Cigna Medicare Supplement Plan N offers coverage for Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, as well as Part B coinsurance and copays for doctor visits and other services.
This plan does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, which is currently $203 in 2022.
Cigna Medicare Supplement Plan N also covers skilled nursing facility care, foreign travel exchange, and preventive care services such as flu shots and mammograms.
The plan has a premium rate that varies by age and location, with rates increasing as you get older.
Medicare and Eligibility
You're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B? You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement policy at any time. This is because Medicare Supplement insurance plans are available to anyone who meets this criteria.
If you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B, you have a 6-month open enrollment period that begins the first day of the month after you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you cannot be turned down for coverage.
In some states, if you're younger than 65 and qualify for Medicare due to a disability, you may also be eligible for a Medicare Supplement policy. However, plans may be subject to medical underwriting, and coverage may be denied.
Here are the key times when you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement policy:
- At any time if you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B
- During your 6-month open enrollment period
- In some states, if you're younger than 65 and qualify for Medicare due to disability
Plan Overview
Plan N gives you extra coverage that helps pay for the things that Original Medicare doesn't.
Medicare Supplement plans, including Plan N, let you pay less when you go to the doctor or hospital. You can buy Medigap plans, including Plan N, from health insurance companies like AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Cigna.
Plan N pays for your $1,676 yearly Part A deductible, as well as your share of the medical bills you get when you go to a doctor or stay in the hospital.
Medigap plans with the same letter all have the same coverage, no matter the company. The best way to choose a company is to compare prices, customer service and added perks.
Costs and Rates
Medigap rates vary by plan and location. Plan G is more popular than Plan N, but it's essential to consider your individual needs and costs.
The monthly rate for Plan N ranges from $91 in New Mexico to $297 in New York, depending on where you live. This highlights the importance of checking rates in your specific area.
Plan N rates also differ by state, with Alabama having a monthly rate of $103 and Alaska having a rate of $122. This variation emphasizes the need to research local rates.
If you have frequent visits to your healthcare providers, Plan G might be the better deal. A $25 difference in monthly premiums between Plan G and Plan N can add up to $300 for the year.
Here's a breakdown of Medigap rates for a 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke:
Plan G's premiums may be higher, but you know in advance what you'll have to pay each month. This predictability can be a significant advantage for those who value stability in their healthcare costs.
Plan Comparison
Medigap Plan N and other plans have similar benefits, but with some key differences.
Most Medicare Supplement companies sell Plan N, but Cigna, Aetna, and AARP/UnitedHealthcare offer the cheapest rates.
Costs for Medicare Supplement plans vary by age, location, and other factors, so it's essential to shop around for the best deal.
Plan G vs
Medigap Plan G and Plan N have mostly the same set of Medicare benefits, but there are a couple of key differences.
Plan G covers 100% of Medicare Part B excess charges, while Plan N does not, which means you'll have to pay for those charges out of pocket.
Medigap Plan G and Plan N both offer Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, but Plan N has a $20 copayment for doctor visits and a $50 copayment for emergency room visits.
Plan G, on the other hand, has no copayments for doctor visits or emergency room visits, but you'll pay a $20 copayment for Part B services.
Reviews
Reviews are a crucial part of choosing the right Medicare Supplement plan. Most companies offer the same medical coverage for each Medigap policy.
However, companies have different rates, customer service, and add-on benefits. Cigna, Aetna, and AARP/UnitedHealthcare have the cheapest rates for Medicare Supplement Plan N.
Costs for Medicare Supplement plans vary by age, location, and other factors. This means that the price of the same plan can differ significantly from one person to another.
Decision and Considerations
Choosing between Cigna Medicare Supplement Plan N and other options can be a bit overwhelming, but it's worth taking the time to consider your individual needs.
First, think about the difference in premiums between Plan N and Plan G. If you can find a significant difference, like $29 per month, it might be worth exploring.
If you have relatively few medical visits, the premium savings from Plan N might be worthwhile. For example, if you have four office visits with $20 copays and one emergency visit with a $50 copay per year, you could save $170 compared to Plan G.
However, if you have to pay copays more often, Plan G might be the better deal for you. It's essential to weigh the cost of copays against the premium savings.
To make an informed decision, consider the following factors:
- Coverage vs. cost: Think about how much you can afford to pay each month and how much coverage you need for your medical care.
