Aetna vs Humana for January 2022 | Best Medicare Supplement Plans

Item: Aetna vs Humana
Rating: 4
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Sunday, January 23rd

2022 Medicare Supplement Plan Reviews

Aetna

Aetna offers all of the Medicare Supplement Plans on the market and has been in business for more than a century. They have a strong reputation and their plans were quoted as the lowest-priced premiums by many of the brokers we surveyed. It's hard to go wrong when choosing Aetna for your Medigap coverage.

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Humana

Humana lets you compare their Medicare Supplement Plans on their website, and you can even complete your enrollment without having to work with an agent. There's even a discount for "online only" subscriptions to their coverage. We found their premiums to be much higher than their competitors', and despite a BBB rating of "A+" some brokers consider them to be less reliable than other insurers.

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The 11 Best Medicare Supplement Plans

Where Can You Find the Best Medicare Supplement Plans?

If you or a loved one is approaching the age of 65, or will be qualified for Medicare Parts A and B soon for another reason, it's the ideal time to start shopping around for supplemental coverage.

You are probably already aware that your Medicare insurance pays for most of your costs - but not all. That's why Medicare Supplement plans are often known as "Medigap": they close the distance between the 80% that's covered and the 20% that isn't, so that you have fewer or no out-of-pocket costs.

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What are the best Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement Plan FAQ

What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Medicare Supplement Insurance is additional coverage beyond traditional Medicare. Also known as "Medigap" , these plans cover some or all of the expenses that aren't covered by your basic Medicare benefits.

Why do I need Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Original Medicare only covers 80% of most medical expenses. The remaining 20% can get extremely costly, especially if you have a long hospitalization or a condition that requires specialized treatment. Medicare supplemental plans can ease the financial burden, kicking in where Medicare stops and reducing your out-of-pocket costs.

Is it expensive to get Medigap coverage?

That depends entirely on the plan you select. Will you choose a high-deductible plan with lower premiums, or is it worth it to you to pay more in premiums to pay nothing when you have a medical expense? It also is heavily influenced by your particular situation: where you live, if you're a smoker, male vs. female, your age, and so forth. For Plan G coverage (the most popular of the Medicare supplemental plans), expect monthly premiums in the $110 - $160 range.

What are some of the biggest differences among the different plans?

It can be confusing at first, partly because they're all identified by letter names (for example Plan A, Plan B, and so on) - and they're often mistaken for the similarly-named components of Medicare itself (Part A, Part C, and more). Again, the main differences relate to the trade-off between deductible amounts and premiums: pay more upfront to spend less later, or vice-versa. Plan benefits are standardized, however, so whether you choose a Plan M with one insurer or another, your coverage is the same.

How should I know which provider or service to use to get started with a plan?

While your coverage is the same regardless of which provider you use, premiums vary. It's a good idea to speak with a few companies, or with a broker that can give you quotes from several insurers to compare. Also, each company offers a different package of "extras" to complement your Medigap coverage. Some services will keep an eye on your premiums and let you know if you're going to experience a significant increase - and they'll even recommend a new insurer if they find one that's better suited to your needs.

Will the premiums change from year to year?

Unfortunately, yes. Just like any other form or insurance (such as auto, medical, homeowner's), your Medicare supplement insurance premiums may change. Insurers may lock in your rate for a year or two, but you should be prepared for an increase in the future. There are a few providers who have a strong track record for keeping increases infrequent and small.

Can I get Medicare Supplement Insurance if I'm on disability?

That depends. While some states require Medigap plans to be available for disabled individuals under the age of 65 (the age that standard Medicare eligibility starts), there's no corresponding federal law. And, many states that permit Medigap coverage for the disabled also have restrictions that don't apply for the 65-and-up plans. You should speak to a Medicare Supplement Plan advisor to learn about the options in your state of residence.

Is Medicare Supplement Insurance legitimate?

Not only is it legitimate, it's an important component of many seniors' healthcare benefits and financial planning. Of course, you should be careful to choose a reputable provider and work with an agent or referral service that takes the time to understand your needs and explain all of the available options. There's a limited window of opportunity to sign up for a Medigap plan without having to submit medical reports, so it is recommended that you begin doing your research well before your 65th birthday.

Continued from above...

Medicare Supplement Plans are given letter names, so it can be easy to wind up confused. Plus, plans and their coverage are always changing. For example, Plan F was considered the go-to package, but it was discontinued for anyone starting coverage after January 1, 2020. Its replacement at the time, Plan G, offered similar benefits - fully covering that extra 20% and more - but added an annual deductible to the equation.

Another factor to keep in mind is the "guaranteed issue period". For the six months following your 65th birthday, you can get a Medicare Supplement Plan with no requirements beyond paying your premiums. By law, you can't be excluded for any health conditions, although your premiums will be higher if you're a smoker. But, once that grace period concludes, insurers can require more detailed information about your health conditions such as diabetes or heart conditions, and you can expect your premiums and available plans to change accordingly.

When buying a Medicare Supplement Plan, you have two basic routes: buy directly from an insurance company or go through a broker. Going to an insurance company you already trust can be an appealing option. You'll typically find the best rates for that particular insurer. On the other hand, using a broker often gives you access to not just your favorite insurance company but many others. So, with one process you can get the best rates from a number of providers at the same time - including that rate you got when you contacted the insurance company directly.

Whether you decide to use a broker or to buy directly from an insurance company, it's wise to do your research beforehand. The last thing you want is for an eager rep to steer you towards a plan that doesn't fit your needs, so take the time to browse several providers' websites before getting in touch. However, because Medicare rules state that all plans have to be sold in person or on the phone, you'll eventually have to speak with someone to finalize your Medicare Supplement Plan.

TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best Medicare Supplement Plans available today. We hope our in-depth evaluations help you save time and money by giving you the information you need to choose the best provider and plan for your needs!