When it comes to Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, two of the biggest names in the industry are Aetna and Cigna. Both companies offer nationwide coverage, competitive benefits, and high customer satisfaction — but which one is better suited for your needs?
In this detailed review, we’ll compare Aetna Medicare Advantage vs Cigna Medicare Advantage across critical areas such as plan availability, cost, benefits, provider networks, and customer service. Whether you’re choosing a plan for yourself or reviewing providers for others, this guide gives you everything you need to know.
What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They cover everything Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does, and often include additional benefits such as:
- Vision, dental, and hearing services
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
- Fitness memberships
- Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances
- Telehealth access
Both Aetna and Cigna are Medicare-approved insurers offering a variety of MA plans including HMO, PPO, and D-SNP (Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans).
Aetna Medicare Advantage Overview
Aetna is a CVS Health company and one of the largest Medicare Advantage providers in the country, serving over 3.4 million MA enrollees as of 2024.
Aetna Plan Types:
- HMO
- PPO
- HMO-POS
- D-SNP (for dual eligible members)
Notable Aetna Benefits:
- $0 monthly premiums on many plans
- Built-in Part D prescription drug coverage
- Comprehensive dental, vision, and hearing
- Over-the-counter allowance
- SilverSneakers fitness program
- 24/7 telehealth access
- Meal delivery after hospital stays
Service Area:
Aetna offers Medicare Advantage plans in 49 states and Washington, D.C., with broad provider networks in urban and suburban regions.
Cigna Medicare Advantage Overview
Cigna, another leading health insurance provider, offers Medicare Advantage plans to over 600,000 beneficiaries and is expanding its footprint each year.
Cigna Plan Types:
- HMO
- PPO
- D-SNP
- C-SNP (for chronic conditions)
Notable Cigna Benefits:
- $0 premium options available
- Prescription drug coverage included
- Comprehensive dental with $0 copays for cleanings and exams
- Vision and hearing services
- Healthy Benefits+ card (for OTC, groceries, utilities)
- Fitness memberships through Silver&Fit
- 24/7 nurse line and virtual care
Service Area:
Cigna’s Medicare Advantage plans are available in 28 states, mostly concentrated in the Southeast, Midwest, and parts of the West.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Aetna vs Cigna Medicare Advantage
| Feature | Aetna Medicare Advantage | Cigna Medicare Advantage |
| Company Size | 3.4M+ MA enrollees | 600K+ MA enrollees |
| Plan Types | HMO, PPO, HMO-POS, D-SNP | HMO, PPO, D-SNP, C-SNP |
| Monthly Premiums | $0 plans widely available | $0 plans in many service areas |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Included in most plans | Included in most plans |
| OTC/Grocery Benefits | Yes | Yes (Healthy Benefits+ card) |
| Fitness Memberships | SilverSneakers | Silver&Fit |
| Extra Perks | Meal delivery, post-discharge support | Grocery/utilities allowance |
| Customer Satisfaction | 4.0–4.5 stars (CMS ratings 2024) | 3.5–4.5 stars (CMS ratings 2024) |
| Service Area | 49 states + D.C. | 28 states |
| Telehealth Access | 24/7 telehealth included | Virtual care with 24/7 nurse line |
Pros and Cons
Aetna Medicare Advantage:
Pros:
- Nationwide availability
- Comprehensive benefits and strong provider networks
- Broad telehealth and fitness perks
Cons:
- Some areas have limited plan options
- Higher copays in certain PPO plans
Cigna Medicare Advantage:
Pros:
- Great extra perks through Healthy Benefits+
- Chronic condition-focused SNP plans
- Strong dental benefits and virtual care options
Cons:
- Smaller coverage area
- Mixed CMS star ratings in some markets
Customer Experience and Ratings
- Aetna Medicare Advantage plans received an average CMS Star Rating of 4.2/5 in 2024, indicating strong quality performance.
- Cigna plans received ratings ranging from 3.5 to 4.5, depending on the region.
Both companies offer user-friendly mobile apps, 24/7 customer support, and online portals for managing prescriptions, appointments, and benefits.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Aetna if:
- You live in a state where Aetna has a strong provider network
- You want more robust telehealth and wellness support
- You’re seeking post-hospitalization perks like meal delivery
Choose Cigna if:
- You want comprehensive dental and grocery/utility card benefits
- You have chronic conditions and may qualify for a C-SNP
- You live in a Cigna service area with high-rated plans
Ultimately, the best Medicare Advantage plan depends on your location, preferred doctors, prescriptions, and personal health needs. Always compare plan Star Ratings, Summary of Benefits, and provider directories before enrolling.
Aetna and Cigna Medicare Advantage plans both offer competitive coverage with added benefits that go beyond Original Medicare. Aetna has a broader national reach, while Cigna excels with its innovative perks and condition-specific plan options.
If you’re reviewing Medicare Advantage plans for your audience or deciding on one for yourself, consider creating a side-by-side checklist based on your unique needs — and don’t forget to verify drug formularies and in-network providers.