Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance Review
We have carefully reviewed Cigna and found that they may not always provide the most competitive pricing for Medicare Supplement insurance. However, they offer up to 25% premium discounts, a user-friendly online portal, and a Healthy Rewards program that provides discounts of up to 25% on a wide range of health and wellness products and services.
Additionally, Cigna provides convenient options for bundling dental, vision, or hearing coverage for an additional premium as low as $32 monthly.
Cigna offers guaranteed renewable Medigap plans F, G, A, and N in most states, and in some states, they offer a high-deductible version of Plan F and G.
Plan G premiums usually range between $100 and $250 per month, while Plan N typically ranges from $100 to $200.
While some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with Cigna’s customer service, stating that the company’s representatives can be unresponsive or difficult to deal with, Cigna performs relatively well regarding financial ratings. It has an “A” (Excellent) rating from A.M.
- Plans F, G, N, and A offered in 48 states
- Guaranteed renewable for life
- Several discount opportunities
- Online portal for easy access to ID cards & plan information
- Health and wellness rewards discount program
- Not always the most competitive rates
- Negative customer feedback
- Unavailable in Massachusetts or New York
- Discounts don’t apply in many states
Cigna is a reputable healthcare provider and the fourth-largest in the market. Although some negative feedback can be concerning, we recommend considering Cigna’s various popular Medigap plan options.
What Do Cigna Medigap Plans Cover?
Cigna Medicare Supplement plans cover expenses not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B), including:
- Medicare Part A deductible
- Medicare Part B deductible
- Medicare Part B excess charges
- Medicare Part A coinsurance and copayments
- Medicare Part B coinsurance and copayments
- Up to 365 additional days of inpatient hospital costs
- First 3 pints of blood required for a transfusion
- Hospice care coinsurance & copayments
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency medical care
The range of coverage you receive will depend on your chosen Cigna Medicare Supplement insurance policy.
Which Medigap Plans Does Cigna Offer?
Cigna offers guaranteed renewable Medigap plans F, G, A, and N and a high-deductible version of Plans F and G (in some locations). Let’s look at the most popular Cigna Medicare Supplement insurance policies available for enrollment.
Cigna Medicare Supplement Plan F
Medigap Plan F covers all the benefits listed above, including the Medicare Part B deductible. It’s the only plan that still covers that deductible, but eligibility for Plan F is limited to beneficiaries who qualified for Medicare coverage before January 1, 2020. See details for Plan G below if you want a comprehensive supplement policy but are not eligible for Plan F.
Plan F comes with the highest monthly premiums because it maximizes coverage. You can reduce your premium if you select the High-deductible Plan F. That policy offers the same benefits, but you must pay a higher deductible out-of-pocket before receiving those benefits.
Cigna Medicare Supplement Plan G
Medigap Plan G covers all benefits Plan F offers except the Part B deductible. This is the most comprehensive plan option for beneficiaries who qualify for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Most beneficiaries enrolling in Cigna Medicare Supplement plans today will be eligible for Plan G but not Plan F.
Cigna Medicare Supplement Plan N
Medigap Plan N covers most out-of-pocket Medicare expenses with the following exceptions:
- No coverage for Part B excess charges
- No coverage for the Part B deductible
- Requires copay of up to $20 for some doctor’s office visits
- Requires copay of up to $50 for emergency room visits (copay is waived if admitted to the hospital)
All other expenses included in the general list of Medigap policy coverage above are covered under Cigna Plan N. That includes 80% of foreign travel emergency medical expenses.
Cigna Medicare Supplement Plan A
Plan A may offer a lower premium option but significantly fewer benefits. It covers basic coinsurance and copayments for Medicare Part A and Part B but not much more. The more comprehensive policies are the most popular among policyholders because they offer more value in exchange for reasonable monthly premiums.
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Important to note:
- Cigna offers High-deductible Plan F in: AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, MO, MT, NH, NJ, NM, ND, OR, RI, VT, VA, WA, and WV
- Cigna offers High-deductible Plan G in: AK, DE, KY, ME, MS, OH, OK, TX, and WY
How Much Is a Medigap Plan With Cigna?
Plan G usually costs between $100 and $250 per month, while Plan N generally falls within the $100 to $200. As for Plan F, the monthly cost typically ranges from $150 to $300.
The cost of a Medigap plan with Cigna varies based on location, including the specific plan type, your location, tobacco status, and age.
