The post Best Medicare Supplement Plans by RIchard Chan appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.
When it comes to choosing the best Medicare supplement plan, it’s crucial to find a reliable and financially stable insurance company that offers comprehensive coverage, exceptional customer service, and competitive pricing. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. In this article, we will discuss the top Medicare supplement insurance companies that provide the best plans, ensuring you can make an informed decision and secure the coverage that meets your healthcare needs.
Quick Look: Best Medicare Supplement Insurance
- Best for Personalized Service: CoverRight
- Best for Basic Coverage: Aetna
- Best for Preventative Healthcare: Cigna Healthcare
- Best for Dental and Vision Benefits: Humana
- Best for Fast Payments: Mutual of Omaha
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Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance Companies
Unlike the worst Medicare supplement companies, which can leave customers with huge bills, these best Medicare supplement insurance plans will help you cover unexpected medical emergencies, prescriptions and regular medical care. Here’s a summary of the best companies offering supplemental insurance for Medicare:
1. Best for Basic Coverage: Aetna
Shop for Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans and more with Aetna. Benefit from a wide provider network and easy access to your benefits as well as hefty membership perks.
They offer premium-free, high-deductible plans for those looking to keep their monthly costs low. They also offer a host of spousal discounts.
Best For
- Easy-to-understand coverage
- Affordable premiums
- Preventative care planner
- Easy access to tools and resources
- Wide network access
- Need a referral for certain procedures and specialists
- Premium-free plans not available everywhere
Aetna tops the list because its plans cover more than many competitors, with 100% coverage for most Medicare Plan A and B costs and even up to 80% coverage for travel emergencies. Some of Aetna’s plans also cover skilled nursing expenses. And most plans cover emergency medical services on international travel.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy-to-understand coverageAffordable premiumsPreventative care planner Easy access to tools and resourcesWide network access Optional dental and vision coverage An extensive network of providers Excellent customer service |
Need a referral for certain procedures and specialists Not all premium-free plans are available everywhere |
2. Best for Personalized Service: CoverRight
CoverRight simplifies this process of finding the right Medicare or Medicare Supplement plan, also known as Medigap. They’re a consumer-first platform helping Medicare-eligible people pick the best plans.
After completing a simple online form or phone call, a dedicated agent will prepare personalized quotes that make sense for you, whether it’s a Medigap policy or a Medicare Advantage plan. CoverRight’s agents can help you determine which plan makes the most sense for your budget and health care needs.
CoverRight has extensive customer service hours. It provides independent advice, and working with CoverRight is free.
Best For
- Medicare-eligible people
- People who want assistance choosing the right plans
- Easy application process
- Assistance in finding the right insurance plan
- Help in finding an insurance plan that covers your doctors and medications
- Concierge-style service with your own dedicated agent
- Not available in every state
CoverRight leverages technology and license agents to make comparing and selecting the right Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan easier. CoverRight partners with top-rated national insurance providers and offers one-on-one assistance to find the best plan for you
| Pros | Con |
| Free quotesEasy application process Help in finding an insurance plan that covers your doctors and medications Personalized service with your own dedicated agent Excellent customer service |
Not available everywhere |
3. Best for Preventative Healthcare: Cigna
Maximizing your health benefits is easy when you purchase your policy through Cigna. When you enroll in any Medicare Supplemental insurance option with Cigna, you’ll have access to exclusive discounts — including savings on hearing aids, fitness club memberships and alternative medicine. You can even save up to 30% on weight and nutrition programs, which are commonly a cause for concern among seniors.
Easily shop and compare Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D Prescription Plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance. Cigna provides end-to-end assistance and provides plenty of member benefits at no extra cost.
Cigna’s plans also include access to the company’s Health Information Line. This feature allows you to connect with a health advocate who can provide you with answers to general health questions. The Health Information Line is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and is only staffed by men and women who have their nursing license.
Best For
- Easy access to benefits
- Home delivery for prescriptions
- Health management mobile apps
- Easy ID card replacement
- No-cost members perks
- Can have high deductibles
Cigna is a global insurance leader and offers six types of Medigap plans, with options to add benefits. Cigna’s network includes over 1.5 million healthcare providers, clinics and facilities. It also has more than 180 million customers worldwide. Cigna is known for competitive rates and dependable service. You can easily get free online quotes for Medigap plans.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent quality of preventative services and chronic condition management High customer satisfaction ratings Offers Part D (prescription drug) coverage Discounts for health and wellness programs Get a premium discount of up to 20% plus an additional 5% if you apply online. |
Not all types of Medigap plans are available Residents of Massachusetts and New York can’t use Cigna |
4. Best for Dental and Vision Benefits: Humana
Humana is a trusted provider of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans alike. Save both time and money by shopping online — get a 6% discount if you enroll online.*
*Offer not available to California, Connecticut and Ohio residents.
