Which is better, UnitedHealthcare AARP or WellCare (Centene) 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. 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 UnitedHealthcare AARP or WellCare (Centene) have a larger network?

UnitedHealthcare AARP has approximately ~9.6 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 UnitedHealthcare AARP and WellCare (Centene) compare on CMS Star Ratings?

Both carriers have plans across multiple star ratings. UnitedHealthcare AARP plans typically rate 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 UnitedHealthcare AARP 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

UnitedHealthcare AARP vs WellCare (Centene): which Medicare plan wins?

A side-by-side look at how UnitedHealthcare AARP 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.

	UnitedHealthcare AARP	WellCare (Centene)
Headquartered	Minnetonka, Minnesota	Tampa, Florida
MA members (US)	~9.6 million	~1.5 million
Typical CMS Star Rating	4.0 stars	3.5 stars
Preferred pharmacy	Optum Rx preferred network with strong specialty pharmacy services. CVS and Walgreens both in preferred network in most plans.	CVS Caremark preferred network in most states. Strong formulary breadth.
Best for	Largest national MA network. AARP brand trust. Deep Medigap + Part D product lines. Often the largest market-share carrier in major metros.	Aggressive $0-premium plans. Strong Part D formulary in southern + midwest states. Good value if you prioritize low monthly cost.
Watch out for	Higher Medigap premiums vs competitors in some states. AARP brand fee adds small overlay to pricing.	Narrower networks than UHC/Humana. PPO availability limited.
CMS reputation	Strong CMS star ratings — many plans 4-5 stars. Highest member volume of any MA carrier.	Improving CMS scores. Strong in dual-eligible (D-SNP) markets.

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 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

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