Company vs company · La Crosse County, WI · 2027 plan year
Aetna Medicare vs Quartz Medicare Advantage (HMO) 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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin 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.govYour yearly cost, side by side
Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.
Medigap plan with Original Medicare
Wisconsin sets its own Medigap plans: a basic plan with optional riders, two cost-sharing plans, and a high-deductible plan. These plans are not the plans with letters, such as Plan G and Plan N. We have no prices for these plans, so the totals show Original Medicare without Medigap. Without Medigap you pay 20% of most costs, with no yearly limit. Check Medigap plans and prices for ZIP 54636 on Medicare.gov
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
Original Medicare
With no Medigap and AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC (PDP)
$6,133 a year
- Premiums
- $2,638
- Medical costs
- $1,616
- Drugs
- $1,880
No yearly limit on what you pay for medical care.
Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO)
PPO from Aetna Medicare
$5,962 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $1,745
- Drugs
- $1,703
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $8,414.
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO)
HMO from Quartz Medicare Advantage (HMO)
$6,424 a year
- Premiums
- $3,018
- Medical costs
- $1,870
- Drugs
- $1,536
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $8,918.
With these settings, Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO) costs about $171 less a year than Original Medicare.
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: no Medigap.
Primary doctor visit
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)
$0
Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO)
$0
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$15
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$10
Specialist visit
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)
$40
Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO)
$50
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$50
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$45
Lab tests
Original Medicare, no Medigap
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)
$0
Prior authorizationAetna Medicare Signature (PPO)
$0-$10
Prior authorizationGundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$15
Prior authorizationGundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$10
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)
$0-$250
Prior authorizationAetna Medicare Signature (PPO)
$0-$300
Prior authorizationGundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$160
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$75
Emergency room
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)
$130
Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO)
$130
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$130
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$150
Urgent care
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)
$45
Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO)
$50
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$50
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$50
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)
$0-$250
Prior authorizationAetna Medicare Signature (PPO)
$0-$385
Prior authorizationGundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$0-$200
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$0-$150
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)
$290
Prior authorizationAetna Medicare Signature (PPO)
$295
Prior authorizationGundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$300
Prior authorizationGundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$300
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare, no Medigap
$1,788
Part A deductible each benefit period; $447 a day for days 61-90
Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)
$1,500
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAetna Medicare Signature (PPO)
$2,175
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationGundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$1,375
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationGundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO)
$300
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare, no Medigap | Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO) | Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO) | Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO) | Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + drug plan $10.30 | $0 (pays back $70 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $97 + Part B $209.50 | $202 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | No yearly limit | $5,200 in network; $10,750 in and out of network | $5,900 in network; $10,750 in and out of network | $4,900 in network | $4,000 in network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B; $1,788 Part A each benefit period | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Primary doctor visit | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $15 copay | $10 copay |
| Specialist visit | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copay | $50 copay | $50 copay | $45 copay |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0-$10 copayPrior authorization | $15 copayPrior authorization | $10 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$250 copayPrior authorization | $0-$300 copayPrior authorization | $160 copay | $75 copay |
| X-rays | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $20 copayPrior authorization | $20 copayPrior authorization | $15 copay | $10 copay |
| Emergency room | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $130 copay | $130 copay | $130 copay | $150 copay |
| Urgent care | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $45 copay | $50 copay | $50 copay | $50 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$300 copayPrior authorization | $0-$435 copayPrior authorization | $0-$200 copayPrior authorization | $0-$150 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$250 copayPrior authorization | $0-$385 copayPrior authorization | $0-$200 copay | $0-$150 copay |
| Ground ambulance | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $290 copayPrior authorization | $295 copayPrior authorization | $300 copayPrior authorization | $300 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $1,788, Part A deductible each benefit period; $447 a day for days 61-90 | $300 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization | $435 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization | $275 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization | $300 per stayPrior authorization |
| Skilled nursing facility | $0, days 1-20, then $223.50 a day for days 21-100 | $10 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 | $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 | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copayPrior authorization | $40 copayPrior authorization | $40 copay | $35 copay |
| Physical therapy | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copay | $50 copay | $40 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Medical equipment | 20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Part B drugs | 20% after the $292 Part B deductible | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Drug deductible (Part D) | $700 with AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC (PDP) | No drug coverage | $700 | $225 | $200 |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 31% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | No drug coverage | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $10 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 35% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 30% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $10 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 35% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 31% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay |
Not sure which of these costs apply to you?
