Aetna medicare review searches have surged in recent years. That is no surprise. Aetna is one of the largest and most established health insurers in the United States. Founded in 1853 in Hartford, Connecticut, the company has over 170 years of experience. In 2018, CVS Health acquired Aetna for approximately $70 billion.
This merger created one of the largest healthcare companies in the country. Today, Aetna serves millions of Medicare beneficiaries across 43 states and Washington, D.C. The company offers Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Part D prescription drug plans. For seniors comparing their options, this aetna medicare review breaks down everything you need to know before enrolling.
Aetna Overview and Financial Strength
Aetna has built a strong financial foundation over more than a century. In May 2025, AM Best affirmed Aetna Life Insurance Company’s Financial Strength Rating at A (Excellent). This rating carries a stable outlook. It means Aetna can reliably meet its ongoing insurance obligations. For Medicare beneficiaries, financial strength matters. You want a company that will be around to pay your claims for decades to come.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also evaluates Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans annually. For 2026, Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans earned a weighted average star rating of 4.19 out of 5. That score sits above the industry average of 4.02 stars. According to cms.gov, over 81 percent of Aetna’s Medicare Advantage members are enrolled in plans rated 4 stars or higher. However, the NAIC complaint index tells a different story for Medigap. Aetna’s Medicare Supplement complaint index stands at 2.77. The national baseline is 1.00. This means Aetna receives roughly 36 percent more Medigap complaints than average.
The table below summarizes Aetna’s key ratings from independent sources. Any thorough aetna medicare review should compare these scores against competing insurers.
| Rating Source | Score / Grade |
|---|---|
| AM Best Financial Strength | A (Excellent) — Stable Outlook |
| CMS Star Rating (2026 Weighted Avg.) | 4.19 / 5.0 Stars |
| NAIC Complaint Index (Medigap) | 2.77 (Baseline: 1.00) |
| J.D. Power Medicare Advantage (2025) | 655 / 1,000 (Industry Avg: 623) |
| BBB Rating | A+ (Not Accredited) |
Aetna Medicare Review: Medicare Plan Options
Aetna offers a wide range of Medicare products. On the Medigap side, the company sells Medicare Supplement plans in 44 states plus Washington, D.C. Available plan letters include Plan A, Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. However, specific plan availability varies by state. Plan G is the most popular option since Plan F closed to new enrollees after January 1, 2020. Plan N offers lower premiums in exchange for small copayments at doctor visits.
For Medicare Advantage, Aetna provides plans in 43 states and D.C. According to medicare.gov, beneficiaries can compare Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans using the official Plan Finder tool. Aetna offers HMO, PPO, and HMO-POS plan types. HMO plans require referrals and in-network care. PPO plans allow out-of-network visits at higher cost. Every county where Aetna operates has at least one $0 monthly premium option available.
In addition, Aetna offers standalone Part D prescription drug plans. The company also provides Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, known as D-SNPs. These plans serve beneficiaries who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. This aetna medicare review confirms that the company covers most major Medicare product categories. As a result, seniors can bundle their coverage under one carrier if they choose.
Aetna Medicare Rates and Enrollment
Medicare Supplement rates at Aetna vary by state, age, gender, and tobacco use. Aetna typically uses attained-age rating for Medigap policies. This means premiums increase as you get older. In most cases, Plan G premiums fall in the mid-range compared to national competitors. Plan N rates tend to be lower due to cost-sharing at the point of service. For example, Plan N requires a $20 copay for office visits and a $50 copay for emergency room visits that do not result in admission.
Medicare Advantage premiums are often $0 per month on top of your Part B premium. Aetna confirmed that every service area has at least one zero-premium plan for 2026. However, cost-sharing through copays and coinsurance still applies when you use services. It is wise to compare total out-of-pocket costs rather than premiums alone. This aetna medicare review recommends using the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov to compare costs side by side.
Enrollment happens during specific windows. The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31. For Medigap, the best time to enroll is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This begins the month you turn 65 and enroll in Part B. During this window, Aetna cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on health conditions. You can enroll online at Aetna’s website, by phone, or through a licensed insurance agent.
Aetna Additional Benefits and Perks
One area where Aetna shines is extra benefits on Medicare Advantage plans. All Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include a SilverSneakers fitness membership. This benefit gives members access to gym locations and group fitness classes nationwide. Typically, this perk alone saves members hundreds of dollars per year on gym fees.
Dental, vision, and hearing benefits come standard on all Aetna Medicare Advantage plans. Routine hearing exams and eye exams cost $0 when you visit in-network providers. Eyewear allowances and hearing aid discounts vary by plan. Many plans also include an over-the-counter allowance. This OTC benefit is powered by OTC Health Solutions, a CVS Health company. Members can use their Extra Benefits Card at CVS Pharmacy locations to purchase eligible health and wellness products.
