Aetna Vs. Cigna Medicare Plans

When you’re getting serious about choosing a Medicare plan, the same names start popping up repeatedly: Aetna and Cigna.

They’re two of the biggest players in the game – both offering Medicare plans in dozens of states.

But here’s the truth: just because both companies are household names doesn’t mean they work the same way – or offer the same value – for your specific needs.

So, how do you know which one to trust with your healthcare?

That’s exactly what we’ll unpack in this guide. We’ll compare Aetna and Cigna side by side – not just on plan types and prices, but also on how they actually perform in real life.

From network size and customer satisfaction to prescription drug perks and rate stability, we’ll give you the details that really matter when you’re shopping for Medicare coverage.

Let’s start with a quick overview of each company.

Aetna Overview

Aetna has been around for over 170 years, and in the Medicare space, it’s one of the fastest-growing insurers, especially since joining forces with CVS Health.

You’ve probably seen their ads during Open Enrollment, touting things like $0 Medicare Advantage premiums and CVS ExtraCare perks.

Why People Like Aetna:

• Strong networks and coverage areas – especially in urban and suburban ZIP codes
• CVS pharmacy tie-ins – think OTC cards and in-store perks
• $0 premium MAPD plans with solid dental and vision extras
• Highly rated PPO and HMO options in many states
• Offers Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans with household discounts in select areas

Where Aetna Might Fall Short:

• Their Medigap plans aren’t always the cheapest
• Network strength can drop off in rural areas
• Some complaints around service response times, especially during enrollment season

Is Aetna Available Everywhere?

Pretty much – but with a catch. Aetna offers Medicare Advantage plans in 49 states and D.C., but the actual plan names and features can vary quite a bit depending on your ZIP code.

So while someone in Tampa might get a $0 premium HMO with a $3,000 out-of-pocket max, someone in rural Alabama might only have access to a PPO plan with higher costs.

Their Medigap plans are more standardized, but again, pricing and availability can differ. In some states, Medigap is not offered to people under age 65.

So it’s always smart to compare both availability and cost before locking in.

Cigna Overview

Cigna doesn’t always get as much attention as Aetna or UnitedHealthcare, but don’t let that fool you – it’s a quietly strong option in many parts of the country.

Why Seniors Like Cigna:

• Medigap plans include discounts for couples or households
• Straightforward plan designs – not a lot of hidden complexity
• Usually very competitive Medigap plan pricing

Where Cigna Falls Short:

• Their Medicare networks aren’t quite as broad as Aetna’s or UHC’s
• In some counties, fewer plans are offered

Is Cigna Available Everywhere?

Cigna’s Medicare plans vary in availability depending on the type: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are available in 48 states and D.C., with plan types and eligibility varying by location and age group.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans) is available nationwide, including all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

What’s the Difference?

At a glance, Aetna and Cigna might seem nearly identical – and in many ways, they are.

Both companies offer the same types of Medicare plans (or at least, they used to), and both are regulated by CMS, which means the rules around coverage limits, enrollment, and plan design are the same across the board.

But when it comes down to picking one over the other, the difference isn’t about the type of plan – it’s about the fit.

That means looking at:

• Your location
• Which doctors and hospitals are in-network
• Whether you qualify for perks like household discounts or Part B givebacks

Here’s an important update for 2025:

Cigna is no longer offering Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plans.

They sold off that part of their business, so if you’re comparing Cigna and Aetna on Medicare Advantage options, the comparison stops there – Aetna is the only one of the two still in that game.

For Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, though, both still compete. The core benefits are standardized – Plan G is Plan G, no matter which company you choose.

The monthly premium, the frequency of rate increases, and any extras included with the plan (like gym memberships, dental or vision discounts, or customer service reputation) vary.

The bottom line is that the best company for you depends on where you live, what your needs are, and how the pricing shakes out in your ZIP code. Comparing quotes side-by-side is the best way to know for sure.

Medigap Plans

When we compare the two head-to-head, Cigna often comes out ahead in terms of pricing, especially for people who are price-conscious but still want strong, stable coverage.

