Aetna Medicare Plans in Illinois
Star Rating
4 out of 5
Source: CMS Medicare Star Ratings — verify current-year rating
Enrollment
3.2M+ members
National Rank
#3
Network Types
HMO, PPO
Aetna Medicare plan availability in Illinois varies by county, ZIP code, plan type, and contract year. Residents in areas such as should verify the plans offered at their address before comparing benefits or costs.
Use Medicare Plan Compare and the carrier's current plan documents to confirm provider networks, formularies, premiums, cost sharing, benefits, and CMS Star Ratings for the specific Aetna plan you are considering.
Aetna in Illinois: Key Takeaways
- Aetna offers Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D options to Illinois beneficiaries, with plan availability and pricing varying by county and ZIP code.
- Aetna's Medicare Advantage plans carry an average CMS Star Rating of about 4 out of 5 — always confirm the current-year rating for the specific plan you are considering.
- Major Illinois areas served include ; verify your doctors and hospitals are in-network before enrolling, since networks differ by plan.
- A licensed HealthPlan Connect advisor can compare Aetna plans against other Illinois carriers for free. HealthPlan Connect is a private Medicare advisory service, not a government agency.
The Bottom Line
Aetna is a top-tier choice for Illinois Medicare beneficiaries who want cvs pharmacy integration with 4-star rated plans. Compare Aetna options with other Illinois carriers to find the best fit for your healthcare needs and budget.
Aetna Pros and Cons
Pros
- CVS pharmacy integration with $0 copays on some drugs
- MinuteClinic access for convenient care
- Strong PPO options with out-of-network benefits
- Good dental and vision coverage
- Resources for Living wellness program
Cons
- Limited presence in some rural areas
- Fewer plan options than UHC or Humana
- Some plans require CVS for preferred pricing
- Customer service reviews are mixed
Aetna Plan Types in Illinois
Aetna offers multiple Medicare plan types to Illinois residents, each designed for different healthcare needs and budgets:
Medicare Advantage (Part C): Aetna's Illinois Medicare Advantage plans combine hospital (Part A), medical (Part B), and usually prescription drug (Part D) coverage into one plan. Many Aetna MA plans in Illinois have $0 monthly premiums beyond the Part B premium, with benefits including dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Aetna offers standardized Medigap plans in Illinois that work with Original Medicare to cover costs like the Part B coinsurance and deductibles. Popular options include Plan G and Plan N.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans: Aetna's standalone Part D plans in Illinois provide prescription drug coverage for those on Original Medicare. Plans vary in formulary coverage and preferred pharmacy networks.
Aetna Provider Networks in Illinois
Aetna's Illinois Medicare Advantage plans use HMO and PPO networks. Network size and provider participation vary by plan and county.
In Illinois and surrounding areas, Aetna networks typically include major health systems. However, provider participation can change annually, so always verify your doctors are in-network before enrolling.
For beneficiaries in , Aetna generally offers good hospital and specialist coverage. Rural areas of Illinois may have more limited network options, making PPO plans with out-of-network benefits a consideration.
Use Aetna's online provider directory at https://www.aetnamedicare.com/find-a-doctor to verify network participation for any Illinois doctor or facility.
Aetna Illinois Plan Costs
Aetna Medicare plan costs in Illinois vary by plan type, county, and coverage level. Here's what to expect:
Medicare Advantage Premiums: Many Aetna MA plans in Illinois offer $0 monthly premiums beyond the Part B premium (often $0). Higher-benefit plans may have premiums of $20-$100+/month.
Out-of-Pocket Maximums: All Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include annual out-of-pocket limits, protecting you from catastrophic costs. Limits typically range from $3,000-$8,000 depending on the plan.
Medigap Premiums: Aetna Medigap plans in Illinois average $0-$100/month for Plan G, varying by age, gender, and tobacco use. Rates are typically lower when you enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
Aetna Star Ratings in Illinois
Aetna's Medicare plans currently hold 4-star ratings (out of 5) from CMS. Star ratings measure quality across categories including:
- Staying healthy (screenings, tests, vaccines) - Managing chronic conditions - Member experience and satisfaction - Member complaints and access to care - Customer service quality
Plans with 4+ stars are considered high-performing and may offer additional benefits. Aetna's above-average ratings in Illinois reflect strong performance across these quality measures.
Aetna Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aetna a good Medicare plan in Illinois?
Aetna is one of the largest and most established Medicare insurers in Illinois with 4-star ratings. Whether it's the best choice for you depends on your doctors, medications, and coverage preferences. Aetna is known for cvs pharmacy integration and minuteclinic access.
Does Aetna Medicare cover my Illinois doctors?
Aetna's Illinois provider networks include many doctors and hospitals in Illinois and surrounding areas. However, network participation varies by specific plan. Always verify your doctors are in-network using Aetna's provider directory before enrolling.
How much do Aetna Medicare plans cost in Illinois?
Aetna Medicare Advantage costs in Illinois vary by county and plan. Some plans may have a $0 monthly premium beyond the Part B premium, while copays, coinsurance, and annual out-of-pocket limits differ by plan. Aetna Medigap premiums vary by plan, age, rating method, location, and other permitted rating factors. Aetna Part D premiums, formularies, pharmacy networks, and cost sharing vary by plan.
Can I switch to Aetna Medicare in Illinois?
You can switch to Aetna during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify, or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) if you're currently in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Does Aetna offer $0 premium plans in Illinois?
Aetna may offer $0-premium Medicare Advantage options in some Illinois counties. Availability changes by county and plan year, and you generally still pay the Part B premium. Compare the current plan's full cost sharing and benefits rather than using premium alone.
Compare Aetna Plans in Illinois
Get a free, personalized comparison of Aetna Medicare plans available in your area. Our licensed advisors help you find the right coverage.
Get Free Plan ComparisonPrefer to see your other options? Compare all Aetna and other Medicare plans in Illinois.
Plan availability, benefits, premiums, and costs vary by ZIP code and change annually. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a guarantee of coverage, savings, star ratings, or plan availability. Star ratings are sourced from CMS Medicare Star Ratings; confirm the current-year rating before enrolling. Contact a licensed advisor for current plan options in your area.
HealthPlan Connect is not affiliated with or endorsed by Aetna. We do not offer every plan available in your area. We are also not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program or any government agency. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer in your area; please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by Lynsey Brennan, Licensed Medicare Advisor (FL License #G007269).