Company vs company · Fulton County, GA · 2027 plan year

Aetna Medicare vs Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans

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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In most states, including Georgia, you cannot count on getting Medigap later

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. After that, a Medigap company in Georgia can ask about your health. It can say no, or it can charge you more. So if you join a Medicare Advantage plan now, you may not be able to get Medigap later.

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

Medicare.gov lists $145 to $469 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 $145 a month and Wellcare Value Script (PDP)

$6,785 a year

Premiums
$4,318
Medical costs
$292
Drugs
$2,175

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $4,610.

Aetna Medicare Elite Giveback (PPO)

PPO from Aetna Medicare

$5,193 a year

Premiums
$2,154
Medical costs
$1,419
Drugs
$1,620

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $12,004.

Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)

HMO from Kaiser Permanente

$4,388 a year

Premiums
$2,514
Medical costs
$1,310
Drugs
$564

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $10,964.

With these settings, Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO) costs about $805 less a year than Aetna Medicare Elite Giveback (PPO).

Tipping point for Aetna Medicare Elite Giveback (PPO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $3,011 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $9,850.

Tipping point for Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $3,707 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $8,450.

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

  • Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)

    $0

  • Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)

    $0

  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)

    $0

  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)

    $0

Specialist visit

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)

    $0-$59

  • Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)

    $10-$59

  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)

    $0-$35

  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)

    $0-$25

Lab tests

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    most Medicare-covered tests

  • Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)

    $0-$20

    Prior authorization
  • Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)

    $0-$20

    Prior authorization
  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)

    $0-$35

    Prior authorization
  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)

    $0-$20

    Prior authorization

MRI or CT scan

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)

    $0-$300

    Prior authorization
  • Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)

    $0-$300

    Prior authorization
  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)

    $10-$400

    Prior authorization
  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)

    $0-$290

    Prior authorization

Emergency room

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)

    $115

  • Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)

    $115

  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)

    $115

  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)

    $130

Urgent care

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)

    $40

  • Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)

    $40

  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)

    $35

  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)

    $25

Outpatient surgery

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)

    $0-$350

    Prior authorization
  • Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)

    $0-$300

    Prior authorization
  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)

    $375

    Prior authorization
  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)

    $300

    Prior authorization

Ground ambulance

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    after the $292 yearly Part B deductible

  • Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)

    $295

    Prior authorization
  • Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)

    $275

    Prior authorization
  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)

    $310

    Prior authorization
  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)

    $310

    Prior authorization

Hospital stay, 5 days

  • Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G

    $0

    Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible

  • Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)

    $2,040

    for a 5-day stay

    Prior authorization
  • Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)

    $1,940

    for a 5-day stay

    Prior authorization
  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)

    $2,035

    for a 5-day stay

    Prior authorization
  • Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)

    $1,750

    for a 5-day stay

    Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
What you pay in networkOriginal Medicare + Medigap Plan GAetna Medicare Elite (PPO)Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)
Monthly premiumPart B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $145 + drug plan $5.30$0 + Part B $209.50$0 + Part B $209.50$0 + Part B $209.50$70 + Part B $209.50
Yearly limit on what you payYou pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest.$9,850 in network; $14,800 in and out of network$9,850 in network$8,450 in network$7,000 in network
Medical deductible$292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible.$470$0$0$0
Primary doctor visit$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0 copay$0 copay$0 copay$0 copay
Specialist visit$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0-$59 copay$10-$59 copay$0-$35 copay$0-$25 copay
Lab tests$0, most Medicare-covered tests$0-$20 copayPrior authorization$0-$20 copayPrior authorization$0-$35 copayPrior authorization$0-$20 copayPrior authorization
MRI or CT scan$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0-$300 copayPrior authorization$0-$300 copayPrior authorization$10-$400 copayPrior authorization$0-$290 copayPrior authorization
X-rays$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0-$95 copayPrior authorization$0-$150 copayPrior authorization$10-$35 copayPrior authorization$0-$50 copayPrior authorization
Emergency room$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$115 copay$115 copay$115 copay$130 copay
Urgent care$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$40 copay$40 copay$35 copay$25 copay
Outpatient hospital$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0-$450 copayPrior authorization$0-$475 copayPrior authorization$0-$375 copayPrior authorization$0-$300 copayPrior authorization
Surgery center$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$0-$350 copayPrior authorization$0-$300 copayPrior authorization$375 copayPrior authorization$300 copayPrior authorization
Ground ambulance$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$295 copayPrior authorization$275 copayPrior authorization$310 copayPrior authorization$310 copayPrior authorization
Hospital stay$0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible$408 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization$388 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90Prior authorization$407 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization$350 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior 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$0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization$0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization$0 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$35 copayPrior authorization$35 copayPrior authorization$35 copay$25 copay
Physical therapy$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible$35 copay$35 copay$35 copay$25 copay
Home health care$0, Medicare-covered home health$0 copayPrior authorization$0 copayPrior authorization$0 copayPrior authorization$0 copayPrior authorization
Medical equipment$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible20% coinsurancePrior authorization20% coinsurancePrior authorization0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization
Part B drugs$0 after the $292 Part B deductible0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization$0-$47 copay, 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization$0-$47 copay, 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization
Drug deductible (Part D)$700 with Wellcare Value Script (PDP)$700$500$0$0
Drug tiers (one month, retail)Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 47% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $11 copayPreferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurancePreferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 28% coinsurancePreferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: $47 copayNon-Preferred Drug: $100 copaySpecialty Tier: 30% coinsuranceVaccines: $0 copayPreferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: $47 copayNon-Preferred Drug: $100 copaySpecialty Tier: 32% coinsuranceVaccines: $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 Georgia, 9 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $216.80 a month. Half of them cost $145.70 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