This is particularly true for Plan N, which continues to be one of Cigna’s most competitive offerings nationwide.

That said, Aetna isn’t far behind. In some markets, it’s priced right alongside Cigna and still deserves a look, especially if you’re interested in a little more predictability with Plan G.

Both companies offer the most popular Medigap plans, particularly Plan G and Plan N. These two plans are the go-to choices for most new enrollees:

Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible. It’s the most comprehensive plan available to those new to Medicare and is ideal for folks who want predictable costs and full peace of mind.

Plan N offers slightly lower premiums in exchange for some out-of-pocket exposure – like $20 copays at the doctor and $50 at the ER, plus you’re responsible for Part B excess charges in most states. 

Plan N is a popular pick among those looking to save on premiums and avoid unnecessary coverage they might not use.

What Exactly Does Plan G Cover?

Plan G is designed to cover nearly all the costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t pay, helping reduce your out-of-pocket exposure and making your healthcare bills more predictable.

Here’s a breakdown of all that’s covered:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs: Includes coverage for an extra 365 days after Medicare benefits run out.
• Hospice care coinsurance or copayment: Fully covered under Plan G.
• Skilled nursing facility (SNF) coinsurance: Covered in full.
• Medicare Part A deductible: Plan G pays the full amount ($1,676 in 2025).
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment: Covers the typical 20% that Medicare doesn’t pay for outpatient services.
• Part B excess charges: Covers extra costs if a doctor charges more than Medicare’s approved rate.
• First three pints of blood: Covered if you need a transfusion.
• Foreign travel emergency care: Pays 80% of eligible emergency costs outside the U.S., after a $257 deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit.

Plan G doesn’t cover the Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025), prescription drugs, routine dental, vision, hearing care, long-term care, private-duty nursing, or eyeglasses and hearing aids. You may need additional plans or perks for these services.

What About Plan N?

Medigap Plan N is a popular choice for Medicare enrollees who want strong coverage with slightly lower premiums than Plan G.

It fills most of the gaps in Original Medicare but asks you to share in a few small costs, making it a great middle-ground for those who want value without sacrificing peace of mind.

Plan N covers:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs: Covers up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted.
• Hospice care coinsurance or copayment: Fully covered under Plan N.
• Skilled nursing facility (SNF) coinsurance: Covered in full.
• Medicare Part A deductible: Plan N pays the full Part A deductible.
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment: Generally covered, except for small copays. You’ll pay up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don’t result in admission.
• First three pints of blood: Covered for transfusions during medical procedures.
• Foreign travel emergency care: Covers 80% of approved emergency costs outside the U.S., after a $250 deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime max.

Plan N does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, excess charges, prescription drugs, routine dental, vision, or hearing care, or items like long-term care, private nursing, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. Additional coverage may require separate plans or optional perks from your insurer.

Real-Life Scenarios: Plan G and Plan N

#1. Margaret Navigates a Hospital Stay with Confidence

Margaret, a 68-year-old retiree in Ohio, enjoys an active lifestyle but recently experienced a health scare that landed her in the hospital for four days. Thankfully, she’s enrolled in Medigap Plan G.

While the original Medicare Part A deductible in 2025 is $1,676, Margaret didn’t pay a dime – Plan G picked up the full amount.

Throughout the year, Margaret also visited her primary care doctor four times for routine checkups and saw her cardiologist for a follow-up. Under Plan G, all of these visits were completely covered.

Her only out-of-pocket expense for the entire year was the $257 Medicare Part B deductible.

The simplicity and predictability of Plan G reassured Margaret, allowing her to focus on recovery instead of medical bills.

#2. Thomas Keeps Costs Low Without Sacrificing Coverage

At 70, Thomas lives a laid-back life in sunny Florida. He’s in generally good health and only goes to the doctor when he needs to.

This year, he saw his doctor twice for wellness visits, had one appointment with a dermatologist to check a mole, and visited the ER once after a fall – thankfully, he wasn’t admitted.

