Humana Medicare Supplement Plans: Costs, Benefits, and How to Choose

Planning for healthcare in retirement can feel overwhelming. The biggest fear? Unexpected medical bills, even when you have Original Medicare. This is where Medigap comes in. It helps cover those out-of-pocket costs, giving you predictable expenses and real peace of mind. To help you find the right fit, we’re taking a close look at a major provider: Humana. This review breaks down everything you need to know about Humana Medicare Supplement plans, from pricing and discounts to extra perks, so you can make a confident choice.

Key Takeaways

Medigap Protects Your Savings: A Medigap plan works with Original Medicare to pay for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance. This gives you predictable healthcare expenses and helps shield you from large, unexpected medical bills.
Your Enrollment Timing is Critical: The best time to buy a policy is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you turn 65 and have Part B. This is your one-time opportunity to get any plan without health questions or higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions.
First Choose the Plan, Then the Company: Since Medigap benefits are standardized by letter (a Plan G is a Plan G, no matter who sells it), first decide which plan letter fits your needs. After that, you can compare prices for that specific plan from different insurance companies to find the best value.

What is Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Insurance?

When you enroll in Original Medicare, you’ll quickly see that while it covers many of your healthcare services, it doesn’t cover everything. You’re still responsible for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. This is where Medicare Supplement insurance, often called Medigap, can be a huge help. Think of it as a companion policy that works with your Original Medicare to pay for some of those remaining costs.

Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies but are standardized by the government. This means a Plan G from one company offers the same basic benefits as a Plan G from another—the main differences you’ll find are in the monthly premium and the company’s customer service. By filling the “gaps” in your coverage, these plans make your medical expenses much more predictable. If you value knowing what your healthcare will cost and want to protect yourself from large, unexpected medical bills, a Medigap plan is something you should seriously consider.

How Medigap Fills Medicare’s Gaps

Before you can purchase a Medigap plan, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare, which includes both Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). A Medigap policy doesn’t replace your Medicare; it simply works alongside it. When you visit a doctor or hospital, you’ll show both your Medicare card and your Medigap card. Medicare will pay its share of the approved cost first. Then, your Medigap plan will step in to cover its portion, which could include your deductibles or the 20% coinsurance, depending on the plan you’ve chosen. This partnership helps ensure your bills are more fully covered, leaving you with less to pay out of pocket.

Why Consider a Medigap Plan?

While you aren’t required to have a Medigap plan, it can be a very wise financial move. Original Medicare typically covers about 80% of your Part B medical costs after you’ve met your annual deductible. You are responsible for the other 20%, and there is no yearly limit on that amount. If you have a chronic condition or face an unexpected health issue, that 20% can add up to a staggering sum. A Medigap plan provides a crucial safety net against these high costs. The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B.

How to Compare the Standard Medigap Plans

Once you decide a Medigap plan is the right move, your next step is to figure out which specific plan fits your life. In most states, private insurance companies offer up to 10 different standardized plans, each identified by a letter from A through N. The word “standardized” is key here—it means that a Plan G from one company offers the exact same basic benefits as a Plan G from another. The only real differences you’ll find are the monthly premium and the company’s customer service reputation. This standardization makes it much easier to compare your options without getting tangled in confusing policy details.

Decoding Medigap Plans A Through N

Medigap plans are designed to fill the coverage “gaps” in Original Medicare. They help pay for out-of-pocket costs like your Part A hospital deductible and your Part B coinsurance for doctor visits. Each lettered plan offers a different mix of benefits, so you can choose the level of coverage that makes you feel most secure. Because the coverage is standardized, you can focus on matching a plan’s benefits to your personal health needs and budget. It’s also important to know that if you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you can no longer buy Medigap Plans C or F.

Which Medigap Plans Are Most Popular?

While you have several plans to choose from, most people find their best fit with one of two options: Plan G or Plan N. These are currently the most popular plans for new Medicare members. Plan G is a favorite because of its comprehensive coverage; it pays for almost all of your out-of-pocket costs under Medicare, except for the annual Part B deductible. Plan N is another great choice that usually comes with a lower monthly premium. In exchange, you agree to pay small copays for some doctor and emergency room visits. The right choice often comes down to your personal preference for paying more upfront for predictable costs (Plan G) versus paying less monthly with the chance of some out-of-pocket expenses (Plan N).