- 65: $133.57
- 70: $140.33
- 75: $158.77
- 65: $149.60
- 70: $157.17
- 75: $177.83
- 65: $146.95
- 70: $170.22
- 75: $197.17
- 65: $163.11
- 70: $188.94
- 75: $218.86
- 65: $152.08
- 70: $169.55
- 75: $204.30
- 65: $168.81
- 70: $188.20
- 75: $226.78
Cigna’s Premiums vs. Competitors
We’ve researched some of the higher populated zip codes to compare Cigna’s Plan G premiums to the cheapest Plan G premiums available from its competitors:
| City + State | Cigna | ACE | Aflac | Mutual of Omaha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $133 | $115 | $122 | $128 |
| El Paso, TX | $117 | $101 | $104 | $114 |
| Lakewood, NJ | $143 | $137 | $143 | $143 |
| Antioch, TN | $113 | $104 | $108 | $110 |
| Lawrenceville, GA | $143 | $128 | $138 | $153 |
| Sample quotes are for a 65 y/o nonsmoking female. | ||||
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Summary:
After analyzing the data, we found that Cigna’s Plan G premiums are 2.4% to 9% higher than the cheapest options offered by its competitors.
Does Cigna Offer Discounts or Extra Benefits?
With Cigna, you can qualify for up to 20% premium discounts. On top of that, if you apply online, you’ll receive an additional 5% discount.
By including your spouse in the policy application, they also have the opportunity to qualify for the same discount. This 5% discount will remain in effect for the entire policy duration.
Extra Perks
Cigna offers its policyholders access to the Healthy Rewards program, providing discounts of up to 25% on a wide range of health and wellness products and services. The program covers several categories, including:
- Weight Management and Nutrition: Access to Jenny Craig
- Fitness: Discounts on Fitness Club Memberships like Active & Fit Direct and Just Walk 10,000 Steps-a-Day
- Vision and Hearing Care: Savings on exams, eyewear, contacts, Lasik vision correction, hearing exams, and aids
- Alternative Medicine: Affordable treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and podiatry
- Mind/Body: Gaiam yoga and wellness products
Please note that the availability and extent of discounts may vary depending on your specific location and plan.
Cigna also provides access to a 24/7 customer helpline, telehealth services, and personalized care management programs for individuals with chronic conditions.
Are There Additional Cigna Supplemental Policies?
Cigna offers standalone dental policies and conveniently bundled plans that provide dental, vision, or vision and hearing coverage. With average monthly premiums as low as $32, beneficiaries can choose the plan that best suits their needs and budget.
These bundles offer deductibles ranging from $50 to $100, dental benefits of up to $2,500, vision benefits of up to $300, hearing benefits of up to $700, dental implants on select plans, and the freedom to choose any dentist you prefer.
Cigna also provides a range of supplementary policies that cover accident expenses, accident treatment, cancer treatment, and insurance for heart attacks and strokes.
Cigna's Reviews and Financial Ratings
Despite being the fourth major player in the health insurance industry, Cigna has been the subject of criticism and negative reviews. According to NAIC, Cigna generates 27% more complaints than other companies.
Some customers express dissatisfaction with Cigna’s customer service, stating that the company’s representatives can be unresponsive or difficult to deal with. Other complaints focus on claim rejections, high premiums, and out-of-pocket costs.
In terms of financial ratings, however, Cigna performs relatively well. It boasts an “A” (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best, a renowned insurance rating and information source. This rating reflects Cigna’s strong balance sheet and ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations.
Nevertheless, it’s notable that customer satisfaction and high financial ratings do not always go hand in hand, as evidenced by Cigna’s situation.
Bottom Line
Although the policyholder’s negative feedback about Cigna is concerning, it’s worth noting that the company is still a trusted healthcare provider and the fourth largest in the market. Cigna offers popular Medigap plan options and even throws in some extra perks and discounts that can catch your attention.
We suggest considering Cigna if you are in the market for a Medicare Supplement plan, and we’re happy to help give you some personalized guidance on available plans in your area.
Sources: Cigna Medicare Supplement Plans | What’s Covered? | Compare Medigap Policies
FAQs
- What’s the most popular Medigap plan?
- Do Cigna's Medigap plans include prescription drug coverage?
- When can I enroll in a Medigap plan with Cigna?
