Humana Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
In most states*, policies are standardized into plans labeled A through N. All policies cover basic benefits, but each has additional benefits that vary by plan.
Medicare Supplement insurance plans A through G generally provide benefits at higher premiums with limited out-of-pocket costs compared to plans K through N. Plans K through N are cost-sharing plans offering similar benefits at lower premiums with greater out-of-pocket costs. Some companies may offer additional innovative benefits.
Effective Jan. 1, 2020, plan options C, F and High Deductible Plan F are only available for purchase by applicants first eligible for Medicare prior to 2020.
Applying For A Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan
The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan is during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period because your acceptance is guaranteed. It starts on the first day of the month in which you’re both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Some states have additional Open Enrollment periods and Guaranteed Issue requirements.
If you apply outside of Open Enrollment or Guaranteed Issue periods, you may be denied coverage or charged more based on your health history. This does not apply to residents of Connecticut and New York where Open Enrollment and Guaranteed Issue is ongoing and Medicare supplement plans are guaranteed available.
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UnitedHealthcare pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, brokers or producers.
AARP encourages you to consider your needs when selecting products and does not make product recommendations for individuals.
Please note that each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products.
AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
AARP endorses the AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by UnitedHealthcare.
In some states, plans may be available to persons under age 65 who are eligible for Medicare by reason of disability or End-Stage Renal Disease.
Who Needs A Medicare Supplement Plan
Anyone who is not independently wealthy and able to pay potentially unlimited medical bills out of their own pocket should consider a Medicare supplement plan. Skyrocketing healthcare costs are driving many seniors to bankruptcy court. Instead of traveling the world in their golden years like they planned, they are losing their homes and turning to their children for support. But the fact is, in many cases, bankruptcy could have been avoided if the person or couple had a Medicare supplement plan.
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How To Choose The Best Medicare Supplement Plan
The best Medicare Supplement plan for you will depend on which policy provides the best benefits for your medical needs and fills in the coverage gaps where you expect to spend the most on health care.
For example, if you need skilled nursing coverage or want more protection for foreign travel emergencies, then consider how well each plan covers those categories of care. If you expect to need hospital care, a plan that pays for the Medicare Part A deductible can help protect you from a large hospital bill.
Say you need surgery in the upcoming year. For the 2022 plan year, the Medicare Part A deductible is $1,556. Some Medicare Supplement policies, such as Plan A, provide no coverage for this deductible. Therefore, you would be responsible for paying the entire $1,556 out of pocket before your Original Medicare coverage would kick in.
On the other hand, if you choose Medigap Plan G, the $1,556 deductible would be fully covered by your Supplement policy. This means you would begin having your claims covered immediately, rather than first having out-of-pocket costs for medical care. However, you should also consider the cost of the plan since Plan G can be more expensive than Plan A.
It is for this reason that you should carefully analyze what each Medigap plan covers and costs so that you can choose the best one for your situation. Often, there is an ideal supplemental policy for your health care needs.
What Are Medicare Supplement Plans
While Original Medicare covers many of the most basic health needs that you are likely to encounter during your retirement years, the coverage provided by Medicare Part A and Part B are far from comprehensive. In fact, some of the most common health needs encountered by older Americans including vision, dental, and hearing care are not covered by Original Medicare.
Medicare Supplement plans are sold by private insurance companies as an optional add-on to Original Medicare.
These plans are particularly popular among Medicare enrollees who desire assistance in covering costs not covered by Original Medicare. These costs include things such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
In 2021, there are a total of 10 Medicare Supplement plans available on the market in most states, all of which are designated by lettered names ranging from A to N.
You may not be able to buy these plans F and C if you qualified for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you already have one of these plans, you wont have to give it up.
While the costs associated with these plans can vary from carrier to carrier, the benefits provided under each plan of the same type are standardized by the federal government. This means that if you and your spouse each enrolled in Medicare Supplement Plan B coverage under different insurance companies, you may pay different premiums, but your coverage will be identical.
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Do Medicare Supplements Cover Chiropractic Care
Since Medicare Part B covers manual manipulation of the spine for a dislocated joint when its medically necessary, a Medicare Supplement plan in North Carolina will pick up 20% of Medicares approved amount for this service. Medigap insurance does not cover x-rays, acupuncture, massage therapy, or other chiropractic care.
Original Medicare Only Pays 80%
Many people about to retire are shocked to learn that Original MedicareOriginal Medicare is private fee-for-service health insurance for people on Medicare. It has two parts. Part A is hospital coverage. Part B is medical coverage…. only pays about 80% of Medicare-covered costs and that theres no out-of-pocket maximum on the costs that beneficiaries pay . Learning this is when most people become interested in supplemental Medicare insurance.
