UnitedHealthcare and Aetna both offer a wide range of health insurance plans, including HMO, PPO, POS, and EPO options. UnitedHealthcare’s Options PPO plans allow members to use any doctor or facility in their national network without needing a referral. Both companies provide individual plans, employer-sponsored plans, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Medicaid, and ACA Marketplace options.

HMO, PPO, POS, EPO Differences:

UnitedHealthcare offers extensive PPO and HMO networks, with flexible out-of-network options and more provider flexibility in PPO plans.

Aetna: Offers similar PPO, HMO, and POS plans. Their EPO plans typically have lower costs but less flexibility in choosing providers.

Individual Plans vs. Employer-Sponsored Plans:

UnitedHealthcare: Robust employer-sponsored options; individual plans limited in certain states.

Aetna: Strong presence in employer plans; individual plans increasingly integrated with CVS Pharmacy services.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement:

UnitedHealthcare: Extensive Medicare Advantage offerings with extra benefits (vision, dental); strong Medicare Supplement (Medigap) choices.

Aetna: Well-rated Medicare Advantage plans often include pharmacy (CVS Health) benefits and reliable Medigap plans, especially Plan G and Plan N.

Medicaid and ACA Marketplace Options:

UnitedHealthcare: Participates selectively in ACA marketplaces; widespread Medicaid management.

Aetna: Limited ACA participation post-merger with CVS; less involvement in Medicaid markets.