Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-855-454-9051

TTY user 711 Mon-Fri : 8am-9pm EST

Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans 2027

Reviewed by Russell Noga, Licensed Medicare Insurance Broker — Last updated October 14, 2026

KEY TAKEAWAY

More than 69% of Aetna Medicare Advantage members are in plans rated 4 stars or higher for 2027, down from more than 81% for 2026, while Humana jumped to about 95%. Aetna is also leaving some counties for 2027, so confirm your plan continues and check the 2027 rating on the exact plan in your county.

Aetna is one of the largest Medicare Advantage carriers in the country, offering 2027 Medicare Advantage plans in many states with a mix of HMO and PPO options, $0 premium plans in select areas, and extra benefits like dental, vision, and the SilverSneakers fitness program.

This page walks through what to expect from Aetna’s 2027 lineup, how its HMO and PPO plans differ, how Aetna has performed on recent quality ratings, and what coverage typically costs.

For the full picture on how Medicare Advantage works, plan types, star ratings, and enrollment timing across every carrier, see our complete 2027 Medicare Advantage guide.

Ready to compare Aetna against other carriers in your ZIP code? See 2027 plans in your area.

✔ Licensed across all 50 states✔ Built on CMS 2027 data✔ No-cost plan comparison

See Aetna 2027 plans in your ZIP

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-855-454-9051TTY 711

Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

Agent 08
2027 Aetna Medicare Advantage plan types

What CVS and Aetna changed for 2027. Aetna’s parent exited 123 counties for the 2027 plan year. If you are in one of them your plan is ending, and you generally qualify for a Special Enrollment Period rather than being limited to the standard window. Check your Annual Notice of Change before you assume your plan renews.

Compare Aetna Medicare Advantage plans for 2027 and enroll online

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-855-454-9051TTY 711

Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

Agent 08
Comparing Aetna’s most widely sold plans? See our guide to Aetna Medicare Signature plans for 2027, Aetna’s largest plan family with 214 plans in 39 states.

Looking at Aetna’s PPO lineup? See our guide to Aetna Medicare Elite plans for 2027, including the 15 states where Elite is sold.

2027 STAR RATINGS UPDATE — OCTOBER 9, 2026

More than 69% of Aetna Medicare Advantage members are in plans rated 4 stars or higher for 2027, down from more than 81% for 2026.

✔

Still above the industry line: about 71% of members across all Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage are in 4-star-plus plans for 2027, and the national average rating is 3.99 stars.

✔

Strong individual scores: Aetna reported high marks on measures such as hospital readmissions, medication review and call center access.

✔

Ratings are per contract: a lower share of members in 4-star plans means some Aetna contracts slipped, so check the 2027 rating on the specific plan in your county.

Figures elsewhere on this page refer to the 2026 ratings. See the full 2027 Medicare Advantage star ratings breakdown.

Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans for 2027: Overview

Aetna, a CVS Health company, offers Medicare Advantage plans across a large footprint of U.S. counties. Plan availability, premiums, and extra benefits vary by ZIP code, so the specific Aetna plans offered where you live may differ from a neighboring county — this is true of every Medicare Advantage carrier, not just Aetna.

✔

Plan types offered: primarily HMO and PPO, with availability depending on county

✔

Prescription drug coverage: most Aetna Medicare Advantage plans bundle in Part D coverage

✔

Fitness benefit: many Aetna plans include SilverSneakers, a fitness program with access to participating gyms nationwide

✔

Dental, vision & hearing: commonly included as supplemental benefits, though specific coverage amounts vary by plan

WHAT THE 2027 HEADLINE NUMBER HIDES

Average Medicare Advantage premiums fell from $14.37 to $12.00 for 2027, according to CMS. Across the industry, though, published plan data shows out-of-pocket maximums rose about 10% and Part D deductibles rose about 30% over the same period.

For Aetna specifically, the figure that matters more is county availability: CVS exited 123 counties for the 2027 plan year. A cheaper premium is worth nothing if the plan is not sold where you live.

The 2027 Change Aetna Has Not Explained

In August 2026, Aetna told the agencies that sell its plans that it would not pay commissions on 123 Medicare Advantage plans across 33 states for the 2027 plan year, covering close to 780 counties. Roughly one in five of those counties is in Georgia. The freeze applies to some standalone Part D plans as well.