Select Aetna plans offer meal delivery after hospital stays, transportation to medical appointments, and telehealth services. However, not every plan includes every benefit. This aetna medicare review strongly encourages checking your specific plan’s Summary of Benefits document. Many Medicare beneficiaries also carry a life insurance policy to protect their family, so it may be helpful to compare life insurance rates at Life Insure Guide while reviewing your overall coverage. Similarly, retirees should review their homeowners coverage alongside Medicare choices and compare home insurance rates at Home Insure Guide to make sure all policies are up to date.
Aetna Claims Process and Customer Service
Aetna provides multiple channels for filing and tracking claims. Members can manage claims through the Aetna online member portal. The portal allows you to view claim status, check plan details, and find in-network providers. Aetna also offers a mobile app for on-the-go account management. Typically, Medicare Supplement claims are filed automatically by your healthcare provider. Medicare Advantage claims follow a similar process when you stay in network.
Customer service hours are generous compared to many competitors. Aetna Medicare support is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Saturday hours run from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM ET. Sunday hours are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET. You can reach Aetna Medicare at 1-888-792-3862. This aetna medicare review notes that seven-day-a-week phone support is a meaningful advantage for seniors who need help outside normal business hours.
In J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Medicare Advantage Study, overall industry satisfaction averaged 623 out of 1,000 points. Aetna scored 655 in its strongest market. However, performance varied significantly by state. Aetna ranked below average in several large states including Florida and New York. As a result, your customer experience may depend heavily on where you live. Monitoring your plan’s annual star rating at medicare.gov is the best way to track quality over time.
Pros and Cons of Aetna Medicare Plans
Pros:
- AM Best A (Excellent) financial strength rating provides long-term stability
- Medicare Advantage plans available in 43 states with a weighted average of 4.19 CMS stars
- $0 premium Medicare Advantage options in every service area for 2026
- SilverSneakers, dental, vision, and hearing included on all Medicare Advantage plans
- CVS Health integration provides convenient OTC benefits at CVS Pharmacy locations
- Seven-day-a-week customer service with extended evening hours
Cons:
- NAIC Medigap complaint index of 2.77 is well above the 1.00 national baseline
- Eliminated nearly 90 Medicare Advantage plans across 34 states for 2026
- J.D. Power satisfaction scores fall below average in several large states
- Medigap plan letter selection is limited to A, F, G, and N in most states
Who Is Aetna Best For?
This aetna medicare review finds that Aetna works best for certain types of Medicare beneficiaries. If you want a Medicare Advantage plan with strong extra benefits, Aetna is a solid choice. The SilverSneakers membership, built-in dental and vision, and CVS-powered OTC allowance create real everyday value. Seniors who already shop at CVS Pharmacy will find the integration particularly convenient.
For Medigap shoppers, Aetna is best suited for Plan G or Plan N buyers who value financial stability over rock-bottom premiums. The AM Best A rating and 170-year track record provide peace of mind. However, the elevated NAIC complaint ratio means you should weigh that against competitors with cleaner complaint records. In most cases, requesting quotes from at least three carriers gives you the best comparison.
Aetna is also a strong option for dual-eligible beneficiaries. The company’s D-SNP plans coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits under one plan. This simplifies coverage for low-income seniors who qualify for both programs. Overall, this aetna medicare review rates Aetna as a competitive choice for Medicare Advantage enrollees who prioritize extra benefits and CVS integration. Medigap buyers should compare Aetna’s rates and complaint history carefully before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aetna a good company for Medicare Supplement insurance?
Aetna is a financially strong option for Medigap coverage. However, its NAIC complaint index of 2.77 is above the national average. As a result, you should compare Aetna’s rates and reviews with other carriers in your state before enrolling.
What Medicare Advantage star rating does Aetna have?
For 2026, Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans carry a weighted average CMS star rating of 4.19 out of 5. This score exceeds the industry average of 4.02 stars. Typically, plans rated 4 stars or higher indicate above-average quality and member satisfaction.
Does Aetna Medicare Advantage include dental and vision?
Yes, all Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, and hearing benefits. For example, routine hearing and eye exams are $0 in network. However, specific allowances for eyewear and hearing aids vary by plan, so check your Summary of Benefits for details.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on Medicare plans, ratings, and enrollment:
- Medicare.gov (Official): medicare.gov
- CMS.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid): cms.gov
- AM Best (Financial Strength Ratings): ambest.com
- NAIC (Complaint Ratios): naic.org
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): shiphelp.org
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): kff.org
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.