Because he chose Medigap Plan N, his monthly premiums are lower than they would be with Plan G, but he does pay small copays. He paid $20 each for his doctor and dermatologist visits, and $50 for the ER trip. On top of that, he met his $257 Part B deductible.

All told, Thomas spent $350 for the year—not bad, considering how much he saved in premiums. For someone who rarely needs care, Plan N made perfect financial sense.

#3. Richard Relies on Nationwide Access and Full Coverage

Richard, 75, lives in Arizona but spends several months a year visiting family in California and Oregon. He deals with multiple health conditions and sees several specialists throughout the year. He was also hospitalized briefly for a cardiac issue.

Thanks to Medigap Plan G, Richard didn’t have to worry about whether his hospital stay would create a financial burden. The plan covered the entire Part A deductible, and every doctor visit he had – whether in his home state or while traveling – was fully paid for after meeting his $240 Part B deductible.

For a man with complex health needs and a mobile lifestyle, Plan G’s freedom to see any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide (with no referrals or copays) made it an easy choice.

His total out-of-pocket for the year was just $257, and the consistency of coverage gave him one less thing to worry about.

Remember: Since Medigap benefits are standardized, Plan G or Plan N is the same whether you buy it from Aetna, Cigna, or anyone else.

What’s not the same? The price, rate increases, customer service experience, and extra perks.  So let’s look at the highlights for each carrier.

Cigna’s Medigap Highlights

• Lower premiums in most states, especially strong on Plan N.
• Household discounts are around 7%, with more flexible eligibility than some competitors.
• Slower rate increases, particularly on Plan N.
• Wellness extras like 24/7 nurse lines, health coaching, and fitness perks (varies by state).
• Positive customer experience when it comes to claims handling and service.

Aetna’s Medigap Highlights

• Competitive pricing, but slightly higher than Cigna in many markets.
• Household discount is usually around 7%, but with stricter eligibility.
• Solid rate stability, especially for Plan G.
• Occasional perks like vision or hearing discounts, depending on the state.
• Reliable name with national provider access and good plan availability.

Aetna vs. Cigna: Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	Cigna	Aetna
Plan G Pricing	Lower in most ZIP codes	Competitive, but often higher
Plan N Strength	Very strong, especially in Florida	Steady, mid-range performer
Household Discount	7% (more flexible)	7% (stricter eligibility)
Rate Increases	Lower increases, esp. Plan N	Moderate, fairly predictable
Extra Perks	Nurse lines, wellness tools	Some vision/hearing discounts

If you’re like most people, your monthly premium is going to be your deciding factor. And that’s where Cigna usually has the edge, especially if you’re looking at Plan N or live in a state where household discounts apply broadly.

That said, Aetna still holds its own, especially if you value long-term brand reputation and a more straightforward benefits structure with Plan G.

The best advice? Don’t guess – get quotes from both. Every ZIP code tells a different story, and we’re here to help you see who really comes out on top in yours.

Medigap Plan Costs

If you’ve ever shopped for a Medicare Supplement plan, you know the benefits are standardized, but the pricing is anything but. That’s where Aetna and Cigna start to diverge.

Typical Monthly Premiums

While exact premiums will vary by ZIP code, age, gender, and whether you qualify for household discounts, here’s what we generally see across Florida and many other states for a 65-year-old non-smoking female:

Plan	Aetna	Cigna
Plan G	$229.82/month	$182.49/month
Plan N	$154.69/month	$135.61/month

Note: These numbers are estimates – your actual quote may be higher or lower based on personal factors and your location.

Rate Increase History

Medigap premiums go up – that’s a fact across all companies. But the size and frequency of those increases can vary quite a bit.

Aetna has shown modest, predictable increases in most markets. Historically, annual increases fall in the 3–6% range.

Cigna, especially on Plan N, has had very low year-over-year increases in certain states – sometimes as low as 1–3% depending on the block of business and the plan.

That said, rate trends can shift. It’s always smart to check how each company has performed in your state over the past few years and to revisit your options every few years to make sure you’re still getting the best value.