This is not a plan cancellation, and it is important not to read it as one. If your plan is on that list, your coverage continues into 2027, your provider network does not change because of this decision, and your drug formulary is unaffected. Nothing about your benefits moves.

Aetna's 2027 broker commission freeze - 123 plans, 33 states, 780 counties, one in five in Georgia

What changes is quieter. A plan that pays no commission stops being sold. Agents are not paid to place anyone new into it, so they stop presenting it, and enrollment in that plan effectively closes without any announcement being made. The plan technically still exists. In practice it has been retired from the market while its existing members stay in it.

Aetna has not published which 123 plans are affected. That is the practical problem. There is no public list to check yourself, and the announcement went to marketing organizations rather than to members. You will not receive a letter about it, because from a regulatory standpoint nothing has happened to your coverage.

There is a straightforward way to find out. Ask a licensed agent whether your specific plan number is commissionable for 2027 — they can look it up in seconds. It is a fair question to ask, and the answer tells you whether you are in a plan Aetna is quietly winding down or one it is still actively selling.

Why it matters for a decision you make this fall: a plan closed to new members has a shrinking, aging risk pool, and that is usually the year or two before a plan is formally discontinued. It does not mean you should leave. It does mean that if you were going to compare your options during Annual Enrollment anyway, this is a reason to actually do it rather than let the plan renew by default. Our guide to Medicare Advantage plans going away in 2027 covers what a formal non-renewal looks like and how it differs from this.

Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan Types for 2027

Aetna sells two main plan structures, and the choice between them changes more about your year than the premium does. Each has its own detailed 2027 guide.

Plan type Best for Referrals Out-of-network Full 2027 guide
HMO Lowest premiums, settled local providers Usually required Emergency and urgent care only Aetna HMO networks and referral rules
PPO Specialist access without gatekeeping, travel Not needed Covered at a higher cost share Aetna PPO costs and coverage

In Pennsylvania or West Virginia? See our guide to Aetna Medicare Advantra plans for 2027, including where they’re sold, renamed plans and the Dual plans that are ending.

Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans 2027: The Plan Names to Know

Aetna sells its Medicare Advantage plans under a handful of plan families. The exact 2027 lineup, premiums and benefits vary by county, and Aetna is leaving 123 counties for 2027, so not every plan below will be offered where you live. These are the Aetna plan names you are most likely to see when you compare 2027 plans:

✔

Aetna Medicare Value and Value Plus (HMO, HMO-POS and PPO) — Aetna’s core plans, often with a low or $0 monthly premium and drug coverage included. Extras such as dental, vision and hearing may be included depending on the plan and area.

✔

Aetna Medicare Premier and Premier Plus (HMO-POS and PPO) — richer plans that may carry a higher premium in exchange for lower copays and broader benefits.

✔

Aetna Medicare Eagle and Eagle Plus (PPO) — plans often built for people who already have drug coverage elsewhere, such as through the VA or TRICARE. Many Eagle plans do not include Part D, and some may reduce your Part B premium.

✔

Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO) — a higher-tier PPO in select markets, typically with more out-of-network flexibility.

✔

Aetna Medicare Assure (HMO D-SNP) — a Special Needs Plan for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Plan names alone will not tell you what a plan costs in your county. The same plan family can have a different premium, out-of-pocket maximum and drug list from one county to the next. To see which 2027 Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are available in your area, with their actual costs and benefits, enter your ZIP code at the top of this page.

Aetna HMO Plans

Aetna’s HMO Medicare Advantage plans generally require you to choose a primary care physician and get care from doctors and hospitals within Aetna’s network, except in an emergency. Referrals are commonly required to see specialists.

In exchange for that structure, Aetna HMO plans are typically priced below PPO options in the same county, and many carry $0 monthly premiums depending on your ZIP code. Across all 2026 Medicare Advantage enrollees, HMOs averaged a $12 monthly premium and a $4,636 in-network spending cap, against $18 and $6,592 for PPOs.

For the full breakdown — how the network works, what plans may offer for 2027, costs, and enrollment — see our guide to Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO 2027.

Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO 2027

Aetna PPO Plans

Aetna’s PPO Medicare Advantage plans offer more flexibility than its HMO plans — you can see out-of-network providers at a higher cost, and referrals generally aren’t required to see specialists.

This makes Aetna PPO plans a common choice for people who travel frequently, split time between two states, or simply want a broader choice of doctors and hospitals without needing prior approval.

