Colonial Penn Medigap Plans and Insurance Options

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Colonial Penn offers a range of Medigap plans to help supplement Medicare coverage. These plans are designed to fill in the gaps left by Original Medicare, covering expenses like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Colonial Penn's Medigap plans are standardized, meaning the benefits are the same across different insurance companies. This standardization ensures that you'll get the same coverage regardless of which company you choose.

You can choose from Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan D, Plan F, Plan G, or Plan K. Plan A is the most basic option, covering 50% of Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs.

Medigap Plans

Colonial Penn offers seven Medigap plans, each with its own set of benefits. Plan B is only available in Pennsylvania, while Plans C and D are only offered in New Jersey.

Here's a breakdown of the benefits of each plan:

If you're looking for a plan with skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, Plans C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N are your best bet.

Medigap Plans Overview

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Colonial Penn offers seven Medigap plans, each with its own set of benefits. Medigap Plan B is only available in Pennsylvania, and Plans C and D are only offered in New Jersey.

The benefits of each plan are outlined in the chart below, which shows what's covered and what's not.

You can also consider high-deductible plans, but be aware that the deductible must be met yearly before coverage begins.

Medigap Plan Costs

Medigap plan costs can vary significantly depending on the rating system used by the insurance company.

Community-rated plans are often the most cost-effective over time.

Policy pricing will follow one of three methods: community-rated, issue-age rated, or attained-age rated.

Community-rated plans charge the same premium to everyone, regardless of age.

Nine states currently require premiums to be community-rated among policyholders ages 65 and older.

These states are AR, CT, ID, MA, ME, MN, NY, VT, and WA.

Issue-age rated plans charge premiums based on your age when you buy the policy, which is usually 65.

See what others are reading: List of United States Insurance Companies

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Four states – Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Missouri – permit issue-age rating but not attained-age rating.

In states that allow any rating system, the majority (37 and Washington, D.C.) have chosen to do so.

This means that policy pricing can vary widely depending on the insurance company and the state you live in.

Here's a brief summary of the three rating systems:

$9.95/month Plan

The $9.95/month plan from Colonial Penn is a life insurance option that guarantees acceptance with limited underwriting, but it's not ideal for covering funeral expenses, especially as you age.

This plan accumulates cash value, but the older you are, the less coverage you get. For example, at age 50, $9.95 could be worth $1,786 in life insurance, but at age 75, the same plan could be worth only $560.

The marketing for this plan can be misleading, as the $9.95 rate only applies to the youngest eligible age group at the minimum coverage level. As the face amount increases, so does the premium.

Many people are unaware that healthier individuals might qualify for plans offering immediate coverage, contrasting with Colonial Penn policies, where full coverage only kicks in after two years for claims related to medical events. This gap in understanding often leads to dissatisfaction among customers.

If this caught your attention, see: Tufts Health Plan

Whole

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Whole life insurance is a type of policy that pays a benefit to beneficiaries when the policyholder dies. It's guaranteed to remain in place for the insured's entire lifetime if premiums are paid.

The type of whole life insurance offered by Colonial Penn is a graded benefit policy that requires no medical underwriting. However, it comes with limited benefits for non-accidental deaths during the first two years.

Policyholders can borrow against their policy's cash value, but this will reduce their death benefit. This feature is called policy loans.

Some whole life policies, like Colonial Penn's, offer extended-term insurance or a smaller paid-up death benefit if you stop paying premiums. This is known as non-forfeiture benefits.

Here are some features of Colonial Penn's whole life product:

  • Policy Loans – You may borrow against your policy’s cash value, but keep in mind that this will reduce your death benefit.
  • Non-Forfeiture Benefits – This feature provides extended-term insurance or a smaller paid-up death benefit if you stop paying premiums.

Buying a Medigap Policy

The best time to purchase a Medigap policy is during your six-month Medigap open enrollment period, when you have access to the best prices and policy options.

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This period starts on the first day of the month when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. You can still purchase a Medigap policy after open enrollment, but the company will use medical underwriting, which may limit your policy options and affect rates.

If you're interested in enrolling with Colonial Penn, you can call 888-910-3133 or follow the steps below to have an agent contact you.

