Plan vs plan · New Castle County, DE · 2027 plan year

AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO) vs Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

Medicare.gov compares Medicare Advantage plans with each other. This page also shows Original Medicare, so you can see the full trade-off: premiums, copays, the yearly limit, extra benefits, and the rules about doctors and approvals.

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AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

Plan premium
$23 a month
Yearly limit, in network
$7,150
2027 star rating
4 of 5
Prior authorization needed for
24 services

Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

Plan premium
$0 a month
Yearly limit, in network
$7,150
2027 star rating
3.5 of 5
Prior authorization needed for
19 services

In Delaware, a Medigap company must accept you later, but ask about the price

You can buy any Medigap plan with no health questions in the 6 months that start when you are 65 or older and have Part B. Since January 1, 2026, a Medigap company in Delaware must also accept you when you leave Medicare Advantage during a Medicare open enrollment period. The Delaware Department of Insurance lists these periods as October 15 to December 7 and January 1 to March 31. A company can make you wait up to 6 months for coverage of a health condition that you already have. The department gives two answers about whether your health can change the price, so ask before you count on a price.

One exception is the trial right. If you joined Medicare Advantage when you first got Medicare at 65, or you left a Medigap plan to try Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can switch back within 12 months. Then you can buy a Medigap plan with no health questions.

Read about Medigap rights on Medicare.gov

Your yearly cost, side by side

Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.

How much care do you expect?

Ongoing specialist care

Medigap plan with Original Medicare

Plan G pays almost everything after the $292 yearly Part B deductible.

Want to check your exact drugs? Medicare.gov lets you enter each drug and shows what each plan charges for it. Enter your drugs on Medicare.gov

$

We have no Medigap Plan G price for a 65-year-old woman in New Castle County. Enter the monthly price from your quote, or check Medigap prices for ZIP 19734 on Medicare.gov.

Original Medicare

We have no Medigap Plan G price for a 65-year-old woman here, so we cannot show this total yet. Enter your quote above to see it. Check Medigap prices on Medicare.gov

AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

PPO from UnitedHealthcare

$7,122 a year

Premiums
$2,790
Medical costs
$2,404
Drugs
$1,927

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,940.

Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

HMO from Aetna Medicare

$5,627 a year

Premiums
$2,514
Medical costs
$1,410
Drugs
$1,703

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,664.

With these settings, Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO) costs about $1,495 less a year than AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO).

These are estimates, not quotes. Check every number with Medicare (Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE) and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Drug costs use typical prices for generic and brand-name drugs. Original Medicare amounts are 2027 projections from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report. CMS sets the final amounts in November.

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What you pay each time you get care

In-network costs for one visit or one stay. The Original Medicare amounts follow your Medigap choice above: Plan G.

Primary doctor visit

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

    $0

  • Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

    $0

Specialist visit

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

    $0-$60

    Prior authorization
  • Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

    $40

Lab tests

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    most Medicare-covered tests

  • AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

    $0

    Prior authorization
  • Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

    $0

    Prior authorization

MRI or CT scan

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

    $0-$320

    Prior authorization
  • Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

    $0-$250

    Prior authorization

Emergency room

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

    $130

  • Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

    $130

Urgent care

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

    $0-$50

  • Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

    $50

Outpatient surgery

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

    $0-$635

    Prior authorization
  • Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

    $0-$325

    Prior authorization

Ground ambulance

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

    $275

    Prior authorization
  • Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

    $300

    Prior authorization

Hospital stay, 5 days

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible

  • AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

    $2,740

    for a 5-day stay

    Prior authorization
  • Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

    $1,875

    for a 5-day stay

    Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
What you pay in networkOriginal Medicare + Medigap Plan GAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)
Monthly premiumPart B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G at the price of your quote + drug plan $5.30$23 + Part B $209.50$0 + Part B $209.50
Yearly limit on what you payYou pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest.$7,150 in network; $10,750 in and out of network$7,150 in network
Medical deductible$292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible.$1,000$0
Primary doctor visit$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0 copay$0 copay
Specialist visit$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0-$60 copayPrior authorization$40 copay
Lab tests$0, most Medicare-covered tests$0 copayPrior authorization$0 copayPrior authorization
MRI or CT scan$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0-$320 copayPrior authorization$0-$250 copayPrior authorization
X-rays$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$5 copayPrior authorization$35 copayPrior authorization
Emergency room$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$130 copay$130 copay
Urgent care$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0-$50 copay$50 copay
Outpatient hospital$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0-$685 copayPrior authorization$0-$375 copayPrior authorization
Surgery center$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0-$635 copayPrior authorization$0-$325 copayPrior authorization
Ground ambulance$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$275 copayPrior authorization$300 copayPrior authorization
Hospital stay$0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible$685 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization$375 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90Prior authorization
Skilled nursing facility$0, Plan G pays days 21-100$0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization$10 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization
Mental health visit$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0-$25 copayPrior authorization$40 copayPrior authorization
Physical therapy$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$60 copayPrior authorization$40 copay
Home health care$0, Medicare-covered home health$0 copayPrior authorization$0 copayPrior authorization
Medical equipment$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible20% coinsurancePrior authorization20% coinsurancePrior authorization
Part B drugs$0 after the $292 Part B deductible0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization
Drug deductible (Part D)$700 with Wellcare Value Script (PDP)$685$700
Drug tiers (one month, retail)Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 46% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $11 copayPreferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $6 copayPreferred Brand: 21% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurancePreferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance

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A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch

With Original Medicare, you buy a separate drug plan. In Delaware, 9 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $174.90 a month. Half of them cost $36.60 a month or less.

  • Every 2027 drug plan limits what you pay for covered drugs to $2,400 a year. The drug coverage in Medicare Advantage plans has the same limit.
  • The premium is one part of your yearly cost. The calculator above adds premiums, medical costs, and drug costs, so you can see the whole year.
  • A Medicare Advantage plan can cost less in a light year. But you also take on its network and prior authorization rules, and you may not be able to get Medigap later.
  • If your income is limited, Extra Help can pay most of your drug plan premium and drug costs. Check Extra Help at SSA.gov

Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization

Cost is one side. The other side is how you get care. These rules come from the CMS plan files. Prior authorization means the plan must approve a service before you get it.

Original Medicare

  • Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare
  • No referrals
  • Prior authorization only for a short list of services

AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

PPO

  • The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
  • No referral needed to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 24 services

Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs

Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

HMO

  • You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
  • No referral needed to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 19 services

Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs

Extra benefits

Extra benefitOriginal MedicareAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)
DentalNoPreventive onlyComprehensive, up to $500 a year
Eye examNoYesYes
Glasses or contactsNoYes, $200 allowanceYes, $150 allowance
Hearing aidsNoYes, up to $700Yes, up to $500
Over-the-counter allowanceNoNoNo
Fitness benefitNoNoYes
Rides to careNoNoNo
Meals after a hospital stayNoNoNo
Emergency care abroadPlan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductibleNoYes
Part B premium givebackNoNoNo

What changed for 2027

AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC DE-0001 (PPO)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H2406-075-0

  • Monthly premium up from $0 to $23
  • In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,700 to $7,150
  • Medical deductible up from $0 to $1,000
  • Drug deductible up from $600 to $685
  • Specialist visit: $0-$45 copay to $0-$60 copay
  • Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$260 copay to $0-$320 copay
  • Outpatient hospital: $0-$455 copay to $0-$685 copay
  • Inpatient hospital: $455 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $685 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90
  • Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
  • Eyewear allowance down from $300 to $200
  • Fitness benefit removed
  • Meals after a hospital stay removed
  • Worldwide emergency coverage removed

Aetna Medicare Advantra Signature (HMO)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H3959-055-0

  • In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,500 to $7,150
  • Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
  • Specialist visit: $0-$30 copay to $40 copay
  • Outpatient hospital: $0-$300 copay to $0-$375 copay
  • Ground ambulance: $285 copay to $300 copay
  • Inpatient hospital: $300 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90 to $375 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90
  • Skilled nursing facility: $10 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $10 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
  • Dental maximum down from $750 to $500
  • Eyewear allowance down from $200 to $150
  • OTC allowance removed
  • Meals after a hospital stay removed
  • Overall star rating down from 4 to 3.5

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Sources and method

Plan data comes from the CMS 2027 Plan Benefit Package and landscape files. The data is from 2026-10-10. We checked a sample of plans field by field against Medicare.gov. Original Medicare amounts are the 2027 projections in the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report (Tables V.E1 and V.E2). CMS sets the final amounts in November. We do not have a Medigap price for New Castle County, DE. So the Original Medicare total needs your own Medigap quote. You can look up prices for ZIP 19734 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.

These are estimates, not quotes, and they are for education only. Check every number with Medicare and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Plans can change their benefits, premiums, drug lists, and networks each year.

Pinnie is not an insurance agent or broker and does not sell Medicare plans. Pinnie is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For all your options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048.

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