aarp uhc :: Article CreatorUnitedHealthcare 2025 Medicare Advantage Plans Deliver Choice, Stability
UnitedHealthcare® today introduced its 2025 Medicare Advantage plans, featuring more choice, broad access to care and stability in the most popular benefits to meet the evolving and varied needs of Medicare consumers.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans will continue to reach 96% of Medicare consumers with benefits designed to meet the broad needs of individuals nationally. Highlights of UnitedHealthcare 2025 individual Medicare Advantage plans include:
More Coverage Choices to Meet Diverse Needs
UnitedHealthcare is introducing 140 new plans for 2025, many of which offer new designs and benefits more tailored to specific consumer populations and needs.
UnitedHealthcare's footprint of America's most-chosen Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) will expand to reach 135,000 additional dual-eligible consumers. When including all products designed for this population, UnitedHealthcare will reach 93% of those eligible, offering benefits that matter most to them and helping to position the company to serve these consumers long term. Benefits may include: Credits to help pay for over-the-counter (OTC) products and healthy food – enabled with the UnitedHealthcare UCard®. $0 copays for all covered prescription drugs on most plans. $0 annual physical exams, $0 lab tests and $0 preventive care. $0 copay for virtual medical and mental health visits. Rewards for physical activity, an annual wellness visit and more. Meanwhile, the company's footprint of Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) will nearly double to reach 70% of people who can enroll in these plans (more than 23 million additional consumers) – those living with severe or disabling chronic conditions, including diabetes, chronic heart failure and cardiovascular disease. This significant expansion will mean more affordable coverage options for members with these qualifying conditions. UnitedHealthcare C-SNPs offer lower average copays on benefits that are more highly utilized when compared to standard (i.E., non-SNP) plans, including specialist visits and prescription drug use. UnitedHealthcare C-SNP plans will also feature benefits like: Monthly credit to pay for OTC products and healthy food. $0 copays on dental, vision and hearing exams. $0 diabetic supplies from Optum® Home Delivery Pharmacy, plus coverage for footcare and diabetic shoes. $25 or less for one-month supply of covered insulin. $0 annual physical exams, $0 lab tests and $0 preventive care. The UnitedHealthcare standard plan portfolio will include new options in select markets that prioritize medical or ancillary benefits, along with a new plan that gives eligible members a quarterly credit that can be used to lower and even eliminate out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered Parts A and B services. Benefits available across non-SNP plans may include: $0 annual physical exams, $0 lab tests and $0 preventive care. $0 copays on dental, vision and hearing exams. $0 copays on hundreds of prescription drugs, at the pharmacy or by mail. $0 copay for virtual medical and mental health visits. Benefit Stability, Ease Where it Matters Most to Members
Savings: Most members will have stability in specialist and pharmacy copays plus industry-leading prescription drug coverage. Additionally, members will have options for plans with low and $0 premiums, $0 primary care copays, coverage for routine vision, dental and hearing care, plus a free gym membership. Access: Members may again access Medicare Advantage's largest national provider network[ii] through UnitedHealthcare, available across more plans and reaching nearly 96% of individuals eligible for Medicare in the company's coverage area. Members in plans that have access to the UnitedHealthcare National Network can see any of more than 1 million network providers, whether in their neighborhood or away from home. Members will also experience an enhanced, more intuitive provider search function to guide them in finding the right care. Formulary Strength & Rx Savings: Each year, the Medicare Advantage formulary evolves to maintain broad therapeutic coverage for the diverse Medicare population and to deliver consistent quality with the most cost-effective options. The company's Medicare Advantage formulary will cover more of the most-used tier 1 prescriptions than any national competitor.[iii] All covered generic adherence medications will remain covered in tier 1 on our MAPD formulary. The top 20 most commonly used generics, particularly those essential for managing chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, will be available on tier 1. And members will have tier 2 coverage for four commonly used non-Medicare covered drugs (generic Viagra, folic acid, vitamin D, B12). All members will have $0 tier 1 and tier 2 copays with Optum Home Delivery Pharmacy. A month supply of covered Part D insulin is $35. Members may get a 100-day prescription drug supply for prescriptions on tiers 1-3. UnitedHealthcare UCard®: The UCard is the all-in-one access point for members to use their benefits – including all the features of a traditional health ID card and much more. To date in 2024, members have completed more than 71 million transactions in-store and online – spending more than $3.3 billion on their health and well-being. For 2025, the UCard will transition from a scannable barcode to magstripe technology on most plans, allowing members to swipe their card just like they swipe their personal debit or credit cards, creating a more intuitive and secure experience. Important Specialty Benefits and Other Plan Features Bring Value, Coverage Not Offered by Original Medicare