- Pricing differences between providers: The cost for Medicare Supplement plans changes between insurance companies. Comparing companies lets you get the same coverage for the best price.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Some Medigap plans have deductibles, and not every plan covers Medicare Parts A and B coinsurance. This means that you'll have to pay more for your medical care with some plans than with others.
Plan Details
Cigna Medicare Supplement Plan N offers a range of benefits that can help you cover unexpected medical expenses.
Plan N covers the $1,676 Medicare Part A deductible and coinsurance for Medicare Parts A and B. You'll also get coverage for hospital stays up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up.
Plan N has some of the best coverage of any Medigap plan, with benefits that are similar to Plan G. Both plans cover the same benefits, including Part A coinsurance and hospital stays up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up.
Here are the benefits that are the same in both Plan G and Plan N:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital stays up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up.
- Part A deductible.
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment.
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
- Blood transfusion (first three pints).
- Medically necessary emergency health care service for the first 60 days when traveling outside the U.S. Deductible and limitations apply.
When I Apply?
You can apply for a Medicare Supplement policy at any time, but there are certain times when you're guaranteed coverage. If you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B, you can enroll at any time.
During your 6-month open enrollment period, you're guaranteed coverage, and you can't be turned down for any reason. This period starts the first day of the month after you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B.
In some states, if you're younger than 65 and qualify for Medicare due to a disability, you may also be eligible for a Medicare Supplement policy.
Here are the key eligibility periods:
- 65 or older and enrolled in a Medicare Part B plan: You can enroll at any time.
- 6-month open enrollment period: Starts the first day of the month after you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B.
- Some states: If you're younger than 65 and qualify for Medicare due to a disability, you may be eligible.
Additional Policies
Supplemental policies are designed to fill in the gaps left by Medicare, which typically covers 80% of medical expenses. This means you'll still have some costs to pay, but these policies can help reduce your financial burden.
Medicare Parts A and B pay their portion of medical expenses, usually 80% of costs. This leaves a remaining 20% that you'll need to cover, unless you have supplemental coverage.
Supplemental plans pay some of the remaining 20% that Medicare doesn't cover. This can provide significant relief from out-of-pocket expenses.
Here's a breakdown of how supplemental policies work:
What It Covers
Plan N has some of the best coverage of any Medigap plan, but it's not perfect. It covers the $1,676 Medicare Part A deductible and coinsurance for Medicare Parts A and B.
Plan N covers Part A coinsurance for hospital care, but only up to a certain limit. It also covers medically necessary emergency health care services when traveling outside the U.S., but with some limitations.
Here are the benefits that both Plan G and Plan N cover, according to Medicare.gov:
Plan N also covers foreign travel emergencies, but only 80% of the costs.
Benefits That Differ
Medigap Plan G and Plan N have two differences in coverage. These differences can affect your out-of-pocket costs.
Plan G and Plan N both offer the same set of Medicare benefits, but there are key differences between them. The coverage difference between Plan G and Plan N is significant.
Here are the benefits that differ between the two plans:
You'll need to consider these differences when choosing between Plan G and Plan N.
Cigna
Cigna Medicare Supplement plans are available in most of the country, and its Plan N is one of the cheapest on the market.
Cigna has a low average rate for Plan N, making it a cost-effective option for those looking for a Medicare Supplement plan.
Cigna offers added value with a rewards program that gives you discounts on health and wellness programs and services, like chiropractic visits and weight management programs.
Cigna sells Medicare Supplement Plan N in 46 states and Washington, D.C.
Cigna gets more complaints about its Medicare Supplement than expected, but it varies depending on which company sells plans in your state.
One Cigna company has two and a half times the number of complaints expected for a company its size, while another has two-thirds fewer complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of Plan N?
Plan N has some drawbacks, including small copays for doctor visits and emergency room visits, and an annual Part B Deductible that must be paid before insurance kicks in. Additionally, you'll still need to pay a monthly premium even if you don't use health services.
Who is eligible for Medicare supplement Plan N?
To be eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan N, you must be an Original Medicare beneficiary, typically 65+ years old, or have a disability or End-Stage Renal Disease. This includes people with certain disabilities or medical conditions, regardless of age.
Sources
- https://www.cigna.com/medicare/shop-plans/supplemental/
- https://www.cigna.com/medicare/eligibility-and-enrollment/supplemental
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/medicare-plan-n
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/medicare/medigap-plan-g-vs-n
- https://www.cigna.com/medicare/shop-plans/supplemental/state-disclosures
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