What is changing for Aetna Medicare Advantage members?
University of Utah Health says it will no longer participate in Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO plans beginning January 1, 2027, while it will continue participating in Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO plans.
| Coverage named by University of Utah Health | What the system says |
|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO | Participation ends January 1, 2027. |
| Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO | Participation continues. |
| Aetna dual eligible special needs plan | Listed separately among plans providing access for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. |
Because the university lists Aetna dual eligible plans separately from its HMO update, do not assume the general HMO statement answers your specific plan question. Call the insurer and University of Utah Health with the complete plan name and ask about each doctor and facility.
A PPO may offer some out of network coverage at a higher cost, depending on the plan. An HMO generally limits nonemergency coverage to its network, with exceptions. Check your plan documents rather than relying on the company name.
What other coverage does University of Utah Health list?
University of Utah Health lists Original Medicare with a Medigap policy and prescription drug plan, as well as Medicare Advantage options from Humana, Regence and UnitedHealthcare/Optum AARP, alongside Aetna PPO.
It also names dual eligible special needs plans from Aetna, Humana, Molina and UnitedHealthcare AARP. Eligibility, plan availability and provider participation vary. This is what the health system lists, not a recommendation or a guarantee that a plan is available for your ZIP code.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage work differently. Do not assume you can buy any Medigap policy without medical underwriting at any time. Ask about your individual Medigap rights and costs before leaving your current coverage.
When can I review or change Medicare coverage?
Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, 2026 for changes starting January 1, 2027. Review your Annual Notice of Change and make sure Medicare receives a change request by December 7.
Some people have another enrollment opportunity based on their circumstances. A provider leaving a network does not automatically mean you can change plans whenever you want. Do not cancel current coverage until you confirm when the new coverage will start.
How do I check doctors, drugs and costs?
- Find the exact plan name and plan identification number on your card or 2027 notice.
- Ask University of Utah Health and the plan whether your hospital, physician and specialists will participate in that particular 2027 plan.
- Ask whether a specialist needs a referral and whether your ongoing treatment has any continuity protections.
- Compare your drugs, doses and pharmacies with Medicare Plan Compare, then confirm coverage and restrictions with the plan.
- Compare premiums, copays and the out of pocket maximum alongside any prescription drug costs.
Our Medicare drug plan guide explains how to compare prescriptions. Plans and networks can change, so make the checks again before enrolling.
Can someone help me compare my options?
We can help explain the Medicare plans we offer and their tradeoffs. Have your current plan information, preferred doctors and pharmacy ready. You can also compare plans with Medicare or speak with Utah's State Health Insurance Assistance Program for independent counseling.
If you are in active treatment, ask your insurer and care team about continuity of care before making any changes. Do not stop treatment without talking to your clinician.
Insurers and hospitals mentioned
Explore the organizations or brands discussed in this article. A mention does not mean every plan or location is covered.
- Medicare Advantage · UtahAetna Medicare
- Medicare Advantage · UtahHumana
- Medicare Advantage · UtahUnitedHealthcare
- Small-group insurer · UtahUnitedHealthcare Insurance Company
- Small-group insurer · UtahUnitedHealthcare of Utah, Inc.
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