Dental: UnitedHealthcare standard Medicare Advantage plans offer preventive dental coverage for exams, routine cleanings, X-rays and fluoride at a $0 copay, with many plans offering comprehensive dental coverage included in the plan or as an optional add on. Hearing: UnitedHealthcare standard Medicare Advantage plans cover more than 2,000 hearing aids and devices. All full dual members will retain $0 hearing exams and an allowance for hearing aids through their UnitedHealthcare D-SNP plan or state Medicaid program. Vision: Members with a vision benefit will maintain $0 annual eye exams, and the average eyewear allowance will increase by $20 for frames or contacts, with standard lenses continuing to be covered in full. Rewards: The rewards program helps support overall plan value and experience while encouraging healthy activities like getting an annual wellness visit, completing a health assessment or connecting with others. Members can use their UCard to spend earned rewards on eligible items at participating retailers in-store or online. Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. As the only company to offer Medicare plans with the AARP name, and as the nation's largest Medicare Advantage, D-SNP and Medicare Supplement carrier, UnitedHealthcare serves 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries, or over 13 million people, through a portfolio of products that include Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Medicare Supplement and retiree services.[iv]
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1.7 million physicians and care professionals, and 7,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and delivers care to people through owned and operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group, a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.Uhc.Com or follow UnitedHealthcare on LinkedIn.
Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. For Dual Special Needs Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare.
Benefits, features and/or devices may vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply.
Food and OTC benefits have expiration timeframes. Call your plan or review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for more information.
D-SNP: Eligibility for the healthy food benefit under the Value-Based Insurance Design model is limited to members with Extra Help from Medicare and will be verified after enrollment. For TN only: The healthy food benefit is a special supplemental benefit only available to chronically ill enrollees with a qualifying condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic and disabling mental health conditions, diabetes and/or cardiovascular disorders, and who also meet all applicable plan coverage criteria. There may be other qualified conditions not listed. Contact us for details.
C-SNP: The healthy food benefit is a special supplemental benefit only available to chronically ill enrollees with a qualifying condition, such as diabetes, chronic heart failure and/or cardiovascular disorders, and who also meet all applicable plan coverage criteria. Contact us for details.
By activating and/or using the benefits and reward funds with your UCard, you agree to the Terms and Conditions available at ucard.Uhc.Com. UCard does not need to be activated to visit your provider or fill a prescription. Reward offerings may vary by plan and are not available in all plans. By participating in the program or accessing rewards funds, you agree to the Rewards Program Terms of Service.
Optum Home Delivery Pharmacy and Optum Rx are affiliates of UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. You are not required to use Optum Home Delivery Pharmacy for medications you take regularly. There may be other pharmacies in our network.
You will pay a maximum of $25 for each one-month supply of Part D covered insulin drug through all Drug Payment Stages except Catastrophic Drug Payment Stage where you'll pay $0.
$0 copay may be restricted to particular tiers, preferred medications, or home delivery prescriptions during the initial coverage phase and may not apply during the catastrophic stage.
The fitness benefit varies by plan/area and may not be available on all plans. The fitness benefit includes a standard fitness membership. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine. Gym network may vary in local market and plan.
If your plan offers out-of-network dental coverage and you see an out-of-network dentist, you might be billed more.
Other hearing exam providers are available in the UnitedHealthcare network. The plan only covers hearing aids from a UnitedHealthcare Hearing network provider.
Annual routine eye exam and $100-400 allowance for contacts or designer frames, with standard (single, bifocal, trifocal or standard progressive) lenses covered in full either annually or every two years. Additional charges may apply for out-of-network items and services. Vision retail locations include retailer websites.
Virtual visits may require video-enabled smartphone or other device. Not for use in emergencies.
Statistics refer to UnitedHealthcare standard Medicare Advantage plans (i.E. Non-Special Needs Plans) unless specified otherwise.
[i] Most chosen based on total plan enrollment from CMS Enrollment Data, September 2024.
[ii] Provider network may vary in local market. Provider network size based on Zelis Network360, May 2024.
