Aetna Medicare Supplement: The Ins and Outs (2023)

Millions of Americans rely on Medicare for their healthcare needs. While Medicare offers excellent coverage, it doesn’t always cover everything.

Medicare Advantage plans can help fill the gaps in Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are supplemental health insurance policies that you can purchase from private buyers. When you purchase a Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Part C), you’re guaranteed coverage at least as good as Original Medicare.

Aetna offers affordable insurance options for individuals seeking additional coverage. While Aetna’s Medicare supplemental insurance could be the best option for you, you should always compare prices with other companies to ensure that you receive the best rates possible.

What are Aetna Medicare supplemental plans?

Aetna sells four different Medicare Advantage plans. Before deciding which plan will work best for you, you should understand what Original Medicare covers.

Original Medicare consists of Parts A and B. Part A covers hospital care, whereas Part B covers outpatient services.

Part A pays for your inpatient services at hospitals, care from skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and home healthcare. And Part B helps you pay for doctor visits, some medical supplies, preventative services, and some other types of outpatient services.

While Original Medicare covers a lot, there’s plenty that it doesn’t. From dental insurance to better inpatient or outpatient care, this is how Medicare Advantage plans can benefit you.

Now that you understand why you might need Part D, browse Medicare Advantage from Aetna to determine if it has the right coverage for you.

Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO Plans

HMOs (health maintenance organizations) pay for the majority of your healthcare needs, but you’ll have to use physicians or hospitals within their network. If you don’t, you’ll probably have to pay for the full cost of your healthcare.

Additionally, you usually need a referral before seeing a specialty doctor or planning a hospital stay.

Most Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO plans include prescription medication, dental, vision, and hearing coverage, a fitness benefit, and even a meal program following inpatient care.

Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO-POS Plans

The HMO-POS plan combines the necessity of using in-network doctors with slightly more freedom in other aspects of its coverage. For example, you can search out-of-network for dentists.

You’ll still need to obtain a referral for specialty care, but the HMO-POS plan promises more flexibility for your healthcare needs. This plan typically includes dental, vision, prescription medication and hearing coverage, fitness benefits, and an over-the-counter benefit.

Aetna Medicare PPO Plans

Aetna’s preferred provider organization (PPO) plan gives you more freedom than the HMO plans. While they have a network of preferred doctors, you can visit any physician that accepts Medicare. Of course, in-network doctors usually cost less, but you won’t be penalized for using an out-of-network physician as with the HMOs.

You usually don’t need to acquire a referral to receive specialty care. Similar to HMOs, dental, vision, hearing, prescription medications, over-the-counter, and fitness benefits are available.

Aetna Medicare Advantage Dual Special Needs Plans

Finally, Aetna offers the Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP) for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid in 27 states. If you’re uncertain if you qualify, Aetna can help you find out.

Aetna promises its assistance every step of the way because the company understands that it can be complex to decipher Medicare and Medicaid. They’ll help you understand your medication, develop care plans with your physicians, coordinate doctor visits, and learn about your unique needs.

As a Part C plan, you’ll receive more coverage with it than you would from Original Medicare, such as prescription medication, dental services, vision and hearing coverage, and over-the-counter benefits.

If you need help determining which Aetna senior supplemental insurance plan is best for you, you can contact an agent for assistance.

Does Aetna offer other health insurance options?

While it receives praise for its Medicare and Medicaid supplemental plans, there are no individual Aetna insurance plans.

However, Aetna does offer group insurance plans. For example, the Aetna life insurance company — a subsidiary of Aetna health insurance — offers life coverage that employees can purchase through their workplace.

Aside from that, Aetna focuses on Medicare and Medicaid supplemental plans. If you need private health insurance, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

How much does Aetna insurance cost?

The exact cost of your insurance depends on your unique circumstances, especially your location. However, you can get an idea of how much your Medicare supplemental insurance will cost by checking the graph below.

To determine the price of Aetna’s DSNP, you’ll need to speak with a health insurance agent to determine how much it will cost.

Aetna Health Insurance Reviews

Aetna can promise as much as it wants on its website, but the true character of a company is revealed in its reviews. Unfortunately, Aetna has a lot of unhappy customers.

One of the chief complaints is in regard to their provider information. Apparently, Aetna isn’t well-known for keeping its list of providers up-to-date which causes customers to unintentionally select an out-of-network doctor.

Aetna also receives complaints about the speed at which it pays claims. Some customers have to reach out several times to get Aetna to pay doctors for preapproved services.

Additionally, many customers are upset about the coverage they offer. For example, people with supplemental Medicaid complain that Aetna classifies standard ultrasounds during pregnancy as experimental services.

On the positive side, customers enjoy how easy it is to use both the website and mobile app. Other customers mention that they like the service they’ve received and state that agents are helpful and friendly. From help understanding medication to a general sense of belonging with the company, many seniors cherish their time with Aetna.

For professional ratings, Aetna typically receives good marks. The Better Business Bureau gives Aetna an A+, though the site boasts hundreds of customer complaints.

A.M. Best ranks insurance companies on their financial strength, and Aetna proves to be financially strong. A.M. Best gives Aetna an A rating.

Find the Best Medicare Advantage Plan for Your Needs

While Original Medicare provides seniors with an excellent healthcare foundation, Medicare Advantage plans can help fill the gaps. From vision and dental coverage to prescription medicine assistance and fitness benefits, a Medicare Advantage plan can help you remain healthy throughout your golden years.

While Aetna Medicare supplemental plans might be your best option, you should always compare companies to find the best prices and plans to suit your needs.