Company vs company · Fairfield County, CT · 2027 plan year

Aetna Medicare vs Wellcare 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.

Text us about this comparison

Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Pinnie does not sell plans.

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.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.

Specialist visits a year6Days in the hospital0

Brand-name drugs you fill each month1

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

AgeSex

Medigap Plan G price a month in Fairfield County$297.75

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 Enhanced (HMO-POS)

HMO-POS from Aetna Medicare

$6,479 a year

Premiums: $3,462
Medical costs: $1,480
Drugs: $1,537

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $10,612.

Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)

HMO-POS from Wellcare

$6,585 a year

Premiums: $2,514
Medical costs: $1,896
Drugs: $2,175

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $12,364.

With these settings, Aetna Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS) costs about $106 less a year than Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS).

Tipping point for Aetna Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $3,389 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $7,150.

Tipping point for Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS): 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 comparison

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 Signature (HMO-POS)
$0
Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)
$0
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$0
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$0

Specialist visit

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$0-$75
Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)
$0-$45
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$50
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$35
Prior authorization

Lab tests

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$0-$45
Prior authorization
Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)
$0
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$0-$50
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$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 authorization
Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)
0%-20%
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$0-$500
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$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
Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)
$130
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$115
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$115

Urgent care

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$50
Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)
$45
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$40
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$25

Outpatient surgery

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$0-$350
Prior authorization
Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)
$0-$350
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$400
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$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 authorization
Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)
$300
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$310
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$315
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 authorization
Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)
$2,075
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$1,890
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$1,960
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)	Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)	Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)	Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
Monthly premium	Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $298 + drug plan $25.50	$125 + Part B $209.50	$0 (pays back $90 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50	$0 + 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	$7,150 in network; $10,750 in and out of network	$9,850 in network; $14,800 in and out of network	$9,850 in network
Medical deductible	$292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible.	$0	$0	$385	$290
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-$75 copay	$0-$45 copay	$50 copayPrior authorization	$35 copayPrior authorization
Lab tests	$0, most Medicare-covered tests	$0-$45 copayPrior authorization	$0 copayPrior authorization	$0-$50 copayPrior authorization	$0-$50 copayPrior authorization
MRI or CT scan	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$250 copayPrior authorization	0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization	$0-$500 copayPrior authorization	$0-$500 copayPrior authorization
X-rays	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$15 copayPrior authorization	$10 copayPrior authorization	$50 copayPrior authorization	$50 copayPrior authorization
Emergency room	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$130 copay	$130 copay	$115 copay	$115 copay
Urgent care	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$50 copay	$45 copay	$40 copay	$25 copay
Outpatient hospital	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$400 copayPrior authorization	$0-$400 copayPrior authorization	$0-$500 copay, 30% coinsurancePrior authorization	$0-$500 copay, 30% coinsurancePrior authorization
Surgery center	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$350 copayPrior authorization	$0-$350 copayPrior authorization	$400 copayPrior authorization	$400 copayPrior authorization
Ground ambulance	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$300 copayPrior authorization	$300 copayPrior authorization	$310 copayPrior authorization	$315 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	$415 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization	$1,890 per stayPrior authorization	$1,960 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	$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	$0 per day for days 1-20; $221 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	$45 copayPrior authorization	$35 copayPrior authorization	$30 copayPrior authorization
Physical therapy	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$55 copay	$45 copay	$35 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	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	25% coinsurancePrior authorization	20% coinsurancePrior authorization	20% coinsurancePrior authorization	20% coinsurancePrior authorization
Part B drugs	$0 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 Blue MedicareRx Value Plus (PDP)	$700	No drug coverage	$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	No drug coverage	Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 36% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay	Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 46% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 1% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay

Not sure which of these costs apply to you?

Text us what you have now. We will help you read this comparison and check it with Medicare.gov.

Text us for free

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

The two companies in Fairfield County

Aetna Medicare

3 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
1 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
Yearly limits from $7,150 to $7,150
Star ratings 3 to 4

Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS) · $125 a month · limit $7,150
Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
Aetna Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS) · $79 a month · limit $7,150

Wellcare

2 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 $9,850 to $9,850
Star ratings 3 to 3.5

Wellcare Simple Open (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $9,850
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $9,850

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

Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (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

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

Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)

HMO-POS

You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
You need a referral to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 20 services

Extra benefits

Extra benefit	Original Medicare	Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)	Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)	Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)	Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
Dental	No	Preventive only	Comprehensive, up to $2,000 a year	Preventive only	Preventive only
Eye exam	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Glasses or contacts	No	Yes, $100 allowance	Yes, $300 allowance	No	Yes, $200 allowance
Hearing aids	No	Yes, copays from $0	Yes, copays from $0	No	No
Over-the-counter allowance	No	No	$360 a year	No	No
Fitness benefit	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Rides to care	No	No	No	No	No
Meals after a hospital stay	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
Emergency care abroad	Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Part B premium giveback	No	No	$90 a month	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

Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO)

Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H5521-296-0

In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $5,900 to $7,150
Part B giveback up from $80 to $90
Specialist visit: $0-$40 copay to $0-$45 copay
Urgent care: $40 copay to $45 copay
Outpatient hospital: $0-$345 copay to $0-$400 copay
Ground ambulance: $270 copay to $300 copay
Inpatient hospital: $329 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $415 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
Overall star rating down from 4.5 to 4

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

Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)

Consolidated Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H0712-019-0

In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
Medical deductible up from $275 to $290
Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
Specialist visit: $25 copay to $35 copay
Ground ambulance: $350 copay to $315 copay
Inpatient hospital: $600 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90 to $1,960 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; $221 per day for days 21-70; $0 per day for days 71-100
OTC allowance removed

More 2027 plans in Fairfield County

County guide: 2027 plans in Fairfield County State guide: Connecticut

Questions about your choice? Text us.

Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Tell us what you have now and we will help you read this comparison.

First name

Last name

Date of birth

Of the person we will be helping.

State

Phone number

The number you will text us from.

What coverage do you have now?

Are you looking at plans for 2027?

I agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, including receiving text messages from Pinnie Direct.

Next, you will send these answers in a text to Pinnie Direct. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to stop.

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.

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.

See all comparisons

Aetna Medicare vs Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans

Your yearly cost, side by side

What you pay each time you get care

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

The two companies in Fairfield County

Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization

Extra benefits

What changed for 2027

More 2027 plans in Fairfield County

Questions about your choice? Text us.

Sources and method

We're here for you

Find a care advocate.
Get the support you need

Who We Are

How We Can Help

For Partners

Discover

Company