Which Medigap Plan Is Best for Me?

Choosing the right Medigap plan can be overwhelming, but did you know that over 12.5 million people in traditional Medicare had a Medigap policy in 2022, which is about 4 in 10 (42 percent) of those enrolled.

You're not alone in this decision, and with the right guidance, you can find the perfect plan for your needs. Over 42 percent of people in traditional Medicare have a Medigap policy, so it's clear that many others have found a plan that works for them.

To start, consider your lifestyle and preferences. This will help you narrow down your options and find a plan that fits your unique situation.

Here's an interesting read: Tufts Health Plan Ppo

How to Buy a Medigap Policy

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The best time to purchase a Medigap policy is during your six-month Medigap open enrollment period. This is when you have access to the best prices and policy options.

Open enrollment starts on the first day of the month when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This is a crucial time to act, as it's the only time you can buy a Medigap policy without medical underwriting.

If you want to purchase a Medigap policy after open enrollment, the company will use medical underwriting, which means taking a close look at your medical history. This can limit the policy options and affect rates.

Plans C, F, and High-Deductible F are only available to individuals who were first eligible for Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020. If you're eligible for these plans, be sure to act quickly, as they may not be available later on.

To get started with Colonial Penn, you can call 888-910-3133 or follow the steps below to have an agent contact you.

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Here are the steps to get a quote for Colonial Penn Medigap plans:

  • Visit the Bankers Life Medicare Supplement Insurance page and click on “Get a Quote” to get started.
  • Fill out the contact form with your information and hit “Submit” to permit Bankers Life agents to call you.
  • When the agent calls, be prepared to ask questions and get as much information as you can.

$9.95 Age Chart

If you're considering Colonial Penn's $9.95 plan, you should know that the rate applies only to the youngest eligible age group at the minimum coverage level. The rate increases as the face amount increases, which can be misleading.

The amount of life insurance you get per $9.95 unit depends on your age and gender. Women receive more life insurance per unit than men.

Here's a chart showing the life insurance per unit for females and males at different ages:

If you're healthy, you might qualify for an underwritten policy that provides a greater death benefit at a lower premium. In fact, Protective Life offers $50,000 of coverage guaranteed to age 121 for $126 per month for females or $140 per month for males.

Pros and Cons

Colonial Penn offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for those looking for Medigap coverage.

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One of the standout pros is that they offer seven Medigap plans, although the specific plans available may vary depending on your state.

Colonial Penn also allows access to all providers that accept Medicare patients, giving you the freedom to choose your own doctors and hospitals.

No networks or referrals are required, making it easy to get the care you need when you need it.

Here are some of the key pros of Colonial Penn in a quick rundown:

  • Seven Medigap plans available (varies by state)
  • Access to all providers that accept Medicare patients
  • No networks or referrals required
  • Permanent coverage, even if you develop health problems later on
  • Coverage that travels with you
  • Agents travel to your home for a personalized approach

Despite its benefits, Colonial Penn has some drawbacks to consider.

Pros About

Colonial Penn offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for those looking for life insurance. Here are some of the key pros:

They offer seven Medigap plans, although what's available to you may vary by state. This means you can choose a plan that suits your needs and budget.

No networks or referrals are required, giving you the freedom to choose your own healthcare providers. This can be especially useful if you have a preferred doctor or hospital.

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Colonial Penn also provides permanent coverage, even if you develop health problems later on. This means you can have peace of mind knowing you're protected, no matter what.

Their policies offer coverage that travels with you, so you're protected wherever you go. This is especially useful for those who travel frequently or have a job that requires them to be on the road.

Agents also travel to your home for a personalized approach, which can be a big plus for those who prefer to do business in person.

Here's a breakdown of the benefits of Colonial Penn's guaranteed-issue coverage:

  • Guaranteed-issue coverage available: This means you can get whole life coverage with no health questions or physical exam required.
  • Same-day decision: In most cases, you can get an answer about whether your application was accepted the same day you apply.
  • Online quote and application platforms: Customers can request quotes and submit policy applications online.
  • Live chat: Colonial Penn customers have access to real-time chat with policy specialists.

