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💊 Medicare Comparison

Humana vs Aetna Medicare — 2026 Deep Dive

✅ Updated April 2026📊 15 metrics compared⭐ Based on CMS star ratings & verified data
🏆
Humana wins — 9 of 15 metricsBest Medicare Advantage — highest CMS star ratings and most comprehensive benefits.
Overall Scores

Head-to-Head at a Glance

Humana
4.8
★★★★★
~$18/mo avg
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Aetna Medicare
4.0
★★★★☆
~$15/mo avg
Get Aetna Quotes →
Full Comparison

Side-by-Side Breakdown

Metric🏆 HumanaAetna Medicare
CMS Star Rating4.5★ ✓ Higher4.0★
Customer Satisfaction4.4/5 ✓ Better4.2/5
Avg Advantage Premium~$18/mo~$15/mo ✓ Lower
$0 Premium Plans✓ Many markets ✓ Better✓ Select markets
Max Out-of-Pocket~$5,500 ✓ Lower~$5,900
Drug Coverage (Part D)✓ Included✓ Included
Dental Coverage✓ Comprehensive ✓ Better✓ CVS Clinics
Vision Coverage✓ $200 allowance ✓ Higher✓ $175 allowance
Hearing Coverage✓ Included✓ Included
OTC AllowanceUp to $150/qtr ✓ MoreUp to $50/mo
Telehealth✓ Available✓ CVS Virtual ✓ Integrated
States Available49 states ✓ Wider45 states
Medigap Plans✓ Available✓ Available
AM Best RatingA-A ✓ Slightly higher
Best ForBest Overall MedicareCVS Integration
Pros & Cons

What Each Plan Does Best

🏆 Humana

  • #1 Medicare Advantage nationally by CMS ratings (4.5★)
  • Higher OTC allowance ($150/qtr vs $50/mo)
  • Broader geographic availability (49 states)
  • Better dental coverage and vision allowance ($200 vs $175)
  • Lower max out-of-pocket (~$5,500 vs $5,900)
  • Slightly higher average premium (~$3/mo more)
  • AM Best rating slightly lower (A- vs A)

Aetna Medicare

  • CVS MinuteClinic integration — convenient for CVS users
  • Strong virtual care through CVS Health
  • Lower average premium (~$15/mo)
  • AM Best rating of A
  • Lower CMS star ratings (4.0 vs 4.5)
  • Lower OTC allowance
  • Less comprehensive dental benefits
  • Smaller geographic footprint (45 states)

💡 TheOrtus Verdict: Humana for Most, Aetna for CVS Users

Humana is the stronger Medicare Advantage choice in most markets — it consistently earns higher CMS star ratings and offers better dental, vision, hearing, and OTC benefits. Aetna Medicare is a compelling alternative specifically for those who use CVS pharmacies and MinuteClinics frequently.

Choose Humana if…

You want the highest-rated Medicare Advantage plan, best OTC allowance, and comprehensive dental/vision/hearing.

Choose Aetna Medicare if…

You use CVS pharmacies frequently or want integrated MinuteClinic access with your Medicare plan.

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