[iii] Formulary review based on drug utilization by CMS among competitors 2024 formularies reaching at least 80% of Medicare eligibles.
[iv] CMS enrollment data, September 2024.
[Y0066_240924_101410_M]
The Best Medicare Supplement Plans, Explained
Medicare supplement plans help people pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare. Benefits differ between plans. Below, we look at the best Medicare supplement plan providers and what they offer.
the best medigap plan providers
A quick look at the best Medicare supplement plans What is a Medicare supplement plan?
A Medicare supplement plan, also known as Medigap, is extra insurance a person can buy from a private health insurance company to help pay for costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) do not cover.
Each Medicare supplement plan type offers different benefits, so people should buy one that meets their needs, and covers their residing state.
There are many variables that a person must consider before deciding on a Medigap plan, and even the plan that may seem like the best option may not offer everything the person requires. Benefits vary based on state, health history, and more.
HelloMedicare is a service that helps people find the supplement plan that works best for them and their needs.
FIND THE BEST PLAN FOR YOU WITH HELLO MEDICARE
Below, we look at what Medicare Part A and Part B cover and what Medicare supplement plans cover.
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
Medicare Part A helps cover a person's:
hospital stay
nursing care
hospice care
healthcare at home
Medicare Part B (medical insurance)
Medicare Part B helps cover:
services from doctors and other healthcare professionals
outpatient care
healthcare at home
medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment
preventive services such as screenings, vaccines, and yearly wellness visits
Medicare Part B only covers around 80% of medical costs, therefore signing up for a Medigap plan can cover the other 20% a person would pay out of pocket.
Medigap is automatically renewed yearly if the person continues to pay their premium to the private health insurance company.
Medigap policies do not cover healthcare costs for a person's partner, therefore each person must buy a separate Medigap policy.
What do Medicare supplement plans cover?
Medicare supplement plans can help cover expenses that Medicare does not cover. These include:
copayments
coinsurance
deductibles
Some plans may also cover emergency medical care when people travel outside the United States.
What is not covered in Medicare supplement plans?
Medigap plans do not cover:
long-term care
vision or dental care
hearing aids
glasses
private-duty nursing
prescription charges
The best Medicare supplement plan providers
There is no average or estimated price for any Medigap plan. Each plan varies by state, health condition, insurance company, and a variety of other factors. To get a quote for your premium, contact your chosen insurance company, HelloMedicare, or State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), which can help find the best plan for you.
Below we take a look at the best Medicare supplement plans.
Best for extra plan benefits: Humana
Humana
Location availability: 48 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Plans offered: A, B, C, F, G, K, L, N
Rewards/perks: SilverSneakers, meal delivery, 24/7 nurse access, vision and hearing discounts
According to Humana, not only does it offer plans to various locations, but it also offers a range of plans to fit many budgets.
Its additional coverage surpasses what most competitors' plans offer including:
cost-sharing vision and hearing discount
SilverSneakers, a free fitness program for older adults
meal delivery service
24/7 call access to a registered nurse
FIND THE BEST PLAN FOR YOU WITH HELLO MEDICARE
Pros
unlike some Medicare supplement plans, Humana offers Part D, prescription drug cover
cost-sharing dental and visual discounts
access to add-on programs and services
Cons
add-on programs and services are dependent on the plan a person chooses, and their residing state
does not offer its plans in all U.S. States
Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm
State Farm
Location availability: 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C.
Plans offered: A, C, F, G, N
Rewards/perks: no information available
Unlike other competitors, State Farm does not advertise additional perks; therefore, its Medicare supplement plans may be better suited for people looking for more straightforward coverage.
The company offers its customers plans A, C, F, G, and N. Some of these plans may only be available to customers who joined Medicare before a specific date or live in a particular state, so a person should check the State Farm website before signing up.
FIND THE BEST PLAN FOR YOU WITH HELLO MEDICARE
Pros Cons
certain plans may not be available to people in particular states
some plans are restricted to the time a person joins
does not advertise any perks or rewards, which may not be as attractive as other competitors
Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare
AARP
Location availability: all 50 U.S. States
Plans offered: A, B, C, F, G, K, L, N
Rewards/perks: Renew Active Fitness Program, AARP programs for brain health, dental, vision, and hearing programs
AARP by UnitedHealthcare, UHC, offers customers a range of plans enriched with specific perks, discounts, and access to other UHC health insurance coverage.
