Why is Aetna so expensive?

Asked by: Kirsten Okuneva  |  Last update: December 30, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (19 votes)

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.

Why is Aetna health insurance so expensive?

That area is one of the most expensive health care markets in the country. Experts have blamed geographic isolation and lack of market competition in the area for its high health care costs.

Why is Aetna struggling?

Aetna majorly miscalculated utilization trends in pricing Medicare Advantage plans for this year, causing hundreds of thousands of seniors to flock to its generous coverage and saddling the insurer with an unexpectedly steep price tag for their care.

What is the most expensive health insurance?

Platinum health insurance is the most expensive type of health care coverage you can purchase. You pay low out-of-pocket expenses for appointments and services, but high monthly premiums.

Is $200 a month good for health insurance?

Health insurance that costs $200 per month is a good deal in California. Silver plans typically cost $513 per month for a 21-year-old or $656 per month for a 40-year-old. The best way to get cheap rates is to use health insurance subsidies, which lower the cost of an insurance plan based on your income.

Who pays for a $2 million life-saving drug?

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Is Aetna considered good insurance?

It also offers benefits like access to 24/7 virtual care at no or low costs, depending on your plan, and mental health coverage. Aetna is regarded as a good health insurance provider overall.

Why is Aetna not paying claims?

If you've had a health treatment or disability claim denied by Aetna, it could be because: The procedure is considered cosmetic (not medically necessary) Your doctor is out of network or doesn't participate in the plan. Your plan doesn't cover your medical condition.

What is happening to Aetna?

CVS is removing Brian Kane, the head of Aetna, citing the division's poor performance and outlook. CEO Karen Lynch, who was the president of Aetna from 2015 to 2021, will now lead the business, while CFO Tom Cowhey will help oversee its day-to-day operations.

Does Aetna pay for surgery?

Aetna plans exclude coverage of cosmetic surgery and procedures that are not medically necessary, but generally provide coverage when the surgery or procedure is needed to improve the functioning of a body part or otherwise medically necessary even if the surgery or procedure also improves or changes the appearance of ...

Does Aetna pay for groceries?

Understanding the Aetna Extra Benefits Card

This benefit is provided via a prepaid Mastercard that has a monthly allowance for healthy foods, OTC items, transportation, utilities, personal care items, pet supplies, rent or mortgage assistance.

What is an Aetna copay?

Definitions: Out-of-pocket (OOP) max: The highest amount you could pay in a given year for services (excludes premium). Copay/coinsurance: The amount you pay per visit or prescription to treat an injury or illness. It typically counts toward your OOP max.

What is the best health insurance company to go with?

Best Health Insurance Companies for 2025
  • Best Overall and Best for Self-Employed: Kaiser Permanente.
  • Best Widely Available Plans: UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for Low Complaints and Best for Chronic Conditions: Aetna.
  • Most Affordable: Molina Healthcare.

What happens if you don't pay Aetna?

If full payment is not received by the end of the third month, the member's coverage will be terminated. This action is retroactive to the end of the first month of the grace period. If coverage is terminated, Aetna will not pay any pended claims for months two or three.

How much is Aetna health insurance a month?

Among the ACA-compliant health insurance plans in 2024, the average monthly premium was $477 for an individual plan, although insurance costs can vary significantly depending on the kind of plan you choose, the benefits included, and your location.

Which health insurance denies the most claims?

According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.

What is the class action lawsuit against Aetna?

The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment, injunctive relief to end Aetna's exclusionary policy, and compensatory damages for all policyholders who have had to pay out of pocket for gender-affirming facial surgery because of Aetna's discriminatory exclusion.

Does Aetna negotiate?

We negotiate rates with providers to help you save money. We refer to these providers (such as doctors, hospitals and surgical centers) as being “in our network.” There may be times when you decide to visit a doctor or hospital not in the Aetna® network. Some plans cover out-of-network care only in an emergency.

Does Aetna deny a lot of claims?

In the same year, Medicare denied 6.85% of its claims. One year later, AMA reported that all the surveyed insurers were denying fewer claims: Aetna's denial rate was down to 1.81%, Anthem BCBS reduced its rate to 4.34%, and private insurers overall were down to 2.79%, while Medicare denied only 4% of claims.

Do doctors prefer HMO or PPO?

HMO plans might involve more bureaucracy and can limit doctors' ability to practice medicine as they see fit due to stricter guidelines on treatment protocols. So just as with patients, providers who prefer a greater degree of flexibility tend to prefer PPO plans.