Aetna Summary
Aetna was founded in 1853 and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. The company was acquired by CVS Health Corporation and is one of the largest suppliers of Medicare Supplement Insurance. An estimated 39 million people rely on Aetna for health insurance, including a select number of Medicare Supplement plans. Although the company does not have the full suite of Medigap policies, Aetna’s Medicare Supplement insurance offers superb coverage at a good price.
Aetna has a very strong financial strength rating from a variety of respected organizations including AM Best, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s. This is worth noting for a health insurance company, as you can feel confident Aetna will be able to take care of your claims.
Pros
- Online and over-the-phone quotes
- Helpful online content
- Long-standing, stable company
Considerations
- Charges a fee for applying
- Issues with online quote system
- Plans not available in all states
Top 3 Supplement Companies
Overview
Low Premiums
No matter where you purchase your plan, Aetna is consistently priced lower than other insurance carriers. They have millions of beneficiaries across their health insurance products, so you can be confident that they’re doing it right.
Great online content
They have a large library of online articles about Medicare and other wellness topics. They have sections dedicated to flu and shingles vaccines, high blood pressure, home visits and more. They also keep forms and plan documents available online, so you’re never more than a few clicks away from your information.
Friendly agents
Not only do agents work to find you the best Aetna plan for your needs, they’ll also discuss possible discounts and coverage options available to you. If you need prescription drug, dental, vision or hearing coverage, the agent will discuss any aspect of health coverage you’re curious about.
Strong reputation
Even if you don’t purchase directly from Aetna, you’ll have a hard time avoiding them while you shop. That’s because Aetna has built a strong reputation for over 160 years, and your Aetna plan will be all-the-better for it.
Why Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Having Medicare Supplement Insurance (also called Medigap) in addition to Original Medicare benefits helps to protect you from unexpected costs, allowing you to receive the care you need without worry of financial burden. Because of the guaranteed coverage protection offered during the Open Enrollment Period, it's a great option for those with pre-existing conditions as well. Plus, it allows you to continue to receive the federal Medicare benefits you’ve been paying toward throughout your working years.
Key advantages of Medicare Supplement Insurance:
- Guaranteed renewability each year
As long as you pay your premium, your coverage will continue year after year and cannot be cancelled (except in specific cases, like providing inaccurate information on your application).
- Simple, straightforward plan options
Because they are federally standardized, it’s fairly straightforward to understand and compare your options when it comes to Medigap coverage.
- Nationwide network of doctors and specialists
Medicare Supplement enrollees can visit any doctor that accepts Medicare coverage. Doctors or hospitals that accept Medicare are required to accept all Medigap plans, regardless of insurance carrier.
- More flexibility with treatment options.
Some Medicare plans require you to choose a primary care physician, who has the final say on what providers you can see. Medigap plans allow you the flexibility to select any treatment option you prefer.