Unlike some insurers who offer customers Medicare supplement plans, this company pays 100% of Part A coinsurance and up to 100% of Part B coinsurance, which may benefit people who use or may later need extensive medical care or hospital services.
The company also offers medical benefits for foreign travel, which may benefit people who spend time in different states or countries.
FIND THE BEST PLAN FOR YOU WITH HELLO MEDICARE
Pros
offers medical benefits for people traveling abroad or in the United States
pays 100% of Part A and up to 100% of Part B coinsurance
plans available in all 50 U.S. States
Cons
customers report that it is difficult to find information on the company's website without first submitting personal information
need to purchase an AARP membership to purchase a plan
Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Location availability: all 50 U.S. States, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Plans offered: A, B, C, D, F, F+, G, G+, K, L, M, N
Rewards/perks: discounts on fitness memberships, 24/7 on-call medical advice and online doctor, online behavioral health therapy
Unlike other Medicare supplement plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers every type of plan in most locations nationwide. Blue Cross Blue Shield provides the best range of Medigap plans nationwide, covering all 50 U.S. States, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Additionally, its Medicare supplement plan includes benefits that match and surpass the supplement's requirements. These include:
discounted fitness memberships
discount programs
online behavioral health therapy
health screening
nationally recognized quality care through Blue Distinction Centers
FIND THE BEST PLAN FOR YOU WITH HELLO MEDICARE
Pros
offers every type of plan in most locations nationwide
plans offered in all 50 U.S. States plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
benefits surpass those provided to customers in other Medicare supplement plans
Cons Comparison table
Below we compare the best Medicare supplement plan providers in this article.
Location availability
Plans offered
Rewards/perks
Humana
48 U.S. States, as well asWashington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
A, B, C, F, G, K, L, N
• SilverSneakers• meal delivery• 24/7 nurse access• vision and hearing discounts
State Farm
45 U.S. States, as well as the Washington, D.C.
A, C, F, G, N
no information available
AARP by UnitedHealthcare
all 50 U.S. States
A, B, C, F, G, K, L, N
• Renew Active Fitness Program• AARP programs for brain health• discounted dental, hearing, and vision programs
Blue Cross Blue Shield
all 50 U.S. States, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
A, B, C, D, F, F+, G, G+, K, L, M, N
• discounted fitness memberships• 24/7 on-call medical advice and online doctor• online behavioral health therapy• discount programs• health screening• nationally recognized quality care through Blue Distinction Centers
Ready to choose an insurance plan? HelloMedicare connects you with an expert who can help you choose the plan that best meets your needs.
How to choose a Medicare supplement plan
Medical needs and financial situations vary from one individual to another. A Medicare supplement plan that is suitable for one person may not suit another.
Below are some important things for a person to consider when choosing a Medicare supplement plan:
Additional benefits the plan covers: Some plans offer more benefits than others, such as fitness programs and help with dental, vision, and prescription costs.
Geographical coverage areas: Some plans may only cover certain states. People should check to make sure that the plan they wish to purchase is available in their home state.
Budget: Provider costs vary between companies. It is important that a person ensures that their chosen plan not only meets their needs, but they deem plan costs affordable.
Annual health expenses: Treatment costs for medical conditions vary. A person may wish to choose a supplement plan that covers some or most of these expenses.
Chronic conditions: People with chronic conditions may need additional care. They may want to look for a supplement plan with more covered costs such as nursing care, in-home care, or access to an online doctor.
Foreign travel: If a person travels abroad regularly, they may wish to consider a plan that includes emergency coverage overseas.
The type of coverage a person already has: It is important that people consider what their current coverage offers, if applicable, while looking for additional coverage. For example, a person who holds a veteran discount may need to receive care in a non-veteran affairs facility that their veteran insurance plan does not cover.
A note on plans C and F
Plans C and F are not available for those who are eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.
Important dates to consider
People should consider the cut-off dates below when enrolling in a Medicare supplement plan.
A person can enroll in Medicare starting the 3 months before and ending 3 months after their 65th birthday.
A person can enroll in Medigap up to 6 months after their 65th birthday, as long as they are already enrolled in Medicare Part B.
People who did not enroll for a Medicare plan when they were first eligible can do so from January 1 to March 31.
People wishing to add Part D to their Original Medicare plan can do so between April 1 and June 30.
