Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance
For individuals who have already enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and would like help paying for the costs that Medicare doesn’t cover, Medicare Supplement Insurance is a great option. Medicare Supplement Insurance (also known as Medigap) is designed to help fill in the gaps in Original Medicare and can make the cost of your health insurance more predictable and more manageable.
Medigap policies are sold by private health insurance companies, and there are several companies to choose from. Cigna – a trusted insurer – offers several plans nationwide. If you’re planning on purchasing Medigap insurance, choosing the right insurance company is one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make. If Cigna is one of the companies you’re considering, read on to find out some important information you should know before making a final decision.
What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Medicare is a government-sponsored health insurance program that consists of several parts. Part A and Part B combined are known as Original Medicare.
Part A covers the cost of inpatient medical care and services, such as hospital stays, and Part B covers the cost of outpatient medical care and services, such as doctor visits. Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything, and you’re responsible for the expenses that it doesn’t pay for; deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, for instance. That’s where Medicare Supplement Insurance comes in.
Also called Medigap, Medicare Supplement insurance is designed to fill in the “gaps” in Original Medicare coverage. There are 10 plans, named for letters, and each lettered plan offers different benefits; however, all plans of the same letter must provide the same benefits.
When you receive medical care, after Original Medicare pays for the costs it covers, your Medigap policy will kick in and pay for the specific benefits it provides. Medicare Supplement Insurance companies are sold by private health insurance companies, such as Cigna.
About Cigna
A Fortune 500 company that offers health insurance products worldwide, Cigna is headquartered in Connecticut and it’s the fourth largest health insurer in the United States.
Millions of people have Medicare Supplement Insurance through Cigna. The company operates in 48 states, as well as Washington, DC. They offer four Medigap plans, including the most popular options; however, not all options are available for all members.
In terms of premiums, Cigna’s aren’t the lowest on the market, but the company does put more of the premiums they collect toward member benefits, as compared to other health insurance companies that offer Medicare Supplement Insurance. Additionally, the company does offer discounted rates on premiums on some plans for members who reside in the same household (known as a household discount) or for those who self-enroll. Furthermore, Cigna offers additional perks for members, on top of the standard Medigap benefits, which include discounted rates for certain health-related care and services, and even meal delivery for those who require it, in several locations.
Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance Advantages and Disadvantages
Medicare Supplement Insurance from Cigna has both positives and negatives. It’s important to be aware of these pros and cons before deciding if Cigna is the right company for your Medigap coverage.
Pros
- Cigna’s Medigap insurance is widely available, making it easy for Medicare beneficiaries to purchase in virtually every state.
- A large provider network means that you can see any healthcare professional who accepts Medicare.
- Compared to many other insurers, Cigna spends more of the premiums collected on member benefits.
Cons
- Monthly premiums vary widely and for certain plans in some locations, the price is higher than the amount other Medigap insurance providers charge.
- Newly enrolled Medicare beneficiaries can only purchase three supplement plans through Cigna: Plans A, N, and G.
What Medicare Supplement Plans Does Cigna Offer?
There are a total of 10 Medicare Supplement plans and each insurance company can decide which plans they want to offer. Cigna offers fewer Medigap policies than many other insurers. Additionally, the plans that are offered aren’t available to all members or in all locations. With that said, any Medicare beneficiary, regardless of when they became eligible for the program, can purchase the most popular options through Cigna in all locations, including:
- Plan A. Medigap Plan A only offers the standard benefits that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires all Medigap plans to offer; nothing more.
- Plan G. Medigap Plan G offers more benefits than any other policy for all Medicare members.
- Plan N.Medigap Plan N charges lower monthly premiums; however, in exchange for lower premiums, it doesn’t cover the cost of Part B copays. You’re responsible for these costs, which can amount to up to $20 for doctor visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits.
Individuals who became eligible for Medicare benefits before January 1, 2020 can also purchase Medigap Plan F through Cigna. This plan is no longer available to individuals who became eligible after this date through Cigna or any other provider. Additionally, Cigna offers Medigap plans in the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota that adhere to the specific standards for each state, as these states use a different standardization system than the rest of the country.
Extra Benefits
All Medigap plans are standardized, meaning they must offer the benefits the federal government requires. Health insurance companies can offer additional member benefits, on top of the Medigap standard benefits. Cigna offers the following extra member benefits:
- The Healthy Rewards program, which is a prorgram that provides some members discounted rates on certain wellness products, gym memberships, nutrition programs, alternative medicines, vision care, and hearing care.
- A 24/7 health information hotline that members can use to speak with licensed nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to enroll in Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance is available to individuals who are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Eligibility requirements include being 65 years or older or having certain disabilities.
- When can I enroll in Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance?
You can enroll in Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you are 65 years old and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This period lasts for six months and guarantees access to any Medigap plan without medical underwriting.
- What are the best Cigna Medicare supplement plans available?
Cigna offers various Medicare supplement plans, including Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. These plans provide comprehensive coverage and are highly regarded by Medicare beneficiaries.
- What is the difference between Cigna Medicare Plan G and Plan N?
The main difference between Cigna Medicare Plan G and Plan N lies in cost-sharing. Plan N may require you to pay certain copayments or coinsurance for doctor visits, emergency room visits, and some hospital stays, while Plan G generally covers these costs entirely. Both plans offer extensive coverage.
- What types of coverage are included in Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance plans?
Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance plans typically cover costs such as Medicare Part A and Part B coinsurance, deductibles, skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, and more. The specific coverage can vary based on the plan you choose.
- Can I use any healthcare provider with Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance plans?
Yes, Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance plans allow you to choose any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare. Cigna has a large network of healthcare professionals, providing you with flexibility in receiving care.
- Can I switch from another Medicare Supplement Plan to Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Yes, you can switch from another Medicare Supplement Plan to Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance. However, eligibility and underwriting rules may apply depending on the timing and circumstances of the switch. It’s advisable to review the guidelines and consult with a licensed insurance agent.
- Are prescription drugs covered under Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance?
No, prescription drug coverage is not included in Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance plans. To obtain coverage for prescription drugs, you would need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
- What are the benefits of having Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Having Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance provides additional coverage to help pay for healthcare costs not covered by Original Medicare. Benefits include reduced out-of-pocket expenses, access to a wide network of healthcare providers, and potential additional benefits and resources offered by Cigna.
- Where can I find more information about Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance?
For more information about Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance, you can visit the official Cigna website, contact their customer service directly, or consult with licensed insurance agents who specialize in Medicare coverage.
Compare Rates for Medicare Supplement Insurance Today!
If you’re interested in purchasing Medicare Supplement Insurance through Cigna or any other provider, it’s important to compare quotes before making a final decision. To receive quotes from Cigna and other reputable health insurance companies, complete and submit the brief survey on the right of your screen. If you’d like to speak with a licensed agent directly, call 1-888-891-0229 and we’ll be happy to assist you with your needs.
Updated June 9th, 2023