicare star ratings are typically released once per year, but CMS recalculated its 2025 star ratings for UnitedHealthcare in December 2024. Pursuant to a court order, CMS removed disputed data from the calculations. NerdWallet has updated this article accordingly.
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.
