Aetna vs. UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna and UnitedHealthcare are both major providers of Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) insurance plans. Our review outlines how these companies compare across a variety of metrics, such as Medicare plan quality, availability, costs and more.
Aetna and UnitedHealthcare each play a major role in the private Medicare insurance market. Let’s see how UnitedHealthcare and Aetna stack up according to their Medicare plans networks, plan availability, costs and quality ratings.
UnitedHealthcare vs. Aetna: Types of Medicare Plans
Both Aetna and UnitedHealthcare offer all three types of private Medicare insurance: Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance (also called Medigap) plans.
Aetna and UnitedHealthcare each sell the main types of Medicare Advantage plans in parts of the country. These types of plans can include:
- HMO plans (Health Maintenance Organization)
- PPO plans (Preferred Provider Organization)
- POS plans (Point-of-Service)
- SNPs (Special Needs Plans)
Both UnitedHealthcare and Aetna offer Special Needs Plans in certain parts of the country for dual-eligible beneficiaries (those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid) and for people who have chronic conditions.
Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans are tailored specifically to beneficiaries with certain conditions, and UnitedHealthcare’s plans include options for those with diabetes, chronic heart failure and/or cardiovascular disorders.
As of the 2024 plan year, UnitedHealthcare offers Medicare Advantage plans in 87% of U.S. counties. Cigna offered Medicare Advantage plans in 69% of counties in 2024.
Aetna Medicare Star Ratings
Every year, Medicare evaluates plans on a 5-star rating scale. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rates all Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans – and the companies who provide them – across various quality metrics such as customer service, patient health outcomes and more.
88% of Aetna Medicare Advantage members are part of a plan rated 4 stars or higher for 2025.
Aetna vs. UHC: Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Part D plans provide coverage for prescription medications, which is not something typically covered by Medicare Part A or Part B (Original Medicare).
Aetna and UnitedHealthcare each offer several different Medicare Part D plans.
UnitedHealthcare utilizes many of the most popular pharmacies like Walgreens, along with OptumRx for mail-order prescriptions.
Aetna partners with CVS, Kroger, Costco, Safeway/Albertsons and other preferred pharmacies.
Both carriers provide plenty of in-network pharmacy locations for a member’s needs.
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans help pay for many of the out-of-pocket costs tied to Medicare Part A and Part B, such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
There are 10 standardized types of Medigap plans available in most states, each of which have benefits that are standardized by the federal government.
Aetna Medical Insurance offers seven different Medigap plans, while UnitedHealthcare offers nine different plans. Plan availability may vary where you live, however.
| Medigap Plan | Offered by Aetna | Offered by UnitedHealthcare |
|---|---|---|
| Plan A | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plan B | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plan C* | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plan D | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plan F* | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plan G | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plan K | ✓ | |
| Plan L | ✓ | |
| Plan M | ||
| Plan N | ✓ | ✓ |
*Plan F and Plan C are not available to new Medicare beneficiaries who first became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. If you became eligible for Medicare before that date, you may be allowed to apply for either plan if they're available where you live. If you already have Plan F or Plan C, you may keep your plan.
Aetna vs. UnitedHealthcare: Provider Networks
UnitedHealthcare plans are accepted by more than 1.3 million physicians.
In most parts of the country, you shouldn’t have trouble locating a doctor, specialist, hospital or pharmacy that accepts a plan from UHC or Aetna.
UnitedHealthCare and Aetna Dental Provider Phone Numbers
Aetna Dental is known for its extensive network of dentists and comprehensive coverage options, ensuring individuals and families can find the care they need. To contact Aetna Dental, you can reach their customer service hotline at 1-800-872-3862.
On the other hand, UnitedHealth Dental offers a wide range of plans and benefits to cater to diverse dental needs. If you have inquiries or require assistance from UnitedHealth Dental, their dedicated customer service line can be reached at 1-877-844-4999.
Aetna vs. UHC Summary
Market share aside, the differences between UnitedHealthcare and Aetna Medicare plans are slim.
Compare these brands against other carriers like Blue Cross Blue Shield vs United Healthcare and Humana vs Aetna.
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