Aetna Medicare Supplement Review For 2024

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Robby Brumberg Editor
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Our Verdict

Aetna is a leading provider of Medicare Supplement insurance plans, offering a wide variety of plan options and benefits to its customers at affordable prices.

Key Features

  • Nationwide provider options: Aetna Medicare Supplement plans have no network restrictions, so you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
  • Portable coverage: You can keep your Aetna coverage if you move to another state as long as you continue to pay your premiums on time.
  • Variety of plan options: Depending on where you live, Aetna offers a variety of Medicare Supplement plan options.

Aetna was originally founded in 1853 as a life insurance company. Throughout the years, its coverage has expanded to include a range of health insurance plans and services. In 2018, Aetna was acquired by CVS Health in an effort to create a more integrated health care experience for customers. Today, Aetna is one of the largest health insurance providers in the U.S., serving an estimated 39 million customers.

Aetna is a provider of Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. The company offers seven plan types, as well as high-deductible options, although not all are available everywhere.

ProsCons
  • Aetna offers a wide range of Medicare Supplement plans, making it possible to find one that meets your specific needs
  • Affordable Medicare Supplement plans are available for customers looking to bolster their Medicare coverage
  • Coverage won’t be changed or canceled if you move as long as you pay monthly premiums on time
  • Some plans cover emergency care when traveling outside the U.S.
  • Aetna’s Medicare Supplement plans aren’t available in all states
  • Some plans have higher monthly premiums
  • Customer complaints about Aetna’s customer service are cause for concern
  • Aetna doesn’t provide plans K, L or M

Aetna Medicare Supplement at a Glance

  • Plan options: Aetna offers several Medicare Supplement plan types in 37 states, including A, B, C, D, F, G and N.
  • Provider network: Aetna boasts an extensive provider network with access to care across the U.S.
  • Average monthly premium: Aetna’s costs and premiums vary based on a person’s location, age, gender and tobacco use.

How Does Aetna Medicare Supplement Work?

Aetna Medicare Supplement insurance is designed to help cover some of the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, such as the costs of deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. These plans are available to people who are enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).

Medicare Supplement policies are standardized by the federal government, meaning all policies of the same type provide the same basic benefits. However, the cost of your policy depends on the insurance company and plan you choose.

Although exact coverage and benefits vary, Medicare Supplement plans cover some or all of the following:

  • Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
  • Medicare Part B coinsurance and copayments
  • The first three pints of blood for a transfusion
  • Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
  • Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
  • Foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits)

Aetna offers a variety of Medicare Supplement plans, each of which provides unique coverage. Plan options and premiums vary depending on where you live, so it’s important to compare plans in your area to find the one that best meets your needs.

How Much Does Aetna Medicare Supplement Cost?

“Aetna is committed to providing competitive, responsible pricing to its members, and that dedication has allowed us to consistently outpace the industry’s growth,” says Steve Patton, chief Medicare officer for Aetna Senior Supplemental Insurance.

When issuing rates, Aetna takes into account your location, gender and tobacco use. Discounts may be available if someone else in your household also buys a policy through Aetna.

See how much each Aetna Medicare Supplement plan would cost a 65-year-old, non-smoking female living in Charlotte, North Carolina, as an example:

  • Plan A: $101 monthly premium
  • Plan B: $123 monthly premium
  • Plan F: $144 monthly premium
  • Plan G: $111 monthly premium
  • Plan G (high deductible): $44 monthly premium
  • Plan N: $76 monthly premium

There are three ways Aetna (and other insurance companies) price or “rate” Medicare Supplement policies, which can also affect monthly premium prices in the future.

  • Community-rated: Monthly premiums are not dependent on age. The same monthly premium applies to everyone with that policy, and the cost of the policy will not automatically increase as you get older (although it may increase for other reasons, such as inflation).
  • Issue-age-rated: Monthly premiums are based on your age when you first buy the policy and won’t increase as you get older. As a result, premiums are lower for individuals who buy policies at younger ages.
  • Attained-age-rated: Monthly premiums are based on your current age and will therefore increase as you get older.

How the policy is rated depends on the provider and the state in which you live. To help you choose the most cost-effective option for your current and future situation, talk to your insurance agent or company representative to find out which plans are available to you.

What Experts Say

It’s always wise to shop around and do your homework when it comes to selecting the best Medigap policy for you.

“Aetna can be a good company for certain people looking for Medicare Supplement insurance plans, but it’s crucial to review all the plan options to choose the best policy for your needs,” says Emily Gang, CEO of The Medicare Coach, a Medicare advisory service for Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. “I always recommend that people confirm which plan fits them best, then pick the best company that offers that plan in their ZIP code. When looking at companies, consider the monthly premium and applicable discounts—and the company’s financial rating, experience in your market, loss ratio, customer service and history of rate increases.”

The Experience

“Aetna operates with a ‘member-first’ mentality that begins by understanding that not every member is looking for—or needs—the same benefits,” says Patton.

Patton adds that Aetna focuses on educating members so they can choose the best plan for their needs. “We are committed to providing industry-leading service and educating our members on the things that matter most to them. Education is key, as it allows our members to choose the health care plan that will best serve their specific needs―the plan they will be glad they have when they need it most.”

Aetna has an A financial rating from A.M. Best, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, customer reviews suggest a different experience, with an average of 1.12 out of 5 stars on BBB. Customer complaints frequently mention unhelpful customer service.

Confused About Medicare Supplement Insurance Options?

Find committed, licensed agents who work to understand your coverage needs and find you the best Medicare option. Click Get A Quote or call 866-402-0504 to speak with a licensed insurance agent today.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Aetna a good supplemental insurance?

Yes, Aetna offers a variety of supplemental insurance plans at an affordable price.

What is the highest rated Medicare Supplement plan in 2024?

The highest rated Medicare Supplement plan depends on your location, as not all plans are available in all locations and to every customer.

Is Aetna a good plan for older adults?

Aetna is a popular insurance option for older adults who are looking for supplemental insurance. Aetna offers a wide variety of plans, so you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs.

Sources

References

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