What Medigap Doesn’t Cover

It’s just as important to understand what Medigap plans don’t do. These policies are built to work with Original Medicare, so they generally won’t pay for services that Medicare itself doesn’t cover. This means you won’t find coverage for routine dental exams, vision care, hearing aids, or long-term custodial care in a nursing home. Most importantly, Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. For that, you will need to enroll in a separate Part D prescription drug plan. Think of Medigap and Part D as two distinct policies that work together to give you more complete health coverage.

How Much Does a Medigap Plan Cost?

When you start looking at Medigap plans, one of the first questions you’ll likely have is, “How much is this going to cost?” It’s a great question, and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The price of a Medigap plan depends on a few key things, but understanding the components of the cost will help you find a plan that fits your budget and gives you peace of mind. Let’s break down what you can expect to pay.

Estimating Your Monthly Premium

Your main ongoing cost for a Medigap plan is the monthly premium. This is a fixed amount you pay directly to the private insurance company, in addition to your monthly Medicare Part B premium. Medigap premiums can vary quite a bit, typically ranging from under $50 to over $200 per month. This price depends on the plan you choose, where you live, and the insurance company you go with.

Thinking about these costs ahead of time is a key part of budgeting for your healthcare in retirement. While the premium is an extra monthly expense, it protects you from unpredictable and potentially high out-of-pocket costs if you need medical care. It’s all about trading a predictable monthly payment for protection against surprise bills.

What Determines Your Premium Cost?

So, why such a wide range in premium prices? Several factors influence what you’ll pay. First, your location plays a big role; rates can differ significantly from one state or even one zip code to another. The specific insurance company you choose also matters, as different companies can charge different prices for the exact same standardized plan.

The plan you select (like Plan G versus Plan N) will also affect your premium, since plans with more coverage generally cost more. Finally, your age and when you enroll are important. Buying a plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period usually gets you the best price. The cost of premiums varies so much that shopping around is essential to find the best value.

Are There Other Costs Besides the Premium?

While a Medigap plan significantly reduces what you pay out-of-pocket, it may not eliminate all costs. These plans are designed to cover the “gaps” in Original Medicare, such as your coinsurance and deductibles. For example, most plans require you to pay your annual Medicare Part B deductible before your Medigap coverage for doctor visits kicks in.

It’s also important to remember what Medigap doesn’t cover, like prescription drugs, long-term care, or dental and vision services. You’ll need separate plans for those needs, like a Medicare Part D plan for prescriptions. The primary benefit of Medigap is managing out-of-pocket costs related to Medicare-covered services, making your healthcare expenses much more predictable.

How to Choose the Right Medigap Plan for You

Picking the right Medigap plan feels like a huge decision, but you can absolutely find the perfect fit by breaking it down into a few manageable steps. It’s all about looking at your unique situation from three angles: your health needs, your financial picture, and the specific plans available to you. By thinking through each of these areas, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’ve chosen a plan that truly supports your life. Let’s walk through how to do it.

First, Consider Your Personal Health Needs

First, take an honest look at your health. Are you managing a chronic condition? How often do you typically see a doctor or specialist? While it’s impossible to predict the future, your current health and family history can give you valuable clues. Understanding how these plans work is essential for making informed decisions about your healthcare coverage. A person who visits the doctor frequently might prioritize a plan that covers copayments, while someone else might be more concerned about covering the Part A deductible for hospital stays. Thinking through these scenarios helps you identify strategies to optimize your financial protection and find a plan that won’t leave you with surprise bills.

How Does a Medigap Plan Fit Your Budget?

Next, it’s time to think about your finances. Your goal is to find a comfortable balance between what you pay for your monthly premium and what you might have to pay out-of-pocket. A plan with a lower monthly premium might seem appealing, but it could leave you with higher costs, like a deductible, when you need care. On the other hand, a higher premium might cover nearly everything, giving you more predictable expenses. Budgeting for your healthcare costs means looking at your savings and monthly income to decide what you can comfortably afford. This isn’t about finding the cheapest plan, but the one that offers the best value for your specific financial situation.