People can enroll in, drop, or change their Medicare Part C or Part D plan during the open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7.
Under some circumstances, a person may qualify for a special enrollment period. If this is the case, they have 8 months to enroll in a plan.
Summary
Medicare supplement plans, or Medigap, help people with additional costs that Original Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover.
Financial cover and costs differ within and between plans, and not all plan benefits are available in all U.S. States.
Before choosing an appropriate Medicare supplement plan, people should consider their financial situation and healthcare needs. They should also consider the enrollment cut-off dates.
View the original article on Medical News Today
Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies
The Bottom Line UnitedHealthcare is the best option for most people seeking a Medigap plan. It's worth getting an AARP membership to access UnitedHealthcare's excellent prices, high third-party ratings, and plentiful benefits. However, if you're looking for a broader selection of plan types, including high-deductible Plan G, Blue Cross Blue Shield may be better, depending on its availability in your state. The company also offers an extensive discount program to most members. Mutual of Omaha is a good alternative if Blue Cross Blue Shield isn't available in your state, especially if you want affordable dental coverage. State Farm is the way to go if you want the provider with the highest financial strength ratings. Research Insight "Your location plays a large part in determining which Medigap policies you can access. A company might say on its website that it offers seven of the 10 policy types, but depending on demand and regulations, it might only offer four in your state. Be sure to check on availability in your area when choosing a Medicare supplement Plan." — Shanker Narayan, Investopedia Research Analyst Why You Should Trust Our Expert Insurance Reviewers Investopedia collected data points related to dozens of important criteria for choosing Medigap plans, across eight companies. We used this data to review each company for financial stability, patient satisfaction, coverage options, cost, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to help you make the right decision. Investopedia launched in 1999, and has been helping readers find the best Medigap companies since 2020. We are dedicated to helping you find the right Medigap provider for your needs. Compare the Best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies Company Ratings Discounts Additional Features AARP/UnitedHealthcareBest Priced Medicare Supplement Plan G A+ from AM Best, 3.9 stars from NCQA Multi-policy, electronic funds transfer, and annual payer discounts Online brain health program Blue Cross Blue ShieldMost Medigap Plan Types 3.5 stars from NCQA 5% multi-policy discount and other wellness discounts Inexpensive dental, vision, and hearing coverage Mutual of OmahaBest Medigap High-Deductible Plan G Provider A+ from AM Best Discounts on vision, hearing, and fitness Offers dental insurance State FarmBest for Financial Strength A++ from AM Best Not advertised High customer satisfaction What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)? Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, is a type of health insurance policy offered by private companies to help pay for out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare coverage. These costs include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap plans can also cover services that Original Medicare doesn't, like emergency medical care when traveling outside the U.S. To be eligible for a Medigap policy, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. Medigap plans are identified by letter (A–D, F, G, K–N). Each letter plan offers a different set of benefits, and the benefits of each plan with the same letter are standardized. For example, Plan G from one company provides the same benefits as Plan G from another. However, premiums can vary across insurers and locations. What Does Medigap Cover? In addition to copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles from Original Medicare, some Medigap plans help cover: Skilled nursing facility care Foreign travel emergency health care Medicare Part B excess charges What Does Medigap Not Cover? Medigap policies do not cover: Long-term care Vision or dental care Hearing aids Eyeglasses Private duty nursing Medigap plans are standardized, but premiums can vary. Choosing the right plan requires comparing coverage details and prices from different insurers. When Can You Enroll in a Medigap Plan? You can enroll in a Medigap plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This six-month period starts the month you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state without being denied or charged more because of your health. After this period, you might still be able to get a Medigap plan, but you could be charged higher premiums or even denied coverage based on pre-existing health conditions. There are some situations when you might have guaranteed issue rights outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment: Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving Medicare or stops providing care in your area. You move out of your Medicare Advantage plan's service area. You lose employer health coverage that supplements Medicare. Your Medigap insurance company goes bankrupt, or you drop their policy because they misled you or failed to follow the rules. You drop a Medicare Advantage plan within the first year of joining. In these cases, you can buy a Medigap policy without being denied or charged more for health reasons. Note Medicare Advantage provider Humana will leave 13 markets nationwide in 2025, impacting 560,000 members. If they want