Which is better, UnitedHealthcare AARP or Aetna (CVS Health) for Medicare Advantage?

Neither is universally better — it depends on your ZIP, doctors, prescriptions, and budget. UnitedHealthcare AARP typically wins when Largest national MA network. AARP brand trust. Deep Medigap + Part D product lines. Often the largest market-share carrier in major metros. Aetna (CVS Health) typically wins when CVS Pharmacy preferred network integration. MinuteClinic + HealthHUB services included. Competitive Medigap pricing in many states. A free SilverEdge advisor consultation includes a real-time side-by-side comparison for your specific situation.

Does UnitedHealthcare AARP or Aetna (CVS Health) have a larger network?

UnitedHealthcare AARP has approximately ~9.6 million Medicare Advantage members, and Aetna (CVS Health) has approximately ~3.4 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 UnitedHealthcare AARP and Aetna (CVS Health) compare on CMS Star Ratings?

Both carriers have plans across multiple star ratings. UnitedHealthcare AARP plans typically rate 4.0 stars; Aetna (CVS Health) typically 3.5-4.0. 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 UnitedHealthcare AARP and Aetna (CVS Health) 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

UnitedHealthcare AARP vs Aetna (CVS Health): which Medicare plan wins?

A side-by-side look at how UnitedHealthcare AARP and Aetna (CVS Health) 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.

	UnitedHealthcare AARP	Aetna (CVS Health)
Headquartered	Minnetonka, Minnesota	Hartford, Connecticut
MA members (US)	~9.6 million	~3.4 million
Typical CMS Star Rating	4.0 stars	3.5-4.0 stars
Preferred pharmacy	Optum Rx preferred network with strong specialty pharmacy services. CVS and Walgreens both in preferred network in most plans.	CVS Pharmacy preferred network is the strongest pharmacy story in Medicare — discounts at every CVS location nationwide.
Best for	Largest national MA network. AARP brand trust. Deep Medigap + Part D product lines. Often the largest market-share carrier in major metros.	CVS Pharmacy preferred network integration. MinuteClinic + HealthHUB services included. Competitive Medigap pricing in many states.
Watch out for	Higher Medigap premiums vs competitors in some states. AARP brand fee adds small overlay to pricing.	Recently shifted MA networks in some markets — verify specific providers. Not as strong in non-CVS-heavy regions.
CMS reputation	Strong CMS star ratings — many plans 4-5 stars. Highest member volume of any MA carrier.	Mixed CMS ratings — many 3.5-4 star plans. Improving year over year.

Pick UnitedHealthcare AARP when

UnitedHealthcare AARP fits your life if…

Largest national MA network. AARP brand trust. Deep Medigap + Part D product lines. Often the largest market-share carrier in major metros.
You fill prescriptions where UnitedHealthcare AARP's preferred pharmacy network is convenient.
Your doctors and hospitals are confirmed in-network for UnitedHealthcare AARP in your county.

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.

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

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