Comparing Your Plan and Company Options

Once you have a good sense of your health and budget needs, you can start comparing your options. Remember, Medigap plans are standardized, meaning Plan G from one company has the same basic benefits as Plan G from another. However, the prices can vary significantly between companies. This is where you can really find savings. You can purchase a Medicare Supplement plan to help cover costs like deductibles and copays. Take your time to look at the different plan letters (like F, G, and N) and see which one aligns with the needs you identified. Then, compare quotes for that plan from several highly-rated insurance companies to ensure you get a fair price.

Are You Eligible for Medigap? When to Enroll

Knowing if you can get a Medigap plan is pretty straightforward: if you are enrolled in Original Medicare (both Part A and Part B), you are generally eligible to apply. The most important factor, however, isn’t just if you can apply, but when. The timing of your application is critical because it determines whether an insurance company can use your health history to set your price or even deny you coverage. For most people, there is a specific, one-time window to enroll with no questions asked about your health. Let’s walk through when that is and what your options are if you miss it.

Don’t Miss Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period

Think of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period as your golden ticket. This is a six-month window when you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, regardless of your health. During this time, an insurance company cannot deny you coverage or charge you more for a pre-existing condition. This period automatically starts on the first day of the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Because this is a one-time opportunity, it’s a date you’ll want to circle on your calendar. It provides the simplest path to getting the exact coverage you want at the best available price.

What Are Guaranteed Issue Rights?

What happens if your Open Enrollment Period has passed? You might still have a chance to buy a Medigap plan without your health history being a factor through what are called guaranteed issue rights. These are special protections that apply in specific situations. For example, you may have these rights if you lose other health coverage, like a plan from your employer, or if you move out of your current Medicare Advantage Plan’s service area. While these situations don’t apply to everyone, it’s important to know they exist. They act as a safety net, ensuring you can still get coverage when circumstances outside your control change your healthcare options.

What if You Miss Open Enrollment?

If you apply for a Medigap policy after your Open Enrollment Period ends and you don’t qualify for a guaranteed issue right, the process changes. Insurance companies can use medical underwriting to decide whether to accept your application and how much to charge you. This means they will review your medical history and can legally deny you a policy or charge a higher premium because of past or present health issues. This is why planning ahead is so important. Applying during your initial six-month window is the only way to be certain that you can enroll in the plan of your choice without your health status becoming a factor.

Is a Medigap Plan Worth It? Pros and Cons

Deciding on a Medigap plan comes down to weighing the peace of mind it offers against the monthly cost. For many, the predictability is well worth the premium, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. Thinking through the pros and cons can help you see if a Medigap plan fits your life and your budget.

Let’s break down the key advantages and potential drawbacks so you can feel confident in your decision.

The Pros: Key Advantages of Medigap

The biggest advantage of a Medigap plan is financial predictability. Original Medicare pays for a lot, but it doesn’t cover everything, leaving you with deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. A Medigap policy helps pay for these out-of-pocket expenses, so you aren’t surprised by a large bill after a hospital stay. This makes it much easier to budget for your healthcare costs.

Another major benefit is the freedom to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare, without needing a referral. This flexibility gives you control over your healthcare choices, which is a top priority for many people. With a Medigap plan, you get a clearer picture of your annual medical spending and fewer financial worries.

The Cons: Potential Drawbacks to Consider

The most obvious drawback of a Medigap plan is the added monthly premium you have to pay to a private insurance company. This is on top of your Part B premium. It’s an extra fixed cost in your budget, and these premiums can increase over time.

It’s also important to remember that Medigap plans don’t cover everything. They are designed to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare, but they generally don’t pay for services like routine dental or vision care, hearing aids, or long-term care. You’ll need to budget for these services separately. Finally, you can’t have a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time, so you have to choose the path that works best for you.

Comparing Top Medigap Insurance Providers

Once you’ve decided which Medigap plan letter is right for you (like Plan G or Plan N), your next step is to choose an insurance company. This is a crucial part of the process. While the government standardizes the benefits for each plan letter—meaning a Plan G from one company has the same medical coverage as a Plan G from another—the companies themselves are very different. The monthly premium, customer service quality, and history of rate increases can vary significantly from one insurer to the next.

