Aetna plans are inexpensive and widely available. The company stands out for offering cheaper brand-name prescription drugs than most competitors in our analysis. In addition, about 78% of its plans have $0 premiums, and plans that charge monthly premiums are cheaper than average. Its quality ratings from the government are subpar, however, and competitors might offer friendlier copays for hospital stays. Its caps on out-of-pocket costs are also on the high side.
UnitedHealthcare offers a wide array of options nearly everywhere in the country. Its plans with $0 premiums are available in 47 states and Washington, D.C. The company sells every Medicare Advantage plan type, including special needs plans for people with chronic conditions, people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, and people who need institutional care. Its government quality ratings are middling, though, and its hospital copays can add up.
Here’s a look at how Aetna and UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage compare.
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Aetna vs. UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans
Aetna | UnitedHealthcare | |
|---|---|---|
Average government quality rating | 3.75 out of 5. | 3.83 out of 5. |
Percent of plans with $0 premiums | 78%. | 68%. |
Average non-$0 premium | $40.65. | $39.82. |
Average maximum out-of-pocket spending cap (MOOP) | $7,451. | $6,860. |
Company size | 3rd-largest for-profit Medicare Advantage insurance company (over 4.2 million members). | Largest Medicare Advantage insurance company (over 9.3 million members). |
Plans available | HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, SNP. | HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PFFS, SNP. |
Averages weighted by enrollment where relevant. | ||
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Aetna offers more $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans than UnitedHealthcare. It also has lower average out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at Tier 3, which is where most companies put preferred brand-name drugs. But UHC serves more states and might offer more options for plan types. Both companies have similar below-average quality ratings from the government for 2027.
Pros
Low out-of-pocket costs for many brand-name prescription drugs.
78% of plans have $0 premiums.
Plans with monthly premiums are cheaper than average.
Cons
Below-average government quality ratings.
Copays for hospital stays can be pricey.
Higher-than-average caps on out-of-pocket costs.
Aetna Medicare Advantage plan availability
» MORE: Read our full review of Aetna Medicare Advantage plans
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
UnitedHealthcare serves more states than any other Medicare Advantage company. It stands out by offering every type of Medicare Advantage plan, including a larger number of special needs plans for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, people with chronic conditions and people who need institutional care. But Aetna might offer cheaper brand-name prescription drugs, and a larger proportion of Aetna plans have $0 premiums. Neither company excels on government quality ratings for 2027.
Pros
Available with $0 premiums in 47 states and Washington, D.C.
Offers many plan types to choose from, including all types of special needs plans.
Cons
So-so government quality ratings.
Below-average scores for member experience.
Hospital copays could be cheaper.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan availability
» MORE: Read our full review of UnitedHealthcare 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 preferred medical 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
NerdWallet’s Medicare Advantage ratings are based on premiums, out-of-pocket costs, prescription drug coverage, quality data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, consumer experience and more. We analyze and calculate ratings for every Medicare Advantage plan sold throughout the U.S. on a curved 5-point scale.
At the national level, we calculate ratings for companies as the average of their plans’ scores, weighted by enrollment.
NerdWallet’s editorial team analyzed companies covering about 87% of all Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in the United States. We reviewed 23 Medicare Advantage brands, with some insurance companies having more than one brand under their umbrella. (For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield includes the brands Anthem and Highmark.)
The Medicare Advantage marketplace is concentrated among just a handful of companies. In many places, one company serves more than half of the market. At the national level, NerdWallet’s reviews include each of the 10 largest brands by enrollment.
We research and analyze all commercial Medicare Advantage plans and publish reviews for selected companies. At the state level, we review at least one major insurer in every state where Medicare Advantage plans are sold, and we review both of the top two insurers in 40 of those 49 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.
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 and full ratings methodology for Medicare Advantage.