If cost is your top priority, start by comparing Plan G and Plan N quotes from both companies in your ZIP code. Aetna may win on raw monthly pricing, while Cigna might offer more rate stability over time, especially if you’re eyeing Plan N.

Either way, both are strong options in the Medigap world, and a quick quote can help you determine which is a better fit for your budget.

The Competition

When it comes to Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, don’t forget that the benefits are standardized regardless of the Medigap provider you choose.

That means a Plan G from Aetna covers the exact same medical expenses as a Plan G from Cigna, Mutual of Omaha, Humana, or Aflac.

So, how do you decide between them? It really comes down to price, rate stability, customer service, and perks.

Let’s break it down.

Aetna

Aetna is one of the more competitively priced Medigap providers nationwide, especially when it comes to Plan G, which often lands in the lower premium range across many states. This makes Aetna an appealing option for Medicare enrollees looking for strong coverage without overpaying for extras they may not use.

The company offers a household discount, typically around 7%, though eligibility is more traditional, often limited to spouses or partners living at the same address. The enrollment process is relatively simple, and Aetna benefits from a well-established infrastructure thanks to its affiliation with CVS Health.

While Aetna doesn’t load its Medigap plans with extra perks like fitness memberships or dental bundles, it makes up for it with dependable customer service, efficient claims handling, and broad provider access. Aetna remains a reliable Medigap choice for those who prioritize cost, ease of use, and a solid national brand.

Cigna

Cigna is especially competitive when it comes to Plan N, often offering some of the lowest monthly premiums in states like Florida, Texas, and across the Midwest. It also has a strong reputation for stable rate increases, particularly on Plan N, where annual hikes tend to stay lower than the industry average.

Cigna offers a household discount of around 7%, with more flexible eligibility criteria than some competitors. It often extends this discount to any two adults living together. While its Medigap plans are more stripped down, they typically include virtual care access, health coaching, and 24/7 nurse lines in many areas.

Since exiting the Medicare Advantage space in 2024, Cigna’s focus is now entirely on Medigap and Part D drug plans, allowing them to streamline their offerings. Cigna remains a standout option in many markets for retirees who want competitive pricing, minimal rate surprises, and a no-frills, stable policy.

Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha is a trusted name in the Medigap space with decades of experience and a reputation for strong customer service. It is frequently competitive on Plan G pricing and offers wide availability across most states. Many Medicare enrollees choose Mutual for its simplicity, efficient claims handling, and consistently reliable coverage.

One of its standout features is a household discount, typically around 12% in most states. Unlike some insurers that restrict this discount to spouses, Mutual often extends eligibility to any two adults living at the same address. The company also allows bundling with standalone dental and vision plans, giving seniors the option to centralize coverage under one brand.

While Mutual of Omaha is dependable, it has seen higher rate increases in some regions, especially on older blocks of business. Some members report annual hikes in the 6–8% range, making it important to assess local trends before committing.

For those who prioritize service and stability over flashy extras, it remains a solid Medigap provider.

Humana

Humana is widely known for its Medicare Advantage plans, but also provides Medigap coverage in many states. Its Plan G premiums aren’t always the lowest, but Humana attracts attention for its value-added benefits, such as SilverSneakers memberships, telehealth access, and 24/7 nurse lines, which appeal to active and wellness-focused seniors.

The company typically offers a 5–7% household discount, but eligibility tends to be stricter, usually limited to spouses or legal partners. That said, Humana’s broader ecosystem can be convenient for those already enrolled in other Humana products, like Part D drug coverage or dental plans, creating a more seamless member experience.

While Humana’s Medigap plans may not be the best fit for highly budget-conscious buyers, they’re worth quoting if you value extra perks and nationwide brand support. The plans are especially attractive in urban or suburban areas where Humana has negotiated stronger provider relationships and built more robust member services.

Aflac

Aflac is a newer entrant in the Medigap market and is better known for its supplemental accident and critical illness policies. Its Medicare Supplement plans are straightforward, with competitive pricing in select markets, especially in the Midwest and South. However, Aflac’s availability can vary significantly by state and ZIP code.

