Cigna Medicare Supplement Plans

Pros and Cons of Cigna’s Medicare Supplement Plans

Overview of Cigna’s Medigap Plans

Let’s take a look at the Medigap plans Cigna offers and their benefits.

*Plan N covers 100 percent of the Part B coinsurance, excluding a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and a $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don’t result in an in-patient admission.
** Plan F is not available to those who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.

When it comes to different plans, Kocher reminds, “All Medigap policies are standardized, and the level of coverage does not change over time. This means policies with the same letter offer the same basic benefits, no matter where you live or which insurance company you buy the policy from. There are 10 different types of Medigap policies offered in most states, which are named by letters: A-D, F, G and K-N. In Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Medigap policies are standardized in different ways. Not all companies offer every plan type.”

Which Cigna Medigap Plan Is Right for Me?

Cigna offers four plans to choose from compared to Humana’s eight (though plans vary by state). Cigna is not available in all states like Humana, or even the majority of states like Mutual of Omaha. Below are some of the most common concerns and priorities to help you decide which plan works best for you.

You’re looking for a little extra protection beyond Original Medicare.

Medigap Plan A, the Medigap plan with the lowest level of coverage, will pay for some of the basic costs not covered by Original Medicare. With Plan A, you’ll still pay your Medigap Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) deductibles. Medigap Plan A will then cover the remaining costs for both hospital and medical expenses, including copays and coinsurance associated with hospice care.

You’re a world traveler and need the extra assurance abroad.

Plans N, G, F, and High Deductible F cover foreign travel emergencies. They cover 80 percent of medically necessary emergency care received outside of the U.S., as long as the care started during the first 60 days of your trip. There is also a $250 deductible each year, and this coverage can’t exceed the lifetime maximum of $50,000.

You find that some predictable out-of-pocket costs are a good trade-off for a lower monthly premium.

Plan N offers lower premiums than some of the other Medigap plans. With this plan, you’ll be responsible for copayments up to $20 for doctor’s office visits or up to $50 for emergency room visits. You’ll also be responsible for any excess costs the doctor may charge for services above what Medicare covers.

You prefer the most coverage available.

Plan F boasts the lowest out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services, as it pays the Medicare Part B (medical) calendar year deductible, which most other standardized plans do not.

You anticipate fewer yearly health expenses but still want the most coverage.

High Deductible Plan F has the same coverage as Plan F but with a much lower monthly premium. Coverage kicks in only after you pay the (higher) calendar year deductible of Medicare Part B.

You require the highest level of coverage but prefer a lower monthly premium.

Plan G and Plan F provide the highest levels of coverage. Plan G provides nearly the same level of coverage as Plan F, which offers the most coverage with zero out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services. However, you’ll need to pay the Medicare Part B (medical) annual deductible before Plan G kicks in.

Still not sure which plan is right for you? Kocher has some advice: “For more information on Medigap policies, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) publishes an excellent resource each year, entitled “Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare.” If you need help comparing and choosing a policy, call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or contact a licensed insurance agent.”

How Much Do Cigna Medigap Plans Cost?

The cost of your Cigna plan will vary based on several factors, including your age, location, and sex. In the chart below, we’ve included an estimate for a 65-year-old male living in Chicago. Just remember: Your rates may be higher or lower than our estimates based on your particular circumstances and location.

When choosing a plan, Kocher notes, “The premium amount is the primary difference between policies with the same plan letter sold by different companies, so it’s important to shop around. Other considerations include value-added benefits like social support, gym memberships and/or discounts, as well as customer experience.”

To help with plan costs, Cigna offers a 7 percent household premium discount, which is an excellent option for spouses or family members. Cigna’s household discount is average for the industry, as some go as low as 5 percent and others as high as 14 percent. If you’re looking for a larger household discount, consider other carriers we’ve reviewed, like Mutual of Omaha; it offers a 12 percent household discount. This discount is not available in all areas.

*These prices do not include any discounts. 

Wondering if a Medigap plan is worth the cost? Watch our video below — featuring Medicare expert Danielle Roberts — to learn how Medigap can help you save on out-of-pocket costs.

How to Buy a Cigna Medigap Policy

As noted above, a discount is available if you complete the entire application and submission online. In comparison, AARP offers Medigap plans through UnitedHealthcare, with discounts for AARP members and the flexibility to switch carriers. If you need help and/or prefer to work with a Cigna agent, agents are available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET seven days a week. Unlike State Farm, you won’t get in-person agent assistance.

Below is a step-by-step guide to the online process to enroll in Cigna Medicare Supplement. Unlike Colonial Penn, which doesn’t allow customers to get a quote online, Cigna’s online process is simple and straightforward.

1. First, visit Cigna’s website. Type in your ZIP code and click “Next.” You’ll then be prompted to input your name, date of birth, and gender.
   

   Enter your ZIP code on Cigna's website

   

   Input your personal information on Cigna's website

2. Next, review the plans available in your area and decide which plan is right for you based on your needs.
   

   Compare Cigna's Medigap options

3. Next, grab your Medicare card since you will need to input your effective dates.
   

   Entering your Medicare information on Cigna's website

4. On the next page, there will be a bit more to read through, but the questions help eliminate any issues that could affect your qualifications for coverage.
   

   Answering Cigna Medigap qualification questions

5. Next, we recommend that you see what the competition offers in your area. This is a good idea in general, but it’s especially important here, as Cigna does not offer all of the supplement plan options on the market.
6. If you decide to go with Cigna, you can complete the remaining process online. Payments can be set up as automatic drafts on your chosen day of the month, or you can pay with personal checks through direct billing in annual, semiannual, or quarterly payments.

Cigna vs. the Competition

Several insurance companies provide Medigap plans in your state, but it’s important to shop around to find a plan that best meets your needs. Here’s a look at the competition:

Cigna vs. Humana

Humana stands out for their simple online enrollment process and 6 percent online enrollment discount. Depending on your age, you could have eight Medigap plans to choose from, which is much more than Cigna offers. And you get a free SilverSneakers fitness program membership with your plan. Read our full Humana Medigap review to learn more.

Cigna vs. Anthem Blue Cross

Anthem offers Part D dental and vision plans, plus a 5 percent household discount and annual-enrollment discount. While they only offer four Medigap plans, they stand out for offering competitive pricing. Anthem also has a downloadable PDF that displays rates by age, gender, and tobacco usage.

Cigna vs. Aetna

Aetna is a well-known and large carrier that offers several ways to combine coverage. They offer up to a 7 percent household discount if your spouse or partner also enrolls in a plan. Plus, getting quotes online is easy. Cigna’s attained-age pricing may mean paying more as seniors age, but you will know what you’ll pay for the next 10 or so years. Visit our Aetna Medigap review for more details.

Final Thoughts on Cigna

Cigna is a reputable Medigap carrier offering a variety of extra perks. It’s good for those who want comprehensive coverage to minimize out-of-pocket health care costs. We’re big fans of their household and online enrollment discounts, Healthy Rewards Program, and other health and wellness content.

One drawback is that Cigna only offers 4 of the 10 standard Medigap plans. So, you won’t have as many choices as you would with other carriers we’ve reviewed, like Humana or Aetna. However, the plans they offer tend to be among the most popular. If you find that the price is right in your location, and the company provides the plan that fits your needs, Cigna remains an excellent pick for your Medigap policy.

>> Related Reading: Cigna Dental Plans for Seniors