Medigap: Our Top Picks

Top Medicare Supplement Plans for 2024: Comprehensive Guide to Medigap Coverage

Outstanding Coverage with Affordable Premiums: Humana Tops the Charts as the Leading Medicare Supplement Provider for 2024.

Medicare, serving nearly 64 million Americans, offers extensive health care benefits but falls short in covering certain costs like coinsurance, hospital stays, copayments, and more. Medigap plans fill these vital coverage gaps. As people age, the likelihood of increased medical needs grows, making Medigap an essential asset for managing out-of-pocket expenses. This guide delves into top providers, offering insights into what makes each standout.

Understanding Medicare Supplement Plans: Also known as Medigap, these plans are crucial for bridging the financial gap in health care expenses, ensuring no unexpected costs. This section highlights top providers for the year.

 

Educational Tip: New to Medigap? Check out our detailed guide on Understanding Medigap: A Simple Guide for Seniors.

2024’s Premier Medicare Supplement Providers

• Humana: Leading Provider of Comprehensive Medigap Coverage
• Anthem: Superior Digital Application Experience
• Cigna: Exceptional for Pre-existing Conditions Coverage
• Aetna: Top-tier Online User Experience
• Mutual of Omaha: Unmatched Customer Support
• ManhattanLife: Most Competitive Premiums
• AARP Medicare: Invaluable Educational Tools
• Colonial Penn: Broadest Range of Plans

 

Medicare Supplement Plan Pricing Overview

Provider	Plan A Premium	Plan F Premium
Aetna	$111.21	$175.68
Mutual of Omaha	$95.42	$152.50
Cigna	$148.21	$211.33
ManhattanLife	$92.17	$144.42
AARP/UnitedHealth	$75.71	$166.32
Colonial Penn	$94.12	$148.78
Anthem Blue Cross	$212.29	$240.09
Humana	$171.86	$233.17

*Premiums are for a 70-year-old non-smoking female in KY.

 

Detailed Reviews of Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in 2024

1. Humana – Premier Provider of Medigap Plans

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Explore Options: View Plans

 

 

What Sets Humana Apart:

• Diverse Plan Options Including Vision and Dental
• High-Deductible Plans Available
• 24/7 Customer Support

Founded in 1961, Humana now extends its Medigap plans nationwide, providing a seamless online experience, comprehensive plan options, and dedicated support. Humana delivers an efficient online navigation system, a comprehensive selection of plans, and readily available support staff to assist you. Meetings with a representative can be easily scheduled. The company ensures a user-friendly experience with straightforward navigation features and a substantial variety of plans to meet diverse needs.

Plan Options Available
Humana provides a selection of Medicare Supplement Plans, including Plans A, F, G, K, and N, catering to a variety of healthcare needs and preferences.

Coverage Area
These plans are universally accepted at all healthcare facilities that recognize Medicare, ensuring widespread usability.

Additional Perks
Select plans from Humana come with the Healthy Living benefits package, which may include enhancements like vision and dental coverage, enriching the standard benefits.

User Experience
Humana is renowned for its user-friendly online interface, offering a broad array of plan options accompanied by exceptional customer support. Personal consultations with a Humana representative can be easily scheduled. The company is committed to providing an engaging and helpful service environment, simplifying the process of finding suitable coverage for various medical needs.

Pros:

• Competitive Pricing
• Extensive In-person Network
• Low Copays for Routine Care

Cons:

• Fees May Vary
• Restrictions to In-network Services

 

2. Anthem – Best for App-Based Management

Rating: 4.1 / 5

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What Sets Anthem Apart:

• Expansive Provider Network
• Affordable Monthly Premiums
• Comprehensive Plan Bundles with Health and Dental

Anthem, a leading for-profit healthcare organization, is a prominent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. With its headquarters in Indiana, Anthem was established in 1946, originally operating under the names Mutual Hospital Insurance Inc. and Mutual Medical Insurance Inc.

Plan Selection
Anthem offers a variety of Medicare Supplement plans, specifically Plans A, F, G, and N, designed to cater to different health care needs.

Coverage Accessibility
These supplement plans are universally applicable at any medical facility that recognizes Medicare, ensuring flexible usage across the country.

Additional Advantages
Certain Anthem plans provide a household discount of 5 percent when another member of your household also subscribes to an Anthem Medicare supplement plan. Additionally, some plans may include the option to add dental and vision coverage at an extra cost, enhancing the overall benefits.