Choosing a company is about more than just finding the lowest price today; it’s about finding a reliable partner for your healthcare journey. You want a provider that is financially stable, has a reputation for fair rate adjustments, and offers excellent support when you need it most. Below, we’ll look at some of the most recognized names in the Medigap market. This isn’t a complete list, but it will give you a solid starting point for understanding what different companies offer and how to approach your decision with confidence.

The Big 65

While we are not an insurance company, we are an independent agency that helps you make sense of all your options, at no cost to you. Think of us as your personal Medicare expert. The Big 65 is a resource that provides clear, unbiased information on Medicare Supplement Insurance, helping you compare different Medigap plans and providers side-by-side. We believe that making a good decision starts with having good information. Our role is to understand your unique needs, explain the details of the plans available in your state, and help you find a policy from a top-rated company that fits both your health requirements and your budget.

AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medigap Plans

You’ve almost certainly heard of AARP, and their Medicare plans are a household name. It’s important to know that AARP offers Medicare Supplement plans that are insured and administered by UnitedHealthcare, one of the nation’s largest health insurers. This powerful partnership results in a wide range of plan options designed to cover many of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t. Their plans are known for offering flexibility and comprehensive coverage, and they are a very popular choice for seniors across the country. Due to their immense size and brand recognition, they are a major player in the Medigap market and a common option for millions of beneficiaries.

Mutual of Omaha Medigap Plans

Mutual of Omaha has built a stellar reputation over its many decades in the insurance industry. They are particularly known for offering competitive pricing on their Medigap plans, including the highly popular Plan G and Plan N. Many people choose Mutual of Omaha because of the company’s long-standing history of financial stability and reliability—key factors for long-term peace of mind. Good customer service is a cornerstone of their business, which is critical when you’re managing your health care. Their consistent performance and dependable coverage make them a strong contender for anyone looking for a Medigap policy.

Cigna Medigap Plans

Cigna is another well-established insurance carrier that offers a full lineup of Medicare Supplement Insurance plans. A key part of their mission is a strong focus on customer service and providing helpful resources to their policyholders. They understand that dealing with healthcare costs can be confusing, so they emphasize providing clear, accessible support. Cigna provides a variety of plans that are designed to meet different health and budget needs, giving you the flexibility to find coverage that works for you. If having a supportive team to call with questions is high on your priority list, Cigna is definitely a company worth considering.

Aetna Medigap Plans

Aetna, a part of the CVS Health family of companies, is a major name in health insurance and offers a complete suite of Medigap plans. Their policies are designed to help cover the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Aetna focuses on providing plans that are tailored to meet the diverse needs of Medicare beneficiaries, so you can often find an option that aligns well with your personal health situation and financial outlook. With the backing of a large, national company, Aetna provides a sense of stability and a wide network, making them a popular and reliable choice for Medigap coverage.

Humana Medicare Supplement Plans

Humana is one of the largest Medicare providers in the country, offering a wide variety of health plans, including Medigap. They focus on providing members with strong value and dependable customer support. Humana’s Medicare Supplement plans are designed to be flexible, helping you find a good fit for your healthcare needs and financial situation. They offer all of the standardized Medigap plans, giving you plenty of choices to help cover your out-of-pocket costs. With their extensive experience specifically in the Medicare space, Humana is a trusted company that many seniors rely on for their coverage year after year.

Company Background and Ratings

Humana is a major force in the U.S. health insurance market, ranking as the third-largest provider in the country. What’s particularly noteworthy for anyone approaching retirement is their deep focus on seniors. A staggering 82% of the company’s revenue comes directly from its Medicare members, which tells you that their business is built around serving the needs of people just like you. This isn’t just a side business for them; it’s their primary focus. When you’re choosing a long-term partner for your healthcare, you want a company that is financially sound. Humana consistently receives strong financial strength ratings from top agencies, including an A- from AM Best and an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, signaling that they are a stable and reliable choice for your Medigap coverage.