PPO plans from Aetna typically carry a somewhat higher premium than comparable HMO plans in the same area, though many still offer $0 premium options depending on your county.

As with any PPO, staying in-network keeps your costs lowest, even though out-of-network care remains an option.

For the full breakdown — how out-of-network coverage works, the two spending caps, costs, and enrollment — see our guide to Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO 2027.

Humana Medicare Advantage PPO 2027

What Aetna's 2027 Medicare Advantage Plans Typically Include

Like all Medicare Advantage plans, every Aetna Medicare Advantage plan is required to cover everything Original Medicare Part A and Part B cover. Aetna commonly adds on top of that baseline:

✔

Routine dental care, including cleanings and, on many plans, more extensive dental work

✔

Vision coverage, including routine eye exams and an allowance toward glasses or contacts

✔

Hearing exams and, on some plans, an allowance toward hearing aids

✔

SilverSneakers fitness membership on many plans

✔

An over-the-counter (OTC) allowance on select plans, for health-related items

Exact benefits, allowance amounts, and whether a given plan includes each item depends entirely on the specific plan and your ZIP code — always confirm against the plan’s actual Summary of Benefits before enrolling.

Find an Aetna Medicare Plan & Enroll Online

Or Speak with a licensed insurance agent now

1-855-454-9051TTY 711

Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

Agent 08
Aetna 2027 Medicare Advantage possible extra benefits

Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan Reviews

✔

★ More than 69% of Aetna’s Medicare Advantage members are in plans rated 4 stars or higher for 2027

✔

★ That is down from more than 81% for 2026, when over 63% of Aetna’s members were in a 4.5-star plan

✔

★ Aetna is now close to the industry line: about 71% of all Medicare Advantage members with drug coverage are in 4+ star plans for 2027, and the national average is 3.99 stars

✔

★ It is the second straight year of decline, from around 88-89% in 2025. One Aetna contract, Aetna Better Health of California (H4982), received CMS’s low-performing icon for 2027

Aetna vs. Humana Medicare Advantage Plans 2027

Aetna and Humana are both major national Medicare Advantage carriers, and in many counties you’ll find plans from both to choose between. CMS released the 2027 Star Ratings on October 8, 2026, and the gap between the two carriers flipped. Aetna led comfortably for 2026. For 2027, Humana is well ahead:

CMS Star Ratings Aetna Humana
Members in 4+ star plans (2027) More than 69% About 95%
Members in 4+ star plans (2026) Over 81% About 20%
Members in 4.5+ star plans (2026) Over 63% About 14%
Trend Down two years running, from ~88-89% in 2025 Rebounded sharply for 2027 after falling from 94% in 2024

Sources: CMS 2026 and 2027 Star Ratings; carrier announcements, October 2026. Ratings apply by contract, so the plan sold in your county may differ.

Compare Aetna and Humana 2027 plans in your ZIP

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-855-454-9051TTY 711

Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

Agent 08

Aetna Medicare Advantage Costs for 2027

✔

Monthly premium: Aetna offers $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans in many areas, though this varies by county — you’ll still pay your Medicare Part B premium separately

✔

Deductibles & copays: vary by specific plan; confirm against the plan’s Summary of Benefits

✔

Out-of-pocket maximum: capped annually, as required for all Medicare Advantage plans

A $0 premium doesn’t automatically make a plan the cheapest option overall. Weigh the full picture — premium, deductible, copays, and whether your specific prescriptions and doctors are covered — before comparing Aetna against other carriers on price alone.

Aetna Medicare Advantage plan costs

How to Enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan for 2027

You can enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan during a few different windows, depending on your situation:

✔

New to Medicare: enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period — the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after

✔

Switching plans or carriers: enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7, 2026, for coverage effective January 1, 2027

✔

Already in a Medicare Advantage plan: use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, January 1 – March 31, to make one additional switch

You can enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan directly through Aetna, through Medicare.gov, or by speaking with a licensed insurance agent who can compare Aetna’s specific 2027 plans in your ZIP code against other carriers — call 1-855-454-9051 (TTY 711) to get started.

Is an Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?

Aetna tends to be a strong fit for people who want a well-established national carrier with a broad benefits package and a strong recent track record on CMS quality ratings, particularly if the SilverSneakers fitness benefit matters to you.

HMO plans suit those prioritizing lower cost and comfortable coordinating care through a primary doctor; PPO plans suit those who want more flexibility to see specialists or out-of-network providers.