A Medicare Supplement plan is additional insurance that helps pay some of the deductiblesA deductible is an amount a beneficiary must pay for their health care expenses before the health insurance policy begins to pay its share…., copaymentsA copayment, also known as a copay, is a set dollar amount you are required to pay for a medical service…., and coinsuranceCoinsurance is a percentage of the total you are required to pay for a medical service. … thats baked into Original Medicare. Some supplements have out-of-pocket limits, meaning they will pay all your covered medical expenses once youve paid a certain amount, but most plans cover one or more of the gaps straight across the board.
With Medicare supplements, the cost is a function of the gaps you want to have covered. The more expansive the coverage, the more the plan will cost. For this reason, its important that you know what costs Medicare expects you to pay, and which ones you are most likely to incur, so you can choose the right amount of coverage.
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Guide To Medicare Supplement
To purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Supplement Insurance provides coverage for gaps in medical costs not covered by Medicare. Medicare Supplement plans are standardized and offer various benefits to help offset your healthcare cost.
The California Department of Insurance regulates Medicare Supplement policies underwritten by licensed insurance companies. The CDI assists consumers in resolving complaints and disputes concerning premium rates, claims handling, and many other problems with agents or companies. The Consumer Hotline 800-927-4357 is serviced by experienced professionals who will answer your questions, or assist you in filing a complaint.
To find information on Medicare Supplement Insurance, the names of companies authorized to sell it and compare premiums, please visit our Guide to Medicare Supplement page.
Best Cheap Medicare Supplement Plan: Plan K
If you are interested in the cheapest Medigap policy that still provides some coverage on top of Original Medicare, you may want to look into Plan K.
Plan K is significantly different from many other Medigap policies since it provides only 50% coverage for Medicare Part B coinsurance, blood, Part A hospice, skilled nursing and the Part A deductible. Many other Medigap plans, such as Plan G, provide full reimbursements for these types of health care.
This is crucial to consider if you need health insurance coverage for skilled nursing. In this case, if you were to get Plan K, only 50% of such costs would be covered.
On the other hand, your monthly premiums with Plan K will be much cheaper. Policyholders can expect to pay about $77 per month, making it the best Medicare Supplement plan for low-income seniors.
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What Coverage Is Included Under Medicare Supplement Plan N
Plan N offers nearly identical benefits to Plan D . The only difference between these coverage options is in how Part B coinsurance costs are covered. Under Plan B, 100 percent of these costs are covered by the plan. However, under Plan N, members are required to pay a $20 copay for doctor office visits and a $50 copay for emergency room visits.
What If I Dont Take Advantage Of My Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period
Just because you have an open enrollment period doesnt mean you HAVE to sign up for Medicare Supplement Insurance. You can choose to do nothing. Or, you can choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. But, what if you decide you want Medicare Supplement Insurance after your Medigap Open Enrollment Period has ended?
All that means is that you have to apply for coverage, and your acceptance is NOT guaranteed. This is known as being Medically Underwritten. When you apply, youll have to answer health-related questions, and the insurance company will conduct a health history investigation. This is usually not a problem, but if you have certain serious health conditions, your application may not be approved. Or, you may be charged a higher premium based on your current health status. It is for this reason that anyone considering Medigap coverage should choose it during their Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period.
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Comparing Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies
The list below includes some of the companies that sell Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in select states across the U.S.
Please note that our guide is meant to be informational and to help you as you start finding the right plan and plan carrier for your needs. Some of the companies listed below may not offer Medigap plans in your area, and you may find a Medicare Supplement carrier in your area that fits your need and isnt on this list.
This list identifies several of the top 10 insurance companies in no particular order.
- Humana
- Medico Insurance Company
- WellCare
Its important to keep in mind that although each companys plan selection and pricing may differ, the coverage included in each type of Medigap plan remains the same, no matter where you purchase it.
In other words, Medigap Plan A sold by one company will include the same essential benefits as Medigap Plan A sold by any other insurance company. Their costs and the availability of the types of plans, however, may vary.
Medigap plans in Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin are standardized differently than they are in every other state.
You can use the chart below to compare each type of 2022 standardized Medicare Supplement plan.
| 80% | 80% |
Blue Cross Blue Shield
According to Blue Cross Blue Shield , Plans F and N are available in most areas. When you purchase a Medicare Supplement insurance policy from BCBS, you will have access to the following benefits:
- A 30-day free look periodThis means once you have your Medicare Supplement plan with BCBS, you are allowed 30 days to review the coverage. If you decide to change your mind within this period of time, you can get a full refund.
- Gym benefit Youll have free gym access to several fitness clubs and exercise classes.