Cons About

Colonial Penn's policies have some drawbacks to consider. You can't get online quotes, which may require you to call or visit an agent in person.

One notable limitation is that their policies are not available in Massachusetts. This means that residents of the Bay State will need to explore other options for their Medigap needs.

Intriguing read: List of Insurances

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Their pricing methods can also be a point of contention. Colonial Penn uses a system of community-rated, issue-age rated, or attained-age rated premiums, which can lead to higher costs over time.

Here's a breakdown of the pricing methods used by Colonial Penn:

Additionally, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with Colonial Penn's $9.95 plan, citing misleading marketing and a lack of clarity on premium increases.

Primary Complaints About the $9.95 Plan

The $9.95 plan offered by Colonial Penn has its drawbacks. Many people are misled by the initial promotion, which suggests a universal rate of $9.95 per month. However, this rate only applies to the youngest eligible age group at the minimum coverage level.

As you get older, the coverage amount decreases, making it less effective for covering funeral expenses. For example, the same $9.95 plan could be worth $560 in life insurance at age 75, compared to $1,786 at age 50.

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The marketing of this plan can be confusing, and some customers are unaware that they might qualify for plans offering immediate coverage. In contrast, Colonial Penn policies have a two-year waiting period before full coverage kicks in for claims related to medical events.

This gap in understanding often leads to dissatisfaction among customers who expect different terms. Some customers may feel that the plan's marketing is misleading, which can lead to a negative experience with the company.

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Insurance Options and Reviews

Colonial Penn offers a range of insurance options to suit different needs, including term life, whole life, and guaranteed acceptance policies.

Term life insurance is available to individuals aged 18 to 75, with maximum coverage of $50,000 and rates varying by age and gender.

Whole life insurance is available to customers aged 40 to 75, offering lifelong coverage with a maximum benefit of $50,000 and building cash value over time.

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Colonial Penn's guaranteed acceptance policies are designed for individuals aged 50 to 85, offering a fixed death benefit without a medical exam and a two-year limited benefit period for guaranteed coverage.

Colonial Penn has received negative reviews, with common complaints about limited benefits during the first two years and the $9.95 life insurance amount, which can lead to confusion.

Colonial Penn's financial strength ratings are provided by AM Best, with an A rating in 2022, indicating an excellent level of financial strength.

See what others are reading: Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Insurance

Insurance Options

Colonial Penn offers a range of insurance options to suit different needs.

Term Life Insurance is suitable for individuals aged 18 to 75, and can be renewed up to age 90. These policies do not require a medical exam but include a health questionnaire.

The maximum coverage for Term Life Insurance is $50,000, with rates varying by age and gender.

Whole Life Insurance is available to customers aged 40 to 75, and offers lifelong coverage with a maximum benefit of $50,000. It builds cash value over time and requires health questions for eligibility.

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Guaranteed Acceptance Policies are designed for individuals aged 50 to 85, and offer a fixed death benefit without a medical exam.

Here's a breakdown of Colonial Penn's insurance options:

Colonial Penn's Guaranteed Acceptance Policies feature a two-year limited benefit period for guaranteed coverage.

These policies are best suited for people with preexisting health conditions who might not be eligible for traditional policies.

Living Benefit Riders

Living Benefit Riders are an important part of Colonial Penn's life insurance policies, allowing policyholders to access a portion of the death benefit while still alive in the event of a qualifying health event.

These riders are marketed as "Living Insurance" and can provide up to 50% of the face value of the policy. The election of a living benefit rider increases the premium and is subject to administrative fees and partial repayment of any policy loans or interest.

Colonial Penn offers three types of living benefit riders: Heart Attack or Stroke, Cancer, and Chronic Illness. The Heart Attack or Stroke rider provides up to 50% of the death benefit upon diagnosis, while the Cancer rider provides up to 25% of the death benefit (excluding skin cancer). The Chronic Illness rider provides up to 50% of death benefits if diagnosed with a qualifying chronic or terminal illness.