As with any carrier, the right choice ultimately comes down to whether your specific doctors are in-network, whether your prescriptions are covered at a reasonable tier, and whether the plan’s total costs fit your budget — not the carrier name alone.

For a full breakdown of how to evaluate any Medicare Advantage plan, including provider networks, drug formularies, and star ratings, see our 2027 Medicare Advantage plans guide.

Compare 2027 Medicare Advantage Plans by Carrier

Start with our full guide to Medicare Advantage plans 2027 to see costs, benefits and carriers side by side, then compare a specific carrier below.

View Plans, Benefits & Rates in Your Zip Code

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-855-454-9051TTY 711

Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

Agent 08

Aetna Medicare Advantage 2027 — Frequently Asked Questions

➤ Does Aetna offer $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans in 2027?

In many areas, yes — Aetna offers $0 monthly premium Medicare Advantage plans, though availability depends on your specific ZIP code and county. You’ll still need to pay your Medicare Part B premium regardless of which plan you choose.

➤ What’s the difference between Aetna’s HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage plans?

Aetna HMO plans require staying in-network and often need referrals for specialists, typically at a lower cost. Aetna PPO plans allow out-of-network care at a higher cost and generally don’t require referrals, offering more flexibility.

➤ How does Aetna’s star rating compare to other carriers like Humana?

For 2027, Humana moved well ahead: about 95% of Humana’s members are in plans rated 4 stars or higher, compared with more than 69% for Aetna. For 2026 the order was reversed, with Aetna above 81% and Humana about 20%. Ratings apply by contract, so check the 2027 rating on the specific plan in your county.

➤ Does Aetna include the SilverSneakers fitness program?

Many Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include SilverSneakers, a fitness benefit that provides access to a nationwide network of participating gyms and fitness locations, at no extra cost on qualifying plans.

➤ When can I enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan for 2027?

You can enroll in or switch to an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7, 2026, for coverage effective January 1, 2027. If you’re new to Medicare, you may also be eligible to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period.

➤ What company has the highest rated Medicare Advantage plan?

CMS rates every Medicare Advantage plan on a 1 to 5 star scale and republishes those ratings each October. Kaiser Permanente has consistently held the highest ratings of any carrier, and every plan it offers for 2027 carries 4 stars or higher. The catch is availability: Kaiser only sells in nine states plus the District of Columbia. For 2027, only 15 contracts nationwide earned 5 stars, including Kaiser’s Nevada contract, and no Aetna contract made that list.

Among the national carriers, star ratings move by plan and by county rather than by company, so a carrier can hold 4.5 stars in one state and 3.5 in the next. A 5 star plan you cannot buy where you live is worth nothing to you. Check the rating attached to the specific plans offered in your own county, not the carrier’s national reputation. If a 5 star plan is available in your area, you can switch into it once between December 8 and November 30 using a special enrollment period.

Have Questions?

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-855-454-9051

TTY users 711

Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

Find & Compare Plans Online

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

1-855-454-9051TTY 711

Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

Agent 08

ZRN Health & Financial Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company

CompareMedicareAdvantage.org
1200 Lakeway Drive #17A Austin, TX 78734

TERMS & CONDITIONS | PRIVACY POLICY
About Us | Editorial Standards | Contact Us | Medicare Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

This website and Medicare Advantage plans are not affiliated or connected with the Federal Medicare program or any other government agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 193 organizations which offer 4,624 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Data represented is for the plan year 2027. CompareMedicareAdvantage.org is a Website owned and operated by ZRN Health & Financial Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company. *You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. $0 premium plans may not be available in all areas. Not all plans offer all benefits mentioned. By submitting your information in the form and clicking ‘Find Plans’, you agree to this site’s privacy policy and expressly consent to be contacted at the number entered in the form, (including a wireless number if provided) by insurance professionals or other partners offering related offers that might be of interest to me by phone or email. You understand that these calls may be generated using an automatic telephone dialing system, a pre-recorded message or artificial voice, or by sending SMS messages. Your telephone company may impose additional charges on the subscriber for such messages. You understand that you are not required to provide this authorization to purchase goods or services. Receiving quotes through our website is always free and you are under no obligation to purchase any goods or services as a result of this request. The Medicare plans represented are PDP, HMO, PPO or PFFS plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in plans depends on contract renewal. Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a special period or you are in your Medicare Initial Election Period. Deductibles, copay and coinsurance may apply. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day/7 days a week to get information on all of your options.