- Household discountsIf you and someone that lives with you both have a BCBS Medicare Supplement insurance plan, you may be eligible for a 5 percent discount on your premium.
- Portable coverageYou can use your BCBS Medicare Supplement insurance plan anywhere in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
- Provider optionsYou can use any doctor who accepts Medicare.
BCBS Plan F has been the most popular and the most comprehensive plan, but its no longer available to new enrollees. The good news is if you had it before January 1, 2020, you can keep it.
With Plan F, you are covered for an array of benefits. These benefits include 100 percent coverage for:
- Your Part A Medicare coinsurance and hospital costs
- Your Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment
- Part A Hospice Care coinsurance or copayment
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Emergencies for foreign travel
- The first three pints of blood for a blood transfusion
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How To Choose The Best Medicare Supplement Plan For You In 2021
As you research which Medigap plan is the best fit for you in 2021, here are some points to consider:
Because there are so many options and people’s individual circumstances differ greatly, what is right for one person may not work for you. However, there are a few generalities we can discuss.
Below are a few scenarios you may find yourself in when choosing your Medicare Supplement plan, and what information you need to know for each:
SCENARIO ONE: If you have high Part A fees
Part A has three categories associated with it. These are:
- Part A coinsurance
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Part A deductible
If you have Original Medicare and are frequently using your Part A coverage but not your Part B coverage, a plan that covers these categories would work best for you. Every plan listed above covers 100% of these categories, except for plans A, M, L and K.
SCENARIO TWO: If you have high Part B fees
There are three categories for supplement plans that cover Part B fees. These are:
- Part B deductible
- Part B coinsurance or copayment
- The Part B excess charge
The Top Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies For 2021
Since Medicare Supplement plans are standardized, the benefits for each company are mostly the same. There are key categories in which a company can distinguish itself from its counterparts, however. They can include a person’s experience with a company , the cost , and if they provide any additional benefit perks.
We compiled information about the top Medicare Supplement insurance companies in 2021 in the two tables below.
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What Is Medicare Supplement Plan K
Plan K includes the following benefits:
- Coverage for Original Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital expenses
- 50% coverage for Original Medicare Part B copays and coinsurance
- 50% coverage for blood
- 50% coverage for Part A hospice care
- 50% coverage for skilled nursing facility care
- 50% coverage for Part A deductible
Plan K includes an out-of-pocket maximum of $5,880.
Ranking The Best Medicare Supplement Plans Of 2021
A Medicare supplement plan fills the gaps in healthcare coverage left by standard Medicare Parts A and B.
Medicare supplement plans are regulated by the government and issued by private insurance companies. These plans cover the out of pocket expenses that all-too-often create mountains of medical debt and cause people to avoid getting necessary care.
Many insurance companies offer Medicare supplement plans. After exhaustive research, we determined that the following companies offer the best Medicare supplement plans of 2021.
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How Can I Compare The Various Medicare Supplement Plans Currently Available
To get an idea of how the various Medicare Supplement plan options compare, reference the chart below. You will see that all plans will include some version of the basic benefits provided under Plan A, including:
- 100 percent of coinsurance payments for Part A inpatient hospital care, including up to 365 additional days
- 50 to 100 percent of Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
- 50 to 100 percent of up to 3 pints of blood for use in a medical procedure
- 50 to 100 percent of coinsurance or copayments for hospice care under Medicare Part A
Each plan type does, however, offer some variations regarding additional services and benefits included, such as coverage for foreign travel emergency costs, excess Part B charges, and Part A deductibles.
What Is The Best Medicare Supplement Plan
The answer to the question What is the best Medigap Plan? can be broken down into two parts:
- Which Standardized Plan best fits your needs and budget?
- Which private insurance company is a good fit for you?
In other words, you want to pick the benefits that best fit your needs first. From there, you should look for a company that offers the plans you desire in your specific state, and that also has a high financial strength rating and an attractive price. When it comes time to deciding which insurance company you should choose, ask yourself:
- Do they offer the Medigap Plan you want in your state?
- Are they financially sound?
- Are their premiums affordable?
- Have they received good reviews?
To give you an idea of how this works in real life, we will review three of the more popular Medicare Supplement insurance companies: Humana, United Healthcare, and Mutual of Omaha. Each of these three insurance companies is trusted by millions of Americans for Medigap coverage.
Humana Medicare Supplement Insurance
Humana offers a host of extra benefits beyond the standardized benefits. Ranging from vision, hearing, and dental to fitness and nursing line options, Humanas Medigap plans give you the most options to add a comprehensive wellness package. Humana is financially sound and also ranks in the top 10 list on caring.com.
United Healthcare Medicare Supplement Insurance
Mutual of Omaha
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