What is the difference between Medicare and Aetna Medicare Advantage?
Asked by: Rosemarie Rosenbaum | Last update: October 15, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (10 votes)
Is Aetna Medicare Advantage better than Medicare?
Medicare Advantage plans can offer richer benefits at a more reasonable price, because they harness the power of coordinated care within a network of providers. But keep in mind not every doctor or hospital is part of your network, and if I a provider is outside your network, their services may not be covered.
Is it better to have straight Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan?
There are zero circumstances where Medicare Advantage is better than Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement. However, if your question is just about carrying ONLY Original Medicare with no backstop insurance behind it then literally ANY Medicare Advantage policy is better than Original Medicare by itself.
Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?
Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
- Plans can also cost more overall than Original Medicare if you have complex medical needs. ...
- With some plans, you don't have any coverage if you use a doctor that isn't in the network.
2025 Medicare Cost Comparison | Advantage vs Supplement
Why is Aetna canceling Medicare Advantage plans?
Why do Medicare Advantage plans get discontinued? Some plans are discontinued to make room for new plans. Other plans are discontinued so we can update plan benefits to better serve members.
What is the best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?
Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.
Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?
Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.
Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?
- Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
- Long-term care.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
Do most doctors accept Medicare Advantage plans?
In 2022, the vast majority (98%) of physicians and practitioners billing Medicare were participating providers. Non-participating providers accept Medicare patients, but can choose whether to take assignment (i.e., Medicare's approved amount) on a claim-by-claim basis.
Why is a plan G better than an advantage plan?
Medigap Plan G offers more comprehensive benefits than the Medicare Advantage plan and is more widely available. It also provides more freedom for enrollees. For example, a Medigap Plan G enrollee can visit a specialist without a referral.
Why is Aetna so expensive?
Factors influencing Aetna insurance monthly costs
Plans with broader coverage and extensive benefits, such as lower deductibles, co-pays, and comprehensive services like dental and vision care, often come with higher monthly costs.
How much does Aetna Medicare cost per month?
$0-premium offerings: In 2025, Aetna estimates that 83% of Medicare-eligible beneficiaries have access to a $0-monthly-premium Aetna Medicare Advantage plan. Broadly available: Aetna offers Medicare Advantage plans in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Can you go back to original Medicare from an advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.
Why are hospitals dropping Medicare Advantage plans?
Health systems have cited delayed reimbursements, cumbersome prior authorization requirements and high rates of patient claim denials for their decisions to drop Medicare Advantage plans.
What is the best supplemental insurance for Medicare?
- Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
- Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
- Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
- Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
What is the downside of a Medicare Advantage plan?
Many people choose MA plans for their extra benefits and out-of-pocket limits. But MA plans have some potential disadvantages. They have smaller provider networks and often require prior authorization. And with an MA plan, you won't have access to Medigap supplement insurance to cover your out-of-pocket costs.
Is there a Medicare plan that pays 100%?
Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C):
Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments vary based on which plan you join. Plans also have a yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket. Once you pay the plan's limit, the plan pays 100% for covered health services for the rest of the year.
What type of medical insurance do most retirees have?
Since Medicare pays first after you retire, your retiree coverage is probably similar to coverage from a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy. Both are likely to offer benefits that fill in some of the gaps in Medicare coverage—like coinsurance and deductibles.
What states is Aetna pulling out of?
Aetna is planning to withdraw their participation in 11 states, including Texas, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, and Arizona, as the provider suffered major financial losses due to high-risk patients in the regions.
Is Aetna Medicare better than Medicare?
Aetna Medicare Advantage provides the same coverage as Original Medicare but with extra benefits like $0 deductibles and prescription benefits. You'll also get access to programs that may help you reach your health goals. These include SilverSneakers® fitness membership and more.
Why do doctors not accept Medicare Advantage plans?
The most common reason that doctors may discontinue their acceptance of Medicare Advantage is that the private insurance company makes it difficult or time-consuming for the doctor to get paid for their services.