Medicare supplemental plans are a great way to fill in the gaps of Original Medicare. Cigna is one of the top providers of supplemental insurance, and they offer a variety of plans to choose from. In this article, we will review Cigna’s supplemental plans and help you decide if one of them is right for you.
Quick Review of Cigna
Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance plans offer good coverage and affordable premiums. However, only three plans are available for customers who were eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.
Established in 1981, Cigna is a large insurer and offers Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, also known as Medigap insurance, in most U.S. states. With Cigna Medigap insurance, you’re free to use a doctor or hospital of your choice, provided Medicare is accepted. Referrals aren’t needed except when required by Original Medicare.
Cigna offers a range of Medicare Supplement Insurance plans from those that maximize coverage to others with low premiums but predictable out-of-pocket expenses. Two F Plans include Part B deductible coverage if you qualified for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
What Do Their Plans Cover?
Also known as Medigap, Cigna Medicare Supplement plans work with Original Medicare Parts A and B. They help beneficiaries reduce their out-of-pocket costs by lowering or eliminating copays, coinsurance payments, and deductibles. Coverage is valid at Medicare-participating doctors and hospitals across the United States even when traveling, and plans are guaranteed to be renewable as long as you continue to pay your premiums. Medicare Supplement policies are compatible with Part D plans that can lower your prescription drug costs.
Once you are a Cigna Medicare Supplement plan member, the following services and discounts are included:
- Healthy Rewards Program (discounts on health and wellness programs and services)
- Health Information Line (speak with a health advocate 24/7)
Medicare Supplement Plan Options
There are 10 universal Medigap policies known as plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N, including standardized benefits and copay reductions. Plans C and F are only available to current Medicare enrollees who became eligible for Medicare before 2020. New beneficiaries can sign up for a Medigap plan without restrictions during their seven-month initial enrollment period. Otherwise, insurers can base eligibility on your medical history.
Cigna Health Insurance offers five Medicare Supplement plans in most geographic areas. For Plans A, G, and N, there are up to six different options available, including a Standard plan, a Standard plan with 6% HHD, a Standard plan with 15% HHD, Standard II, Standard II (with 15% HHD), and Standard II (with 6% HHD).
Except for Plan F, you’re responsible for paying your $233 Part B deductible (in 2022) for medical services and diagnostics. Medigap policies can reduce or eliminate your Part A hospital deductible, which can save you up to $1,556 per benefit period. Some plans may pick up excess charges beyond Medicare-approved amounts, and they can limit your out-of-pocket expenses.
Reviews and Ratings
Rating agencies generally view Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in a positive light. Customer satisfaction levels are good with many constructive comments.
Trusted ratings and reviews can help you understand how an insurer’s plans stack up against the competition. See how AM Best, the Better Business Bureau, and more rate AARP Medicare Supplement plans.
A.M. Best financial strength rating: AA.M. Best is a credit rating agency that specializes in the insurance industry.
An A rating in this category indicates that A.M. Best believes Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company has an excellent ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations.
BBB Rating: A-The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives Cigna an A- rating representing a high level of satisfaction in resolving and answering customer complaints and overall performance.National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) rating: 2.5 to 4 The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) does not rate Medicare Supplement Insurance plans separately, but its ratings for Cigna health insurance plans in eight states were between 4.0 and 2.5 on a scale of 0 to 5. The average rating across these states was 3.5. Some Cigna plans have NCQA accreditation. Consumer Affairs rating: 4Consumer Affairs gives Cigna Medicare Supplement Plans a 4.1 out of 5, based on 419 Consumer Affairs reviews in the past year. Many customers praise Cigna for its coverage, good claims processing, and ethics, although some customers were critical of out-of-pocket expenses and unresolved administrative issues.
In Closing
If you are interested in a Cigna plan. Please give us a call and we will be happy to help.