Perks are minimal compared to larger carriers; Aflac’s Medigap plans generally do not include extras like gym memberships, dental discounts, or wellness programs. That said, for buyers who want a simple, no-frills plan focused strictly on medical coverage, Aflac may offer strong value, especially in areas where its rates are lower than competitors’.

Aflac does offer a household discount, usually around 5%, though eligibility may be limited to co-residing policyholders. For enrollees who value brand recognition and are comfortable with fewer add-ons, Aflac may be a suitable option – just be sure to confirm availability and compare rates in your specific ZIP code.

Here’s a breakdown of each company’s premium costs for the most popular Medigap plans.

Medigap Premium Comparison

Medigap Plan	Aetna	Cigna	Mutual of Omaha	Humana	Aflac
Plan G	$181.26	$132.60	$194.54	$308.34	$173.29
Plan N	$131.11	$94.93	$136.73	$222.46	$117.98
Plan A	$178.85	$124.73	$147.09	$192.69	$182.62

Note: These sample quotes are for a 65-year-old nonsmoking female living in Scottsdale, AZ.

• Bottom Line

  Cigna and Aetna tend to be top-tier options when it comes to value, with Cigna leading on Plan G and Plan N pricing.

  But just because a company is competitive nationally doesn’t mean they’re the best fit in your ZIP code.

  We recommend comparing quotes from at least three or four carriers – especially Aetna, Cigna, and Mutual of Omaha – and factoring in household discounts and rate history.

  If you need help reviewing options or getting quotes tailored to your location, we’re here to help walk you through it step by step.

Aetna vs. Cigna: Medicare Advantage Offerings

Let’s get one thing out of the way upfront: Cigna no longer offers Medicare Advantage plans. In 2024, they sold off their entire Medicare Advantage book of business to Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC).

So, if you’re choosing between Aetna and Cigna for an MAPD plan, Aetna is now your only option between the two.

That said, Aetna has a robust selection of Medicare Advantage plans to choose from. They’re one of the biggest national players, with MAPD coverage available in many counties across the U.S., including Florida, Texas, Arizona, and beyond.

Here’s what stands out about Aetna’s MAPD offerings:

Plan Types: They offer HMO, PPO, and HMO-POS options, giving you a good mix of low-cost plans with varying levels of provider flexibility.

Extra Benefits: Most Aetna MAPD plans include coverage for dental, vision, and hearing, and many include extras like over-the-counter allowances, grocery cards, and SilverSneakers gym memberships.

Network Access: Aetna’s provider networks are generally strong in urban and suburban areas but can be more limited in rural counties, so it’s important to verify that your doctors participate.

Prescription Drug Coverage: Aetna’s MAPD plans typically include built-in Part D prescription coverage with tiered copays and access to preferred pharmacy pricing.

Cost: Some plans come with a $0 premium, but you’ll want to consider copays, MOOP (maximum out-of-pocket) costs, and drug formulary fit.

If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan, we recommend comparing Aetna’s MAPD plans with other carriers in your ZIP code.

Some areas might have better network access or extra perks with plans from carriers like Humana, UnitedHealthcare, or Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Why I Recommend Medigap Over Advantage

Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of people weigh the pros and cons of Medigap versus Medicare Advantage – and for many, the consistent winner is Medigap. I’ll explain why.

Let’s rewind to the 2024 Annual Enrollment Period. It was chaotic.

Several major insurance companies, including Cigna, pulled out of the Medicare Advantage market entirely. Why?

A tough mix of financial pressure and reduced reimbursement from CMS. Many seniors had their plans dropped or reshuffled, and found themselves scrambling to pick new coverage – sometimes losing their trusted doctors in the process.

Meanwhile, Medigap stayed the course.

With a Medigap plan, what you sign up for today is likely what you’ll have next year and the year after.

No referrals. No prior authorizations. No changing your plan every fall because of new formularies or networks. You don’t have to worry about whether your specialist is still “in-network” or whether your procedure needs pre-approval.

Traveling? Have two homes in different states? Want to see a top specialist across the country? With Medigap, it’s all fair game. You get the freedom to choose any provider who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.

