Plan vs plan · Fairfield County, CT · 2027 plan year
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS) vs Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
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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Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
- Plan premium
- $125 a month
- Yearly limit, in network
- $7,150
- 2027 star rating
- 3 of 5
- Prior authorization needed for
- 19 services
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
- Plan premium
- $0 a month
- Yearly limit, in network
- $9,850
- 2027 star rating
- 3 of 5
- Prior authorization needed for
- 20 services
In Connecticut, you can go back to Medigap later
Connecticut lets you buy Medigap any time of year, and your age or health does not change the price. So you can try Medicare Advantage and go back to Original Medicare with Medigap later. A Medigap company can wait up to 6 months to cover a health condition that you already have.
Read about Medigap rights on Medicare.govYour yearly cost, side by side
Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.
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
Connecticut Insurance Department, monthly Medicare Supplement rates (updated 9/11/2026) lists $298 to $462 a month for a 65-year-old woman who does not use tobacco. We start at the lowest price. Health questions can raise the price after your first 6 months with Part B.
Original Medicare
With Medigap Plan G at $298 a month and Blue MedicareRx Value Plus (PDP)
$8,388 a year
- Premiums
- $6,393
- Medical costs
- $292
- Drugs
- $1,703
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $6,685.
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from Aetna Medicare
$7,072 a year
- Premiums
- $4,014
- Medical costs
- $1,355
- Drugs
- $1,703
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $11,164.
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
PPO from Wellcare
$6,795 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $2,106
- Drugs
- $2,175
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $12,364.
With these settings, Wellcare Simple Open (PPO) costs about $277 less a year than Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS).
Tipping point for Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $2,671 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $7,150.
Tipping point for Wellcare Simple Open (PPO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $3,699 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $9,850.
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.
Text us about this comparisonWhat 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
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$0
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$0
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$0-$75
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$50
Prior authorization
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$0-$45
Prior authorizationWellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$0-$50
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$0-$250
Prior authorizationWellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$0-$500
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$130
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$115
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$50
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$40
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$0-$350
Prior authorizationWellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$400
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$300
Prior authorizationWellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$310
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$2,180
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationWellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$1,890
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS) | Wellcare Simple Open (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $298 + drug plan $25.50 | $125 + Part B $209.50 | $0 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $7,150 in network | $9,850 in network; $14,800 in and out of network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $385 |
| 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-$75 copay | $50 copayPrior authorization |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0-$45 copayPrior authorization | $0-$50 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$250 copayPrior authorization | $0-$500 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $15 copayPrior authorization | $50 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $130 copay | $115 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50 copay | $40 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$400 copayPrior authorization | $0-$500 copay, 30% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$350 copayPrior authorization | $400 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $300 copayPrior authorization | $310 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $436 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90Prior authorization | $1,890 per stayPrior authorization |
| Skilled nursing facility | $0, Plan G pays days 21-100 | $10 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $200 per day for days 21-70; $0 per day for days 71-100Prior authorization |
| Mental health visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $55 copayPrior authorization | $35 copayPrior authorization |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $55 copay | $35 copayPrior authorization |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Medical equipment | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 25% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Part B drugs | $0 after the $292 Part B deductible | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Drug deductible (Part D) | $700 with Blue MedicareRx Value Plus (PDP) | $700 | $700 |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $3 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 35% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 36% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay |
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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 Connecticut, 10 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $13.30 to $284.70 a month. Half of them cost $114.75 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.
- 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
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS
- You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
- 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
Wellcare Simple Open (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 20 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS) | Wellcare Simple Open (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Preventive only | Preventive only |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $100 allowance | No |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, copays from $0 | No |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | No | No |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | No |
| Rides to care | No | No | No |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | Yes | No |
| Emergency care abroad | Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible | Yes | Yes |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | No |
What changed for 2027
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H5793-001-0
- Monthly premium up from $72 to $125
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,750 to $7,150
- Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
- Specialist visit: $0-$55 copay to $0-$75 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$200 copay to $0-$250 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$335 copay to $0-$400 copay
- Ground ambulance: $285 copay to $300 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $335 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $436 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
- Overall star rating down from 3.5 to 3
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
Consolidated Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H1914-001-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
- Medical deductible up from $275 to $385
- Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
- Specialist visit: $30 copay to $50 copay
- Ground ambulance: $325 copay to $310 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $650 per day for days 1-3; $0 per day for days 4-90 to $1,890 per stay
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-70; $0 per day for days 71-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $200 per day for days 21-70; $0 per day for days 71-100
- Eyewear removed
- Fitness benefit removed
- Overall star rating down from 3.5 to 3
More 2027 plans in Fairfield County
- UHC Medicare Advantage CT-0003 (HMO-POS), H0755-033
- UHC Medicare Advantage CT-0002 (HMO-POS), H0755-031
- Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO), H5854-019
- Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO), H5521-296
- Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS), H0712-019
- UHC Medicare Advantage CT-0001 (HMO-POS), H0755-030
- UHC Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx CT-MA01 (HMO-POS), H0755-032
- Anthem Veteran (HMO-POS), H5854-018
County guide: 2027 plans in Fairfield CountyState guide: Connecticut
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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. Medigap prices come from Connecticut Insurance Department, monthly Medicare Supplement rates (updated 9/11/2026), pulled 2026-10-13. They are statewide prices for Connecticut. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Wellcare Simple Open (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices: Connecticut Insurance Department, monthly Medicare Supplement rates (updated 9/11/2026)
- CMS Plan Benefit Package files, 2027
- CMS 2027 landscape files (premiums and limits)
- CMS 2027 plan crosswalk
- CMS 2027 Star Ratings
- 2026 Medicare Trustees Report: projected 2027 Part A and Part B amounts (Tables V.E1 and V.E2)
- CMS 2026 Part A and Part B amounts
- Medicare.gov: Medigap guaranteed issue rights
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.