Medicare Supplement Companies
There are many Medicare Supplement companies that sell Medigap insurance. Medicare Supplement enrollment has been increasing over the years. According to CSG Actuarial, 14.1 million people have Medicare Supplement plans. The states with the most people enrolled are: Florida, Texas, Illinois and Pennsylvania. The insurance companies with the largest enrollment are UnitedHealthcare®, Mutual of Omaha, Aetna and also Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Some insurance companies offer plans nationwide. For example, UnitedHealthcare offers plans in all 50 states. However, other companies offer plans on a regional basis. Medigap plan rates vary from state to state. For that reason, we strongly recommend consumers work with a knowledgeable insurance agent who can help provide the most current information on plans and rates. Rates can vary significantly from one insurance company to another.
Below are some of the more popular Medicare Supplement insurance companies that offer Medigap plans.
Aetna
Plans are offered under AHIC – Aetna Health Insurance Company and also AHLIC – Aetna Health and Life Insurance Company.
American Continental
ACI – American Continental Insurance Company.
Cigna
Plans are offered under CHLIC Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company and also ARLIC American Retirement Life Insurance Company
Continental Life
CLI Continental Life Insurance Company
GPM Health and Life Insurance Company
Manhattan Life
Mutual of Omaha
New Era
Omaha Insurance Company
Omaha Supplemental Insurance Company
Philadelphia American
Sentinel Security
UnitedHealthcare
United of Omaha
United World
Western United
Besides rates, other factors to consider when comparing Medicare Supplement plans are:
- A.M. Best Rating
- Rate Type, for example, do they use Issue Age, Community Rated or Attained Age
- Also important, is the history of rate increases.
- In addition, other factors to consider are household discounts and policy fees
A.M. Best is an insurance rating company. They verify the financial strength of insurance companies. Most importantly, you do not want to choose a Medigap company that is not financially strong.
Rate Type
Issue Age – The premium is based on the age you are when you buy (are “issued”) the Medigap policy.
Attained Age – The premium is based on your current age (the age you have “attained”), so your premium increases as you get older.
Community Rated – Generally, the same monthly premium is charged to everyone who has the Medigap policy, regardless of age.
History of Rate Increases
You can compare rate history for the companies that you are considering. It could be a determining factor in selecting a plan. For example, we can provide you with a report detailing the history of rate increases.