Which is better, Aetna (CVS Health) or WellCare (Centene) for Medicare Advantage?

Neither is universally better — it depends on your ZIP, doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Aetna (CVS Health) typically wins when CVS Pharmacy preferred network integration. MinuteClinic + HealthHUB services included. Competitive Medigap pricing in many states. WellCare (Centene) typically wins when Aggressive $0-premium plans. Strong Part D formulary in southern + midwest states. Good value if you prioritize low monthly cost. A free SilverEdge advisor consultation includes a real-time side-by-side comparison for your specific situation.

Does Aetna (CVS Health) or WellCare (Centene) have a larger network?

Aetna (CVS Health) has approximately ~3.4 million Medicare Advantage members, and WellCare (Centene) has approximately ~1.5 million. Network size varies dramatically by state and county. The right question is not 'who is bigger nationally' but 'who has my doctors and hospitals in-network in my ZIP'.

How do Aetna (CVS Health) and WellCare (Centene) compare on CMS Star Ratings?

Both carriers have plans across multiple star ratings. Aetna (CVS Health) plans typically rate 3.5-4.0 stars; WellCare (Centene) typically 3.5. Higher CMS Star Rating = better member outcomes + lower premiums. SilverEdge can identify the highest-rated plans available in your specific ZIP.

Can I switch between Aetna (CVS Health) and WellCare (Centene) mid-year?

Yes, but only during specific windows. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31) allows one plan switch per year. The Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) lets you switch for the following plan year. Special Enrollment Periods (qualifying life events) may also allow mid-year switches.

Medicare carrier comparison · 2026 plan year

Aetna (CVS Health) vs WellCare (Centene): which Medicare plan wins?

A side-by-side look at how Aetna (CVS Health) and WellCare (Centene) compare for 2026 Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D. Network size, star ratings, pharmacy preferred networks, and who each is genuinely the best fit for. Reviewed by licensed advisors who write these plans every day.

	Aetna (CVS Health)	WellCare (Centene)
Headquartered	Hartford, Connecticut	Tampa, Florida
MA members (US)	~3.4 million	~1.5 million
Typical CMS Star Rating	3.5-4.0 stars	3.5 stars
Preferred pharmacy	CVS Pharmacy preferred network is the strongest pharmacy story in Medicare — discounts at every CVS location nationwide.	CVS Caremark preferred network in most states. Strong formulary breadth.
Best for	CVS Pharmacy preferred network integration. MinuteClinic + HealthHUB services included. Competitive Medigap pricing in many states.	Aggressive $0-premium plans. Strong Part D formulary in southern + midwest states. Good value if you prioritize low monthly cost.
Watch out for	Recently shifted MA networks in some markets — verify specific providers. Not as strong in non-CVS-heavy regions.	Narrower networks than UHC/Humana. PPO availability limited.
CMS reputation	Mixed CMS ratings — many 3.5-4 star plans. Improving year over year.	Improving CMS scores. Strong in dual-eligible (D-SNP) markets.

Pick Aetna (CVS Health) when

Aetna (CVS Health) fits your life if…

CVS Pharmacy preferred network integration. MinuteClinic + HealthHUB services included. Competitive Medigap pricing in many states.
You fill prescriptions where Aetna (CVS Health)'s preferred pharmacy network is convenient.
Your doctors and hospitals are confirmed in-network for Aetna (CVS Health) in your county.

Pick WellCare (Centene) when

WellCare (Centene) fits your life if…

Aggressive $0-premium plans. Strong Part D formulary in southern + midwest states. Good value if you prioritize low monthly cost.
You fill prescriptions where WellCare (Centene)'s preferred pharmacy network is convenient.
Your doctors and hospitals are confirmed in-network for WellCare (Centene) in your county.

The actual answer to "which is better"

Neither carrier is universally better. The right Medicare plan depends on three things: your doctors (must be in-network), your prescriptions (must be on the formulary at a manageable tier), and your total annual cost (premium + deductible + copays + max out-of-pocket). A licensed SilverEdge advisor compares both carriers — plus the 40+ other carriers in your county — on those three things in 15 minutes. Free.

Call (866) 534-1886 — free advisor comparison

Compare other carrier pairs

Researching multiple options? These are the comparisons SilverEdge clients run most often:

Humana vs UnitedHealthcare → Aetna vs Humana → UnitedHealthcare vs Aetna → WellCare vs Humana → Devoted Health vs Humana → See all comparisons →