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Here are the details of each rider:

  • Heart Attack or Stroke: Up to 50% of the death benefit upon diagnosis
  • Cancer: Up to 25% of the death benefit (excluding skin cancer)
  • Chronic Illness: Up to 50% of death benefits if diagnosed with a qualifying chronic or terminal illness

Policyholders can choose which rider(s) to add to their policy, but keep in mind that each rider increases the premium and comes with administrative fees and potential repayment of policy loans or interest.

Financial and Customer Information

Colonial Penn has been around for over 50 years, a testament to its stability and reliability.

The company's strong financial ratings are a major draw, with an A- from A.M. Best.

This rating indicates a high level of financial strength and a historic ability to pay claims obligations.

Colonial Penn also has a reputation for making the claim process easy and hassle-free for its customers.

Its customer satisfaction ratings are impressive, reflecting the company's commitment to its policyholders.

Customer Experience and Pricing

Colonial Penn provides direct-to-consumer services with online quote capabilities.

Their rates are generally 30-150% higher than the best rates in the market, making it crucial for potential buyers to compare these rates with other providers.

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Customer feedback highlights a higher-than-average complaint ratio, mainly related to advertising and billing issues.

Colonial Penn's parent CNO reported almost $937 million in traditional life revenue in 2023, indicating the company's popularity among consumers.

The company's customer satisfaction is recognized, but it's essential to weigh this against the higher-than-average complaint ratio.

Colonial Penn's $9.95 plan is marketed as affordable, simple, and accessible for seniors, but it's crucial to compare rates with other providers to ensure the best value.

Final Expense Insurance

Colonial Penn offers a final expense insurance policy that's guaranteed-issue, meaning you don't need to take a physical exam or answer medical questions. This policy is available to applicants between the ages of 50 and 85.

The policy has a graded death benefit, which limits the death benefit to a return of the premiums you paid plus a small percentage during the first two years of coverage. This period is a two-year waiting period before full benefits can be paid unless the death is from an accident.

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If you die of natural causes during this time, your beneficiaries will receive a return of the premiums you had paid plus 7%. This policy is best suited for people with preexisting health conditions who might not be eligible for traditional policies.

Colonial Penn's guaranteed-issue policy is marketed as a simple and accessible option for seniors, with a low-cost plan starting at $9.95. This plan is designed to be affordable and easy to understand, resonating with consumers who are looking for a straightforward insurance option.

Cashing Out Insurance Policy

You can cash out your Colonial Penn life insurance policy if you wish, and Colonial Penn will cut you a check for the cash value of your policy, paid in a lump sum.

If you haven't had your policy for very long, it won't have gained much value, so it's essential to consider this before making a decision.

Colonial Penn's permanent life insurance policy builds a cash value, beginning after the first year of coverage, allowing you to choose the death benefit limit.

Take a look at this: Cash Value in Life Insurance

Final Thoughts

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If you're wary of sharing your contact info, Colonial Penn may not be the best fit for you.

Colonial Penn is geared towards aging adults who prefer smaller insurance carriers and want standardized Medigap coverage.

Handling everything over the phone can be a plus for some people, but others may prefer the online shopping experience.

Colonial Penn's guaranteed-acceptance policies for whole-life insurance without a medical exam can be a useful option.

However, be aware that there are higher-than-average customer complaints and lower maximum coverage amounts to consider.

If you're looking for whole-life insurance, it's a good idea to get quotes from other companies as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Colonial Penn give you for $9.95 a month?

For $9.95 a month, Colonial Penn offers Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance with locked-in premiums and flexible payment options. This affordable coverage provides peace of mind without medical exams or health questions.

What are negatives with a Colonial Penn life insurance?

Colonial Penn's traditional whole life policy has a relatively low maximum coverage amount of $50,000, which may not be sufficient for some individuals' needs. This is in contrast to many competitors that offer higher maximum coverage amounts, including some with no cap.

Elena Feeney-Jacobs

Junior Writer

Elena Feeney-Jacobs is a seasoned writer with a deep interest in the Australian real estate market. Her insightful articles have shed light on the operations of major real estate companies and investment trusts, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. She has a particular focus on companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and those based in Sydney, offering valuable insights into the local and national economies.

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