The two companies in Fulton County

Aetna Medicare

  • 6 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
  • 5 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
  • Yearly limits from $5,900 to $9,850
  • Star ratings 3.5 to 4

Kaiser Permanente

  • 6 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
  • 4 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
  • Yearly limits from $6,000 to $9,650
  • Star ratings 4.5 to 4.5

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 Elite (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 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

Aetna Medicare Signature Care (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

Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)

HMO

  • You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
  • You need a referral to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 17 services

Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Psychiatrist visits, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs

Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)

HMO

  • You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
  • You need a referral to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 17 services

Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Psychiatrist visits, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs

Extra benefits

Extra benefitOriginal MedicareAetna Medicare Elite (PPO)Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)
DentalNoComprehensive, up to $1,500 a yearComprehensive, up to $2,500 a yearComprehensiveComprehensive
Eye examNoYesYesYesYes
Glasses or contactsNoYes, $175 allowanceYes, $200 allowanceYes, $500 allowanceYes, $500 allowance
Hearing aidsNoYes, up to $500Yes, up to $500NoNo
Over-the-counter allowanceNoNo$120 a year$140 a year$140 a year
Fitness benefitNoYesYesYesYes
Rides to careNoNoNoYesYes
Meals after a hospital stayNoYesYesNoNo
Emergency care abroadPlan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductibleYesYesYesYes
Part B premium givebackNoNoNoNoNo

What changed for 2027

Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)

Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H5521-091-0

  • In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
  • Medical deductible up from $350 to $470
  • Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
  • Specialist visit: $0-$55 copay to $0-$59 copay
  • Inpatient hospital: $388 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90 to $408 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90
  • 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
  • Dental maximum down from $2,000 to $1,500
  • Eyewear allowance down from $200 to $175
  • OTC allowance removed
  • Overall star rating down from 4.5 to 4

Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)

Renewal Plan with SAE · 2026 plan H5302-022-0

  • In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
  • Drug deductible down from $615 to $500
  • Specialist visit: $10-$55 copay to $10-$59 copay
  • Outpatient hospital: $0-$495 copay to $0-$475 copay
  • 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 $250 to $200
  • Overall star rating down from 4.5 to 3.5

Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic 1 (HMO)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H1170-009-0

  • In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $7,500 to $8,450
  • Specialist visit: $0-$30 copay to $0-$35 copay
  • Urgent care: $30 copay to $35 copay
  • Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $10-$340 copay to $10-$400 copay
  • Ground ambulance: $275 copay to $310 copay
  • Inpatient hospital: $395 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $407 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90
  • 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

Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced 1 (HMO)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H1170-002-0

  • Monthly premium up from $67 to $70
  • In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,000 to $7,000
  • Specialist visit: $0-$20 copay to $0-$25 copay
  • Urgent care: $20 copay to $25 copay
  • Ground ambulance: $260 copay to $310 copay
  • 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

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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 are the range Medicare.gov showed for ZIP 30303 on 2026-10-09. 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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