Aetna Medicare Plans: Coverage, Benefits, and Options

Founded in 1853, Aetna is one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare coverage. Aetna provides people with information and resources to help them make better-informed decisions and more information around the financial side of healthcare. 

Some key takeaways about Aetna Medicare plans include:

• Multiple Plan Options: Aetna offers Medicare Advantage (Part C), standalone Prescription Drug plans (Part D), and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance to fit different healthcare needs and budgets.

• Network Flexibility: Medicare Advantage plans are available in various types, including HMOs and PPOs.

• Additional Benefits: Aetna Medicare Advantage plans may include additional routine benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as routine dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs.

• Local Availability: Plan availability, premiums, and copays vary depending on your specific zip code and county.

As an independent, licensed insurance broker, SelectQuote can help you review your Medicare Advantage plan options with recognized carriers like Aetna.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [insert number of organizations] organizations which offer [insert number of plans] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Aetna Insurance Ratings and Carrier Stability

Aetna has received strong financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, an independent agency that evaluates insurers based on their ability to meet ongoing policy and claims obligations. These ratings reflect Aetna’s long-term stability, responsible financial management, and commitment to paying claims reliably.

SelectQuote partners with recognized Medicare insurance carriers like Aetna so you can feel confident shopping for Medicare plans with us, knowing you’re considering options backed by proven financial strength and industry trust.

*Scores updated April 2026

Understanding Aetna Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans

Let’s review the different types of Medicare Advantage plans that may be available through Aetna. 

Aetna HMO Plans

HMO plans typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) who coordinates your care and provides referrals to specialists when needed. To receive coverage, you’ll generally need to stay within the plan’s network of doctors and hospitals. This plan structure can help keep healthcare costs more predictable. 

Aetna PPO Plans

PPO plans offer flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. You can visit doctors and specialists both in and out of your plan’s network without a referral, though you may pay high copays or coinsurance for out-of-network care.

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP)

Dual Eligible Special Needs plans (D-SNPs) are designed for individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans coordinate benefits between the two programs, providing support and access to services to meet more complex healthcare needs. 

Aetna Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (Medigap)

Aetna also offers Medicare Supplement Insurance (also known as Medigap) plans, which help cover out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These plans work alongside Original Medicare to provide more predictable healthcare expenses and added financial protection.

Aetna offers several standardized Medigap plans, including popular options like Plan G and Plan N. Plan G is known for its broad coverage, including most out-of-pocket costs except the Medicare Part B deductible. Plan N typically has lower premiums in exchange for some cost-sharing, such as copays for certain office or emergency room visits. Some plans may also cover Part B excess charges, which can occur when providers bill more than the Medicare-approved amount.

It’s important to note that Medigap plans cannot be used in combination with a Medicare Advantage plan. You’ll need to choose either a Medigap policy with Original Medicare or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, but not both at the same time.

Aetna Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)

Aetna offers Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug plans) to help cover the cost of prescription medications. Each plan includes a formulary, which is a list of covered drugs organized by tiers. Lower-tier medications generally cost less, while higher-tier or specialty drugs may have higher out-of-pocket costs. It’s important to review a plan’s formulary to ensure your medications are included.

Aetna Part D plans also use a network of preferred pharmacies, including those within CVS Health. Using in-network or preferred pharmacies can help you save on prescription costs and ensure convenient access to your medications.

Costs for Part D plans vary but typically include a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and copays or coinsurance for each prescription. These plans also include out-of-pocket maximum thresholds, after which you may pay less for covered drugs for the remainder of the year.

Additional Benefits: Routine Dental, Vision, and Hearing

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans may include additional routine benefits not included in Original Medicare. These may include routine dental services like cleanings and exams, vision coverage for eye exams and eyewear, and hearing benefits such as routine hearing exams and allowances for hearing aids. Some plans may also offer stand-alone dental options.

In addition to these routine benefits, some Medicare Advantage plans may include lifestyle-focused extras. These can include an over-the-counter (OTC) allowance to help pay for everyday health items, fitness memberships through programs like SilverSneakers, and transportation assistance—such as a set number of one-way trips to medical appointments each year.

Keep in mind that extra benefits vary by plan and location, so not all benefits are available in every area or with every Aetna Medicare Advantage plan.

When can you enroll in an Aetna Medicare plan?

You can enroll in an Aetna Medicare plan during specific Medicare enrollment periods. Here are the key times to know:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare. It begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and continues for three months after.

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Occurs each year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can enroll in, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Learn more about the Annual Enrollment Period.

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): Runs from January 1 to March 31 for those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. You can switch to another plan or return to Original Medicare. Learn more about the Open Enrollment Period.

• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Available if you experience certain qualifying life events—such as moving, losing other coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid. Learn more about Special Enrollment Periods.

Extra Help and Financial Assistance

There are programs available to help Medicare plan recipients with healthcare costs.

• Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy): The Extra Help program assists with the cost of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, including premiums, deductibles, and copays. Eligibility is based on income and resources, and those who qualify may see significant savings on their medications.

• Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs): Medicare Savings Programs help cover certain Medicare costs for individuals with limited income. For example, the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program may help pay for premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance, while the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program focuses on helping pay the Part B premium. These programs can provide meaningful financial relief for those who qualify.

Why shop Aetna Medicare plans with SelectQuote?

When you shop for Medicare plans through SelectQuote, we streamline the process by reviewing available plans from reputable carriers like Aetna on your behalf, taking the guesswork out so you can find a plan that meets your needs and feel confident in your coverage.

New to Medicare, recently moved, or lost your health insurance? You may be eligible for a free, no-obligation Medicare Advantage plan review with a licensed insurance agent.

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FAQs About Aetna Medicare Plans

Are Aetna Medicare Advantage plans the same as Original Medicare?

No. Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare. They’re offered by private insurers and must offer the same coverage as Original Medicare, but may include additional benefits.

Can I have both an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan and an Aetna Medigap plan?

No. You cannot be enrolled in both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap policy at the same time. Medigap only works with Original Medicare, not with Medicare Advantage plans.

Do Aetna Medicare plans cover my prescription drugs?

Some do. Many Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, and Aetna also offers standalone Part D plans. Coverage depends on the plan’s formulary, so it’s important to check that your medications are included.

How do I know if my doctor accepts an Aetna Medicare plan?

You can check Aetna’s provider directory or contact your doctor’s office directly to confirm whether they accept the specific plan you’re considering. Network participation can vary by plan type and location.

Can I get a free Medicare insurance quote from Aetna?

Yes. You can explore plan options and get a free Medicare quote through Aetna or by working with a licensed insurance agent, such as those at SelectQuote, who can help you compare available plans in your area.

New to Medicare, recently moved, or lost your health insurance? You may be eligible for a free, no-obligation Medicare Advantage plan review with a licensed insurance agent.

Explore Other Medicare Carriers with SelectQuote

SelectQuote shops several of the most trusted insurance companies in the nation on your behalf. We help you choose the right Medicare Advantage plan and carrier that fits your needs. After enrollment, we stay with you year-round so you can feel confident in your coverage and ongoing needs.

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