About Aetna
Aetna is one of the largest national health insurers, now a subsidiary of CVS Health. Aetna offers marketplace and private health insurance plans across most of the country.
Aetna's CVS Health integration means Aetna members often have access to MinuteClinic locations inside CVS pharmacies for routine and urgent care at preferred rates. Aetna offers both broad network PPO plans and value-focused HMO/EPO products.
Aetna Plans Available in Maryland
In Maryland, Aetna typically offers the following plan types through the ACA
marketplace and in some cases through private (off-marketplace) channels:
- HMO
- PPO
- EPO
- CVS Health-integrated plans
Maryland uses its own state-based marketplace (Maryland Health Connection) rather than healthcare.gov.
All Carriers Available in Maryland
As an independent advisor, Health Advisory LLC is not affiliated with or limited to any single
carrier. In Maryland, marketplace plan options typically include:
- CareFirst BCBS
- Cigna
- Kaiser Permanente
- UnitedHealthcare
The right carrier for you depends on your zip code, income, the physicians and hospitals
you want to keep, and how frequently you use healthcare. A side-by-side comparison is
the only reliable way to know which plan provides the best value for your specific situation.
Medicaid in Maryland
Maryland operates Medicaid through Maryland Medicaid (HealthChoice). Eligibility extends
to households with income up to Up to 138% FPL (~$21,000 single / $44,000 family of 4). If your income falls below
the Medicaid threshold, you would be routed to Medicaid rather than receiving a marketplace
subsidy. If your income is above the Medicaid threshold, you may qualify for ACA premium
tax credits on a marketplace plan.
How to Compare Aetna Against Other Options
The most common mistake shoppers make is assuming the carrier name alone tells you which plan
is best. In practice, a Aetna Silver plan and an Ambetter Silver plan in the same
zip code can have very different premiums, deductibles, networks, and formularies. A licensed
independent broker can run a side-by-side comparison of all available Maryland plans
in seconds — including Aetna and every competing carrier.
Health Advisory LLC charges no fee to compare plans on your behalf. We are compensated
equally by all carriers regardless of which plan you choose.