It’s why I often describe Medigap as a “set it and forget it” style of coverage. You enroll once, and outside of occasionally shopping around to find better premiums, you’re largely done.

That peace of mind is worth a lot, especially as we age and our healthcare needs become more unpredictable. If stability, choice, and simplicity matter to you, Medigap is hard to beat.

Aetna vs. Cigna: Ratings and Customer Satisfaction

Price and plan features matter when comparing Medicare companies, but service quality can make or break your long-term experience.

Here’s how Aetna and Cigna stack up when it comes to member satisfaction, plan performance, and ease of doing business.

J.D. Power Ratings

J.D. Power doesn’t rank all Medicare insurers every year, but when it does, Aetna consistently ranks in the top half of national carriers. In their most recent Medicare Advantage study, Aetna scored well above average in key areas like coverage options and ease of use on their website and app.

While historically stable, Cigna has generally ranked closer to average. Since Cigna exited the Medicare Advantage space in 2024, it no longer factors into J.D. Power’s MAPD-specific rankings.

CMS Star Ratings

CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) rates Medicare Advantage and Part D plans annually on a 1–5 star scale based on quality measures such as clinical outcomes, member experience, and complaints.

Most Aetna’s Medicare Advantage contracts receive 4.0 stars or higher, with several regional plans hitting the coveted 4.5-star mark. This places them above the national average and makes them eligible for performance bonuses, which can mean better benefits for enrollees.

Before exiting the MA market, Cigna’s star ratings varied more widely, with some plans landing below 4.0. This inconsistency likely contributed to their decision to sell off their Medicare Advantage book in 2024.

For Medigap, there are no CMS star ratings, but member experience still matters.

Complaint Ratios and Customer Feedback

The NAIC Complaint Index, which tracks the number of complaints relative to an insurer’s market share, offers another useful lens.

Aetna typically sees lower-than-average complaint ratios, especially in the Medigap space. Members often report smooth claims processing and a solid experience with customer service. Their size and tech investments (especially through CVS Health) help make plan administration a little more seamless.

Cigna, while not problematic, tends to receive more complaints related to billing confusion, claims disputes, or difficulty navigating its provider network. Still, many Cigna Medigap enrollees appreciate their streamlined policy options and household discounts.

Medigap Member Experience

From a boots-on-the-ground perspective, helping seniors choose plans daily, we often hear that people appreciate Aetna’s user experience, particularly the ease of using their member portal and mobile app and the convenience of CVS integration.

These features tend to resonate well with tech-savvy seniors or those who value a streamlined, pharmacy-connected experience.

Cigna Medigap clients frequently mention their satisfaction with stable pricing in many regions and the household discount that can reduce premiums by up to 7% for those living with another Cigna enrollee.

However, some individuals who previously enrolled in Cigna Medicare Advantage plans have reported frustration with narrower provider networks and challenges obtaining prior authorizations, which may have contributed to the company’s decision to exit that segment of the market entirely.

Why Are Some Companies Dropping Medicare Advantage Plans?

The Medicare Advantage landscape has shifted dramatically in the last year. One of the most notable exits came from Cigna, which sold off its entire Medicare Advantage business in 2024.

The reason? Rising costs, increasing administrative complexity, and lower CMS reimbursement rates made it harder for insurers to maintain profitability in the MA market.

On the other hand, Aetna chose to remain in the Medicare Advantage space but scaled back its offerings in several regions during the 2024 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Like many insurers, Aetna responded to CMS reimbursement cuts and stricter regulations by reevaluating where it could sustainably offer plans.

This meant dropping certain plans altogether or reducing benefit levels in some areas.

This is part of a broader trend: large insurance carriers are quietly withdrawing from Medicare Advantage in areas where the math no longer works. It’s a reminder that MA plans are not guaranteed to last, and what you sign up for this year might not be available next year.

This is why we often recommend Medigap instead of Medicare Advantage. While MA plans can change annually, with networks shrinking, benefits adjusting, and formularies shifting, Medigap offers long-term predictability. There are no referrals, prior authorizations, or surprise changes during AEP.