to enroll in a Medigap plan, they may be eligible for guaranteed issue rights. What Are the Alternatives to Medigap? You might want an alternative to Medigap for your health coverage for several reasons, including cost and complexity. Medicare Advantage plans are a popular choice, with 30.8 million enrollees in 2023. These plans, sold by private companies, include drug, dental, and vision coverage. They can have lower premiums but may have higher out-of-pocket costs. Medicaid is another option for those who qualify. It can cover costs not usually covered by Medicare, like nursing home care and personal care services. Is Medigap Available in Every State? Medigap plans are available in every state, but the offerings may vary. Most states have standardized Medigap plans identified by letters A through N, but Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have different sets of standardized plans. Different state regulations may also influence Medigap prices and plan offerings. For example, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and New York have guaranteed-issue protections prohibiting insurers from denying applicants coverage based on pre-existing conditions. What Is the Downside to Medigap Plans? Pros Can reduce out-of-pocket costs of Original Medicare Accepted by any health care provider that takes Medicare Standardized plans are easy to compare Cons Cost, especially for age-rated plans, can be high Limitations on when you can get a plan without medical underwriting Does not include prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, or hearing Frequently Asked Questions People often opt for Medigap because it allows you to choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage plans only let you pick providers and hospitals in your network. Medicare Advantage bundles all your coverage into one policy, making it less expensive, while Medigap is purchased on top of an existing Medicare policy. However, Medigap, paired with an Original Medicare plan, sometimes offers more coverage than Medicare Advantage. Determining which option works best depends on whether you think the additional coverage is worth the extra cost. Medigap premiums can be based on age, depending on your policy type. The first type is a "community-rated" policy, which charges everyone the same premium and does not increase with age. The second is an "issue-age-rated" policy that charges premiums based on the age you enrolled in Medigap, with lower costs for younger policyholders. "Attained-age-rated" is the final policy type, and premiums are based on your current age, meaning they increase as you get older. Medicare supplement Plan G covers every gap in Original Medicare except the Part B deductible, which is $240 for 2024. You won't pay any copayments or coinsurance with Plan G, and it provides some coverage for international emergency care. However, unlike Plans K and L and Medicare Advantage plans, it does not limit your maximum out-of-pocket expenses. Some states also offer a high-deductible Plan G. This plan has lower premiums, but you must pay your Original Medicare coinsurance, copays, and deductibles until you've spent enough to meet the Plan G deductible, which is $2,800 in 2024. The best time to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan is during Medigap open enrollment. This period begins the first month you are enrolled in Medicare Part B and are 65 or older. It lasts six months and can't be repeated. If you apply outside of open enrollment, you must meet medical underwriting requirements. In most states, insurers can deny you a policy outside of open enrollment if you have pre-existing conditions. The most popular Medigap plan type is Plan F. It had 5.7 million enrollees as of 2021, not including California. However, Medigap Plan F is no longer available if you turned 65 after Jan. 1, 2020. Costs can vary depending on the provider, plan type, and level of benefits. We found that monthly costs can range from as low as $64 for High-Deductible Plan G and as high as $461 for Plan F. In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans have no or very low premiums. The most comprehensive Medigap plan is Plan F. It covers out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Parts A and B, coinsurance for skilled nursing facilities, and foreign travel emergencies. However, it's no longer available if you turned 65 after Jan. 1, 2020. The next-most comprehensive option is Plan G, which covers everything Plan F does except for the Medicare Part B deductible. How We Chose the Best Medicare Supplement Plan Providers To identify which health insurance companies to review, we analyzed business and market insight databases, including Statista, Plunkett, and Gale. We also considered user-generated data from Google to determine public interest and trends in Medicare plans. We collected data from third-party rating agencies like the credit rating agency AM Best and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), an independent organization that rates health insurance plans on quality and customer satisfaction. We also gathered data from government websites and databases provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), such as CMS.Gov and Healthcare.Gov, and from insurers via websites, media contacts, and existing partnerships. The data collection process spanned Sept. 15 to Sept. 29, 2023. We then developed a quantitative model that scores each Medicare supplement plan provider based on four major categories and six criteria that are crucial in evaluating the company's offerings and benefits. We weighted the four categories as follows for this article: Cost: 40% Plan features: 30% Plan quality and customer satisfaction: 20% Company financial strength: 10% Read our full methodology for reviewing Medicare insurance providers. Your Guide to Medicare Plans
Comments
Post a Comment