 

Pros:

• Competitive Premium Rates
• Extensive Health Network
• Bundle Options Available

Cons:

• Limited Coverage in Some States
• Occasional Claim Denials

 

3. Cigna – Best for Pre-existing Conditions

Rating: 4.4 / 5

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What Sets Cigna Apart:

• Broad Range of Plan Options
• Includes Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions
• Offers Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage

Cigna, established in 1972 in Philadelphia as the Insurance Company of North America, now extends its services across over 30 countries. The company provides a variety of insurance products, including health, dental, and Medigap policies. Notably, Cigna is recognized for offering coverage to individuals with preexisting conditions.

 

Plan Offerings

Cigna provides a range of Medigap plans including Plans F, High-Deductible F, G, N, and A, designed to cater to diverse healthcare needs.

 

Coverage Flexibility

Cigna’s insurance is universally accepted by any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare, ensuring broad accessibility.

 

Additional Perks

Cigna’s Medigap plans come with potential savings on health and wellness programs. Households with more than one person enrolled in a Cigna Medigap plan may qualify for premium discounts. Furthermore, all Cigna policies are guaranteed renewable for life, securing your coverage against cancellation due to health changes.

Cigna’s Medicare Supplement plans are user-friendly and comprehensive, with detailed information available on their website to aid in decision-making. Customers can also obtain a free quote either online or through customer service, enhancing the ease of access to vital coverage information.

Pros:

• 24/7 Customer Service
• Discounts for Households
• Comprehensive Policy Coverage

Cons:

• Limited Plan Choices Compared to Competitors

 

4. Aetna – Best Online User Experience

Rating: 4.7 / 5

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What Sets Aetna Apart:

• Diverse Plan Options
• No Network Restrictions
• Portable Coverage Across States

Aetna has its roots in the 19th century when it began as Aetna Fire Insurance. Today, Aetna provides a wide range of insurance products including private health insurance, Medigap plans, dental insurance, and prescription drug plans, serving over 22 million members across 42 states. One significant advantage of Aetna’s policies is their portability, allowing you to retain your Medigap policy when relocating to another state.

 

Plan Options

Aetna offers an extensive array of Medicare Supplement plans, including Plans A, B, C, D, F, High-Deductible F, G, High-Deductible G, and N.

 

Coverage Flexibility

Any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare will also accept your Aetna plan, offering you a wide range of options for medical services.

 

Additional Advantages

Aetna guarantees the renewal of your Medigap plan regardless of any changes in your health. Additionally, you can enjoy discounts when you bundle multiple Aetna insurance plans. Aetna also provides two innovative apps: Aetna Health, for managing your account and coverage, and Attain by Aetna, which supports your wellness efforts.

To explore Aetna’s offerings, you can easily visit their website to view the policies available in your area and quickly receive a free quote, helping you make an informed decision about your healthcare coverage.

Pros:

• Extensive Plan Selection
• Additional Member Benefits
• User-Friendly Digital Tools

Cons:

• Sometimes Clunky Website Navigation

 

5. Mutual of Omaha – Best for Customer Service

Rating: 4.6 / 5

Explore Options: View Plans

 

 

What Sets Mutual of Omaha Apart:

• Wide Range of Plans
• Significant Discounts for Spouses
• Prescription Drug and Dental Options Available

Mutual of Omaha offers competitively priced Medigap plans without any network limitations, making it an excellent choice for comprehensive Medicare Supplement coverage. Known for their efficiency in claim processing, they ensure a positive customer service experience.

 

Plan Availability

Mutual of Omaha provides a broad selection of Medicare Supplement plans, which include Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.

 

Coverage Reach

You can use your Mutual of Omaha insurance at any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare, providing extensive flexibility.

 

Additional Perks

Your coverage with Mutual of Omaha is secure as long as you continue paying your premiums. Additionally, they offer substantial household discounts, reducing monthly premiums by 7-12% for qualifying policyholders.

 

Mutual of Omaha simplifies the process of obtaining comprehensive coverage, whether you need extensive coverage with minimal out-of-pocket costs or a supplementary plan for unforeseen medical issues.

 

Known for its reliable and speedy service, Mutual of Omaha offers a straightforward claims process and exceptional customer support.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Coverage Options
• No Network Restrictions
• Competitive Pricing with Discounts

Cons:

• Not Available in All States

 

6. ManhattanLife – Most Affordable Premiums

Rating: 4.3 / 5

Explore Options: View Plans

 

 

What Sets ManhattanLife Apart:

• Highly Competitive Premiums
• Flexible Underwriting Standards
• Offers Bundled Plan Options

ManhattanLife stands as one of the oldest private insurance firms in the United States, providing coverage since 1850. Known for offering some of the most competitively priced Medigap policies in the market, ManhattanLife combines tradition with affordability.

