Company vs company · Kings County, NY · 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.

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In New York, you can go back to Medigap later

New York requires Medigap companies to sell you a plan at any time of year, and your health does not change the price. So you can try Medicare Advantage and go back to Original Medicare with Medigap later.

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 Brooklyn$371

Medicare.gov lists $371 to $773 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 $371 a month and Wellcare Value Script (PDP)

$9,881 a year

Premiums: $7,414
Medical costs: $292
Drugs: $2,175

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $7,706.

Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO)

HMO from Aetna Medicare

$5,557 a year

Premiums: $2,514
Medical costs: $1,340
Drugs: $1,703

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

Wellcare Fidelis Assist (HMO-POS)

HMO-POS from Wellcare

$5,839 a year

Premiums: $2,514
Medical costs: $1,150
Drugs: $2,175

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

With these settings, Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO) costs about $282 less a year than Wellcare Fidelis Assist (HMO-POS).

Tipping point for Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $5,664 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $9,850.

Tipping point for Wellcare Fidelis Assist (HMO-POS): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $5,192 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.

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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
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (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 Elite (PPO)
$0-$45
Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)
$10-$60
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$50
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$50
Prior authorization

Lab tests

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)
$0-$15
Prior authorization
Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)
$0-$20
Prior authorization
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
Prior authorization
Wellcare 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 Elite (PPO)
$0-$350
Prior authorization
Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)
$0-$375
Prior authorization
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
0%-30%
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$0-$500
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
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$115
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$115

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
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$40
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$35

Outpatient surgery

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)
$0-$400
Prior authorization
Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)
$0-$400
Prior authorization
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$475
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$475
Prior authorization

Ground ambulance

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)
$300
Prior authorization
Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)
$300
Prior authorization
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$320
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$340
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)
$2,450
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)
$2,450
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$2,400
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$2,400
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 Elite (PPO)	Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)	Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)	Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
Monthly premium	Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $371 + drug plan $37.30	$0 + Part B $209.50	$0 + 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.	$9,850 in network; $14,800 in and out of network	$9,850 in network	$9,850 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.	$1,250	$0	$430	$300
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-$45 copay	$10-$60 copay	$50 copayPrior authorization	$50 copayPrior authorization
Lab tests	$0, most Medicare-covered tests	$0-$15 copayPrior authorization	$0-$20 copayPrior authorization	$0-$50 copayPrior authorization	$0-$50 copayPrior authorization
MRI or CT scan	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$350 copayPrior authorization	$0-$375 copayPrior authorization	0%-30% coinsurancePrior authorization	$0-$500 copayPrior authorization
X-rays	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$45 copayPrior authorization	$60 copayPrior authorization	$50 copayPrior authorization	$50 copayPrior authorization
Emergency room	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$115 copay	$115 copay	$115 copay	$115 copay
Urgent care	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$40 copay	$40 copay	$40 copay	$35 copay
Outpatient hospital	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$490 copayPrior authorization	$0-$490 copayPrior authorization	0%-30% coinsurancePrior authorization	$0-$500 copay, 30% coinsurancePrior authorization
Surgery center	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$400 copayPrior authorization	$0-$400 copayPrior authorization	$475 copayPrior authorization	$475 copayPrior authorization
Ground ambulance	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$300 copayPrior authorization	$300 copayPrior authorization	$320 copayPrior authorization	$340 copayPrior authorization
Hospital stay	$0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible	$490 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization	$490 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization	$600 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization	$600 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior 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 21-70; $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	$45 copayPrior authorization	$50 copayPrior authorization	$35 copayPrior authorization	$35 copayPrior authorization
Physical therapy	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$35 copay	$35 copay	$35 copayPrior authorization	$35 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	20% 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 Wellcare Value Script (PDP)	$700	$700	$700	$700
Drug tiers (one month, retail)	Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 39% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $11 copay	Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% 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: 37% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 1% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay	Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 37% 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 New York, 9 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $37.30 to $238.30 a month. Half of them cost $169.30 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 Kings County

Aetna Medicare

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 $9,850 to $9,850
Star ratings 3 to 4

Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $9,850
Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $9,850
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $9,850
Aetna Medicare Enhanced (PPO) · $79 a month · limit $9,850
Aetna Medicare Elite Extra (PPO) · $47 a month · limit $9,850
Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $9,850

Wellcare

6 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
6 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
Yearly limits from $9,850 to $9,850
Star ratings 3 to 3

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

Wellcare Fidelis 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

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 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

Extra benefits

Extra benefit	Original Medicare	Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)	Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)	Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)	Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
Dental	No	Preventive only	Preventive only	Preventive only	Preventive only
Eye exam	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Glasses or contacts	No	Yes, $100 allowance	Yes, $100 allowance	No	No
Hearing aids	No	Yes, copays from $0	Yes, copays from $0	No	Yes, up to $750
Over-the-counter allowance	No	No	$60 a year	No	No
Fitness benefit	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
Rides to care	No	No	No	No	No
Meals after a hospital stay	No	No	No	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	No	No	No

What changed for 2027

Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H5521-120-0

In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
Medical deductible up from $1,000 to $1,250
Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
Primary doctor visit: $5 copay to $0 copay
Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$300 copay to $0-$350 copay
Outpatient hospital: $0-$399 copay to $0-$490 copay
Ground ambulance: $285 copay to $300 copay
Inpatient hospital: $399 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $490 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90
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
Meals after a hospital stay removed
Overall star rating down from 4.5 to 4

Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H3312-074-0

In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
Specialist visit: $10-$50 copay to $10-$60 copay
Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$300 copay to $0-$375 copay
Outpatient hospital: $0-$407 copay to $0-$490 copay
Ground ambulance: $285 copay to $300 copay
Inpatient hospital: $407 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $490 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90
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
Meals after a hospital stay removed

Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)

Consolidated Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H4868-019-0

In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
Medical deductible up from $150 to $430
Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
Specialist visit: $25 copay to $50 copay
Outpatient hospital: $0 copay, 30% coinsurance to 0%-30% coinsurance
Ground ambulance: $340 copay to $320 copay
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
Eyewear removed
Hearing aids removed
Fitness benefit removed

Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)

Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H2775-106-0

In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
Medical deductible up from $250 to $300
Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
Specialist visit: $30 copay to $50 copay
Ground ambulance: $350 copay to $340 copay
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
Eyewear removed
Fitness benefit removed

More 2027 plans in Kings County

County guide: 2027 plans in Kings County State guide: New York

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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 11201 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.

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 Kings County

Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization

Extra benefits

What changed for 2027

More 2027 plans in Kings County

Questions about your choice? Text us.

Sources and method

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