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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 Wisconsin, 8 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $189.10 a month. Half of them cost $10.85 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 La Crosse County
Aetna Medicare
- 3 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 2 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $5,200 to $5,900
- Star ratings 4 to 4
- Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $5,200
- Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $5,900
- Aetna Medicare Enhanced (PPO) · $37 a month · limit $5,500
Quartz Medicare Advantage (HMO)
- 6 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 2 with a $0 premium; 0 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $4,000 to $7,150
- Star ratings 4 to 4
- Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO) · $97 a month · limit $4,900
- Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO) · $202 a month · limit $4,000
- Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Core D (w/Rx) (HMO) · $42 a month · limit $5,900
- Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $4,450
- Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Basic D (w/Rx) (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
- Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite (HMO) · $124 a month · limit $4,000
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 Eagle (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 (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
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (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 12 services
Diagnostic tests, Outpatient hospital, Ambulance, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (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 12 services
Diagnostic tests, Outpatient hospital, Ambulance, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO) | Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO) | Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO) | Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Comprehensive, up to $3,750 a year | Preventive only | Comprehensive, up to $375 a year | Comprehensive, up to $550 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $300 allowance | Yes, $100 allowance | Yes, $175 allowance | Yes, $250 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, up to $1,250 | Yes, up to $500 | Yes, up to $1,250 | Yes, up to $1,500 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | $400 a year | No | No | No |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Rides to care | No | No | No | No | No |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Emergency care abroad | No, unless your Medigap plan pays for it | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part B premium giveback | No | $70 a month | No | No | No |
What changed for 2027
Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H5521-286-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $4,900 to $5,200
- Specialist visit: $30 copay to $40 copay
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 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
- Hearing aid allowance down from $1,500 to $1,250
- Overall star rating down from 4.5 to 4
Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H5521-289-0
- Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
- Specialist visit: $45 copay to $50 copay
- Urgent care: $40 copay to $50 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$410 copay to $0-$435 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $410 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $435 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90
- 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
- Comprehensive dental removed
- Overall star rating down from 4.5 to 4
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H5262-003-0
- Monthly premium up from $90 to $97
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $4,200 to $4,900
- Emergency care: $150 copay to $130 copay
- Urgent care: $60 copay to $50 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $100 copay to $160 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $250 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $275 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $215 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 $425 to $375
- Eyewear allowance down from $225 to $175
Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H5262-001-0
- Monthly premium up from $196 to $202
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $3,500 to $4,000
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $200 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 $600 to $550
- Eyewear allowance down from $300 to $250
More 2027 plans in La Crosse County
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO), H5216-355 (page for Cook County, IL)
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO), H7617-022 (page for Cook County, IL)
- HumanaChoice H7617-007 (PPO) (page for McHenry County, IL)
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (Regional PPO), R5361-001 (page for Cook County, IL)
- HumanaChoice R5361-002 (Regional PPO) (page for Cook County, IL)
- Cooperative Medicare Advantage (HMO), H7598-004 (page for Marathon County, WI)
County guide: 2027 plans in La Crosse CountyState guide: Wisconsin
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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. Wisconsin sets its own Medigap plans: a basic plan with optional riders, two cost-sharing plans, and a high-deductible plan. These plans are not the plans with letters, such as Plan G and Plan N. We have no prices or cost model for these plans, so the totals show Original Medicare without Medigap. You can look up Medigap plans and prices for ZIP 54636 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Value D (w/Rx) (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Gundersen Quartz Med Advantage Elite D (w/Rx) (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices for ZIP 54636 on Medicare.gov
- Medigap plans in Wisconsin: Medicare.gov, Choosing a Medigap Policy (2026), Section 7
- 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.