 

Plan Options

ManhattanLife’s Medicare Supplement offerings include Plans A, C, F, G, and N, catering to a variety of healthcare needs and preferences.

 

Freedom of Choice

With no network restrictions on their Medigap policies, ManhattanLife allows you to consult any doctor who accepts Medicare, ensuring you have the freedom to choose your preferred healthcare providers.

 

Special Discounts and Benefits

ManhattanLife enhances the value of its plans with a 7 percent discount for households with multiple policyholders. Additionally, they provide options to bundle vision, dental, and hearing coverage with your Medigap plan, potentially increasing your savings. For individuals without diabetes or tobacco use, ManhattanLife policies offer some of the lowest premium rates available, making it an economical choice for comprehensive coverage.

Pros:

• Lower Than Average Premiums
• Option to Bundle Additional Coverages
• Open Choice of Providers

Cons:

• Limited Online Quote Capability

 

7. AARP Medicare – Best for Educational Resources

Rating: 4.2 / 5

Explore Options: View Plans

 

 

What Sets AARP Apart:

• Comprehensive Educational Tools
• Broad Range of Plan Options
• Discounts for Electronic Payments

AARP, established in 1958, is a prominent organization dedicated to serving and advocating for the needs of senior citizens across the United States. Through a strategic partnership with UnitedHealthcare, AARP provides some of the most comprehensive Medigap policies on the market.

 

Available Plans

The range of Medicare Supplement plans offered by AARP and UnitedHealthcare includes Plans A, B, C, F, G, K, L, and N, designed to meet diverse senior healthcare requirements.

 

Coverage Accessibility

AARP Medigap coverage is universally accepted at any medical facility that recognizes Medicare, providing substantial flexibility for beneficiaries.

 

Enhanced Benefits

AARP’s website is a valuable resource for checking what specific plans are available in your area, along with detailed guidance to assist in your decision-making process. Known for its deep commitment to senior well-being, AARP prides itself on understanding the needs of its members, with a responsive support team ready to assist. AARP aims to enhance the lives of seniors, ensuring it provides not only essential health coverage but also the expertise and care its members deserve.

Pros:

• Extensive Support Resources
• Wide Network Acceptance
• Special Discounts for Members

Cons:

• Membership Required for Enrollment

 

8. Colonial Penn – Most Diverse Plan Options

 

Rating: 4.1 / 5

Explore Options: View Plans

 

 

What Sets Colonial Penn Apart:

• Longstanding Industry Presence
• 30-Day Trial Period for Policies
• Specializes in Life and Medigap Insurance

Colonial Penn, established by AARP co-founder Leonard Davis, has over 60 years of experience in the insurance industry. Originally focusing on individuals over 60, it now provides insurance solutions to people across various age groups, maintaining a strong commitment to serving the needs of older adults.

 

Plan Offerings

Colonial Penn’s array of Medicare Supplement plans includes Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N, catering to a wide range of health care needs and preferences.

 

Coverage Scope

Colonial Penn Medigap plans are widely accepted at any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare, ensuring broad accessibility for essential medical services.

 

Additional Advantages

Known for its competitively priced Medigap plans, Colonial Penn remains a favored choice for those seeking effective coverage without a heavy financial burden. The company continues to uphold its foundational ethos of dedication and service to the senior community.

Pros:

• Wide Selection of Plans
• Competitive Pricing
• Portable Coverage

Cons:

• No Direct Online Quoting

Selection Criteria for Top Medigap Providers

While Medigap benefits are standardized, the distinguishing factors lie in pricing, availability, and additional perks. Our criteria included:

• Nationwide Coverage: Looking for providers with extensive state coverage.
• Transparent Pricing: Emphasis on clear, upfront pricing details.
• Added Benefits: Preferences for providers offering unique perks like discounts and wellness programs.
• Financial Stability: Ensured all listed providers are financially robust, guaranteeing reliability.

Concluding Thoughts on Medicare Supplement Plans

Choosing the right Medigap plan involves comparing not just the costs but also considering provider reliability, plan flexibility, and additional benefits. For a deeper dive into each provider and to explore specific plans, visit our individual provider pages. Also, check out our comprehensive guides on specialized Medigap plans and more.