Medigap remains the clear choice for people who value stability, freedom to travel, and the ability to choose their own doctors anywhere in the country.

Notable Lawsuits and Complaints

Both Aetna and Cigna have faced their fair share of scrutiny over the years.

Cigna has been the subject of multiple regulatory investigations, including one by the Department of Justice over alleged delays in prior authorization decisions. Additionally, it’s been named in various lawsuits relating to claim denials and provider reimbursements.

The company’s 2024 exit from Medicare Advantage didn’t come out of nowhere – it was part of a broader response to mounting regulatory and financial challenges.

Aetna has also faced legal action, including a class-action lawsuit related to alleged improper claim denials and a history of CMS star rating downgrades in some states.

CMS has cited Aetna in the past for specific issues related to marketing compliance and plan clarity, though they’ve since implemented reforms.

It’s important to understand that all large insurers have some level of complaints, especially when they administer complex benefits like Medicare Advantage. What matters is how those complaints are resolved and whether your plan is consistent year after year.

Once again, this underscores why many beneficiaries turn to Medigap for its consistency and lack of administrative headaches. If stability is important to you, and you don’t want to worry about changing networks or denied authorizations, it’s worth considering.

Aetna vs. Cigna: Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing between Aetna and Cigna for your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer – but there are some clear patterns worth paying attention to.

If you’re primarily focused on monthly premiums, Cigna often comes out ahead. In many parts of the country  (especially Texas, Florida, and the Midwest), Cigna’s Plan G and Plan N are priced lower than Aetna’s.

They also have a strong track record for keeping rate increases modest, particularly on Plan N. Add in some flexible household discounts and wellness perks, and Cigna becomes a great value for budget-conscious retirees who still want solid Medigap protection.

On the other hand, Aetna is a well-rounded competitor. It’s a big name with widespread recognition and strong nationwide availability. It offers decent pricing in some ZIP codes, particularly for Plan G, and may be a better option in areas where it’s negotiated stronger provider access or has existing infrastructure from its Medicare Advantage business.

That network experience can sometimes translate into added stability or better customer support.

And that’s really what it comes down to – where you live, your health needs, and your personal budget. Since Medigap benefits are identical across all companies, the choice isn’t about the coverage itself. It’s about who offers you the best rate, the most stable pricing over time, and a support team that actually picks up the phone when you call.

Still undecided? That’s where we come in.

We can help you compare rates, walk you through enrollment, and make sure you’re getting the most value from whichever plan you choose. Whether you’re brand new to Medicare or just shopping for a better premium, we’re here to make it easy and ensure you feel confident in your coverage.

FAQs

• Is there a big difference between Aetna and Cigna Medigap plans?

  Not really – at least not in terms of coverage. Medigap benefits are standardized, so Plan G is Plan G no matter who you buy it from. The difference comes down to price, rate increases, customer service, and any added perks. Cigna tends to be cheaper in many states, while Aetna may have stronger infrastructure and support

• Why did Cigna drop its Medicare Advantage plans?

  Cigna exited the Medicare Advantage space in 2024 due to financial pressures and reduced CMS reimbursement rates. They sold their MA business to Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), which means they now focus on Medigap and employer-sponsored insurance plans.

• Which company has better customer service - Aetna or Cigna?

  Both companies are highly rated and have strong reputations. Cigna often gets high marks for fast, reliable claims handling and support, while Aetna benefits from broader infrastructure and name recognition. It really depends on the local team and your specific experience.

• How do I know which company is cheaper in my ZIP code?

  You won’t know until you compare quotes side by side. Rates vary widely by location, age, tobacco status, and eligibility for discounts. We recommend pulling quotes for both Aetna and Cigna to see who’s more competitive in your area.

• Does Aetna offer better benefits because it still does Medicare Advantage?

  Not necessarily. Medicare Advantage plans are totally separate from Medigap. While Aetna may leverage its MA provider network for support infrastructure, Cigna is fully focused on Medigap now, and remains very competitive with pricing and perks.