In your experience, what are the best Medicare Supplement insurance companies and why?
Answered by 22 licensed agents
The best Medicare Supplement companies varies from region to region, even the large ones are not everywhere, so it makes no sense to compare and contrast by name , rather the best choice is the one that strikes a balance between cost, coverage and added values.
When choosing a Medicare Supplement Company, look at their financial ratings. When possible, choose a B+ rated company or better. I personally prefer A rated companies for my insurance products. a good indication of how financially sound the company is. Also look at the number of insureds, as the larger the pool of folks with that insurance, the risk gets spread around and possible rate increases may be impacted by these numbers. Also work with an agent who can offer more than one company for your Medicare Supplement plan so you have choices and can discuss in more detail with the agent.
Well, as a broker I am not really allow to provide that information. Medicare beneficiaries are to choose the one that they feel is best for them depending on the information given from the brokers.
This is a loaded question if there ever was one! Instead of naming my personal favorites, I’d rather be Switzerland and answer it this way: Use a longtime firm that has been “into Medicare” since 1965, its first year of operation. Mergers and acquisitions have become rampant in the US and it is essential that a firm has not bitten off more than they can chew so if possible check out their financial standing. Go online & Google these companies for financial magazine articles attesting to their reputations. + Be sure that the local town’s office is actually a part of the main business’s HQ. Lastly, has the firm patented a rider with innovative features that no other Supplement company can duplicate.
In my experience, choosing a Medicare supplement insurance company with an ‘A’ rating from A.M. Best is probably your best option. Theoretically, these companies should provide the most stable rates overtime and the best benefits outside of the standard Medicare contract, like discount vision, plans, discount, dental plans, or gym memberships. Dmaller, lower-rated insurance companies are more likely to be purchased or forced out of the marketplace over time, making their sustainability questionable.
Medicare Supplement Plans are currently experiencing a shift. When looking at plans, it is a good idea to consider past rate increases, length of time in the market, and other market data.
Ultimately Medicare Supplement companies all off the same exact products. Similar to car insurance companies. The best strategy is get your coverage at the lowest price. Medsuo policies automatically pay after Medicare pays.
Medicare supplements or Medigap plans are standardized in most states. These plans are A-N and the plans themselves are different depending on the letter plan you choose. Once you choose a letter plan that plan has identical benefits no matter which insurance company you choose. Insurance companies differ on premium and customer service. Some Insurance companies offer added benefits such as gym membership, and discounts on vision and hearing.
There are three states that have their own unique plans: Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin. In these states you will find different options than the lettered plans.
This can be a confusing process, I advise to work with a broker who represents many companies so they can advise you on the bet plan for your individual needs.
There realy is no " best " insurance company so far as Medicare Supplements since all supplemental plans are standarized by the Federal government with a letter of the alphabet depending on the benfits offered by a specific plan. The only criteria that really differentiates Medicare Supplement plans is the monthly premium for a given letter of the alphabet and whether ( in states that permit it ) whether a person qualifies based on underwriting.
When looking for a Supplement you should know they all cover the same, have the same copays and deductibles. Plan G and Plan N are the most used in FL. When choosing a company look for percentage of raised prices during the years, they all raise the price, some more than others. Typically starting with the most inexpensive one in your area is the best way to make sure your price will stay lowest.
Since Medicare Supplements are guided by Federal Expectations, the most important question relates to the agent who sells and manages the supplement, as well as provides Part D coaching on an annual basis. I work with Bankers Life and pride myself in offering the very best customer service possible to my clients.
When it comes to picking the best Medicare Supplement insurance company (also called Medigap), it’s kind of like picking the best backpack for school — you want one that’s strong, dependable, and fits you well.
Here’s what I’ve seen in my experience:
Some of the Best Medicare Supplement Companies Are:
Mutual of Omaha
Aetna
UnitedHealthcare (through AARP)
Cigna
Blue Cross Blue Shield (varies by state)
Why These Companies Are Good:
Strong Reputation: These companies have been around a long time and are trusted by lots of people.
Good Customer Service: When you call them, they actually help you (instead of making you sit on hold forever!).
Stable Pricing: Their monthly costs (called premiums) don’t usually jump up crazy fast each year.
Easy to Use: They make it simple to use your benefits — no tricky rules or secret charges.
Financial Strength: These companies are financially healthy, which means they’ll be there when you need them.
Important to Know:
The Plan You Pick Matters More Than the Company!
Medicare Supplement plans (like Plan G or Plan N) are standardized by law. That means Plan G from Mutual of Omaha is the same as Plan G from Cigna — it just costs a little differently or has different customer service.
Price and Service are Key: Since the benefits are the same, you want a company with a good price and good service.
Little Tip:
Always look at both the monthly premium and how much they’ve raised rates in the past — because even a good company can get pricey over time if they raise rates too fast!
In short:
Pick a strong, trusted company with good rates today and a good history of keeping prices steady tomorrow. That’s the real "best" choice!
Let me know if you want me to help you compare a few — I can help you find the one that fits you best.
This is a hotly debated question! There are dozens of companies offering multiple supplement plans and it's impossible to say with full confidence one or the other is the best. We look at longevity, rate increase history, stability, and many other factors before writing a supplement company's policies. You'll usually have a strong history and longevity with "name brands" like Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, United HealthCare, Cigna, etc. However, they aren't necessarily the best when it comes to rate stability. If we could predict the future, it would be an easy question to answer but since we can't, talking to an independent licensed broker who is familiar with your area and market will be key. These are things they should take the time to research and know before making a recommendation.
In no specific order, Mutual of Omaha, United Health Care/AARP, Humana, Blue cross blue shield, etc. But in my professional opinion as long as the company has a good rating there is very little difference since most plans are standardized.
Medicare Supplement companies fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Insurance of your state. Benefits are standardized by the federal government. Premiums and Value added services can vary greatly between each company. There is no one size fits all when it comes to your healthcare.
All supplement plans are standardized which means plan N, for example, is the same no matter from which company. The premium will be different. Therefore, when selecting a supplement plan, it is better to choose from a larger and stable company with a very affordable premium because the future premium might be more stable than smaller companies.
I don't mean to be evasive on this subject, but Medicare prohibits agents from using superlatives, like best, most, lowest and so on, to describe plans' details.
That being said, if the AARP Medicare Supplement Plan by United Healthcare is not, then I don't know which is.
The AARP by UHC is very highly advertised/recognized nationally. I have heard doctors and members praise their cost reimbursement timeliness. Their rates are competitive.
Rating plans can vary tremendously because the nation is packed with smaller regional plans which makes it difficult to rank them without knowing what service area an inquirer is interested in.
A good agent will often improve a members perspective in the insurance carriers quality of care by the quality and availability of service offered by the agent.
Some questions are answered best by telephone or in person.