Humana Medigap Plan Offerings

Humana offers a comprehensive suite of products that go beyond Medigap, including Medicare Advantage (Part C), Prescription Drug (Part D) plans, and separate dental and vision policies. When it comes to Medicare Supplement insurance, they provide a wide selection of the standardized plans. You can find options for nearly all of the available plan letters, including A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, and N. This broad portfolio makes it easier to find a plan that aligns with your specific health needs and budget. It’s important to remember that plan availability can vary by state, so the options in your specific area may differ. However, their wide range of offerings means you’ll likely have several solid choices to consider.

Costs and Potential Savings with Humana

While the benefits of each Medigap plan letter are the same across all companies, the monthly premiums can differ significantly. Humana is known for its competitive pricing, but your specific cost will depend on several factors. These include your age, gender, location, tobacco use, and which plan you select. To give you a concrete idea, a 65-year-old, non-smoking woman in Delaware might pay around $175 per month for the popular Plan G or about $78 for Plan K. One of Humana’s standout features is that they often offer a household discount if you and your spouse both enroll, which can lead to significant savings over time. This makes it a particularly attractive option for couples who are enrolling in Medicare together.

Extra Perks and Benefits

Beyond the standardized coverage that fills Medicare’s gaps, Humana Medigap plans often come with valuable extra perks that can enhance your overall well-being. Many of their plans include access to the popular SilverSneakers fitness program, which gives you a free membership to thousands of gyms and fitness centers nationwide. Members also typically get access to a 24-hour nurse advice line, which can be a reassuring resource for non-emergency health questions. Additionally, Humana provides discounts on services that Medicare doesn’t cover, such as vision exams, hearing aids, and even some prescription medications. These built-in benefits add another layer of value, helping you save money and stay healthy.

How Humana Compares to Other Carriers

Humana stands out in the crowded Medigap market for several key reasons. Their pricing is often very competitive, especially when you factor in potential household discounts. They also offer a wider selection of plans than some other major carriers, giving you more flexibility to find the perfect fit. For example, Humana offers more plan options than companies like Aetna in many states. Another significant advantage is the convenience of their online tools. Humana allows you to get price quotes and even complete your enrollment entirely online, which is a modern, streamlined process that many people appreciate. This combination of competitive pricing, a broad selection, and user-friendly technology makes Humana a solid and reliable choice for your Medigap needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do different companies charge different prices for the same Medigap plan? This is a great question, and it’s a core reason why shopping around is so important. While the government standardizes the benefits of each plan letter—meaning a Plan G from Company X must cover the exact same things as a Plan G from Company Y—the insurance companies themselves are private businesses. They set their own monthly premiums based on their own business models, the number of people they insure in your area, and their history of claims. This is why you can see a wide range of prices for the very same plan.

If I choose a Medigap plan, do I also need a plan for my prescriptions? Yes, you will. Medigap plans are designed to work with Original Medicare Parts A and B to help cover your hospital and medical costs, but they do not include coverage for prescription drugs. To get help paying for your medications, you will need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Think of Medigap and Part D as two separate pieces of your overall healthcare coverage puzzle.

What’s the real difference between Plan G and Plan N? Choosing between Plan G and Plan N often comes down to your preference for how you pay for your care. Plan G is known for its comprehensive coverage. After you pay the annual Part B deductible, it covers nearly all of your remaining out-of-pocket costs. This usually comes with a higher monthly premium. Plan N typically has a lower monthly premium, but in exchange, you agree to pay small copayments for some doctor and emergency room visits. It’s a choice between paying more upfront for predictability (Plan G) or paying less monthly with the possibility of small costs when you need care (Plan N).

I missed my Open Enrollment Period. Can I still get a Medigap plan? It is possible, but it’s not guaranteed. Once your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period ends, insurance companies can generally use medical underwriting to review your application. This means they can look at your health history and may charge you a higher premium or even deny you coverage based on pre-existing conditions. There are some special circumstances, called guaranteed issue rights, that allow you to buy a plan without underwriting, but they only apply in specific situations, like losing other health coverage.

Can I switch my Medigap plan to a different one later on? You can apply to switch your Medigap plan at any time, but the process is similar to applying after your Open Enrollment Period has ended. The new insurance company will likely require you to go through medical underwriting. Based on your health, they could decide not to offer you the new policy. This is why it’s so valuable to choose your initial plan carefully, as switching to a different plan or company in the future isn’t always a simple process.