Best For
- Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans
- Medicare Parts A + B and Medigap plans available
- 6% discount if you enroll online
- Shop plans by ZIP code
- Discount not available CA, CT and OH
Humana is one of the largest insurance providers in the U.S. and offers Medigap in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Humana has unique perks, like SilverSneakers and meal delivery, that go beyond traditional medical care. In addition, it offers cost-sharing options for dental and vision.
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers Part D (prescription drug) coverage specifically Dental and vision benefit options Get a 6% discount when you enroll in a plan online Option to include emergency medical care while traveling in some plans |
Customer service could be better Plans aren’t available for Virginia residents |
Best for Fast Payments: Mutual of Omaha
Original Medicare may only cover 80% of your medical expenses. Apply online with ease with Mutual of Omaha in 3 easy steps. Get a quote, choose a plan and apply.
Mutual of Omaha offers 2 unique options for Part F enrollees: a high-deductible plan and standard Plan F coverage. When you select the high-deductible plan, you’ll pay less per month for your coverage — but you’ll need to pay $2,490 toward Medicare-related costs (like coinsurance percentages and copays) before your plan begins providing coverage. This can be a great option for anyone who’s in good health but wants to add another layer of protection to their Medicare coverage for less than the cost of a standard Plan F policy.
Best For
- Quick application process
- Quick claims process
- Easy 3-step online application
- Can bundle Medicare add-ons to Medigap coverage
- Agents only available by phone
Mutual of Omaha has been in the insurance business for over 100 years. It offers six Medigap plans to residents of 49 states. Its website is intuitive and easy to use. It is one of the highest-rated Medigap insurance providers in the nation. In addition to offering unique supplemental plans, Mutual of Omaha pays 98% of Medicare claims within 12 hours, making it a reliable provider.
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers Part D (prescription drug) coverage specifically Dental benefits available Emergency medical coverage for international travel Insurance can’t be canceled as long as you pay premiums |
Not all types of Medigap plans are offered Residents of Massachusetts can’t apply |
Understanding Medicare Supplement Plans
Before delving into the top insurance companies, let’s take a moment to understand what Medicare supplement plans are and how they work. Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. These plans are offered by private insurance companies, providing additional benefits such as coverage for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Key Factors to Consider
When searching for the best Medicare supplement plan, it’s important to keep several key factors in mind. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you find a plan that fits your specific healthcare needs and budget. Here are the main factors to consider:
- Coverage Options: Different insurance companies offer various Medigap plans. There are 10 standardized plans in most states labeled with letters from A to N. Each insurance company may provide some or all of these plans so it’s essential to understand the benefits included and choose one that aligns with your requirements.
In terms of popularity, Plans G and N made up over 77% of the lives issued between 2020 and 2021 based on a recent study by Telos Actuarial.
- Price: While coverage is crucial, it’s equally important to find a plan that fits your budget. Insurance companies have different pricing structures that may vary depend on factors such as your age, gender, location and health status, so compare premiums and determine if the benefits offered justify the cost.
- Financial Stability and Reputation: Opting for a reputable insurance company with a strong financial standing is essential. Research the company’s reputation, customer reviews, and financial ratings to ensure you’re choosing a reliable provider.
How to Choose the Best Medicare Supplement Plan
Now that you have an overview of some of the top Medicare supplement insurance companies, it’s time to narrow down your options and choose the best plan. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you in the decision-making process:
- Assess Your Healthcare Needs: Determine the coverage you require based on your current healthcare needs and any potential future needs.
- Compare Plans: Request quotes and compare the coverage, benefits, and costs of different Medicare supplement plans offered by various insurance companies.
- Research Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews and ratings of the insurance companies to gauge their reputation for customer satisfaction and claims processing.
- Check Financial Ratings: Verify the financial stability of insurance companies by checking their ratings from reputable agencies.
- Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with an independent insurance agent or a Medicare advisor who can provide unbiased guidance and help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Medicare supplement plan is a critical decision that can significantly impact your healthcare coverage and financial well-being. By considering factors such as coverage options, price, and the reputation of insurance companies, you can find a plan that meets your specific needs. Don’t hesitate to compare quotes, read reviews, and seek professional advice to ensure you make the right choice and secure the best Medicare supplement plan for your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Medicare plan is best?
Which Medicare plan is best depends on your needs, age, medical history and where you live. All of the Medigap plans here offer exceptional value and coverage.
What is the average cost of Medicare supplemental insurance?
The average cost of Medicare supplemental insurance is $139 per month in 2023. Rates can vary widely based on coverage, age, medical conditions and supplemental additions. Supplemental costs ran from $50 to more than $400 monthly.
The post Best Medicare Supplement Plans by RIchard Chan appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.
