Cigna Medicare Supplement Plan N

Cigna Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan N is one of 10 different Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies available in most states. Every Medigap insurance plan is standardized, meaning that a healthcare plan identified by the same letter will offer the same benefits regardless of which insurance company sells it.

Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) generally pays 80% of most Medicare-approved charges. Because it places no limit on the amount of out-of-pocket costs, Medigap insurance plans are designed to cover some or all of the 20% of medical expenses not covered by Original Medicare.

Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies like Cigna and offer the benefit of being able to choose any health care provider in the United States who accepts Medicare assignment without network restrictions.

What does Cigna Medicare Supplement Plan N Cover

• Medicare Part A Hospital coinsurance expenses up to 365 extra days after Medicare benefits have run out
• First three pints of blood
• Part A Hospice Care co-payment or coinsurance
• Coinsurance for skilled nursing facility care
• Medicare Part A deductible
• Foreign travel (up to plan limits)
• Preventive Care Part B coinsurance

How Much Does Cigna Medicare Supplement Plan N Cost Per Month

Monthly premiums are based on zip code, age, gender, tobacco usage, and time of enrollment. If you enroll in a Medigap insurance plan during your Initial Enrollment Period when you turn 65, you are in a Guaranteed Enrollment Period, meaning that insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge more because of pre-existing conditions.

Here is a sample of how premiums are determined outside a Guaranteed Enrollment Period:

A 65-year-old woman, non-tobacco user, living in the Houston, TX zip code 77450 area would pay a $104.48 monthly premium, with premiums ranging from $86.30 to $144.75

Based on the same age, gender, and tobacco status, the monthly premium in Ft. Lauderdale, FL (33311 zip code) would have an average premium of $216.12 (range of $173.27-$269.52 a month).

Certain circumstances may qualify you for guaranteed issue enrollment, meaning you would not have to undergo medical underwriting to sign up for the supplement plan of your choice without having to pay extra.

Some circumstances that would qualify you are:

• You have stopped working and your employer-based insurance coverage has ended
• Your insurer has moved out of the service area
• You have moved to a location outside your service area
• You have moved into or out of a Skilled Nursing Facility
• You have moved back to the United States after living in a foreign country

How Much is the Deductible for Cigna Medicare Supplement Plan N?

Cigna Medigap insurance plans (including N) do not charge a deductible, but all supplement plans except Plan F require Medicare beneficiaries to pay the Part B deductible. Plan F is not available to Medicare recipients becoming eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.

In 2021, the part B deductible is $203. Other out-of-pocket healthcare expenses include co-payments of up to $20 for some doctor visits and up to $50 for Emergency Room visits.

How Much is the Rate Increase History for Cigna Medicare Supplement N?

Rate increases may be age-related unless the insurance company bases their rates on the Community model. These rate increases typically amount to about 3% spikes.

Rate increases can be prompted by inflation, increasing healthcare costs, or other economic reasons.

One important factor in determining rate increases is the claims a company receives in a year compared to the amount of money it receives from clients in premiums. Cigna has a history of rate increases on the lower end with Medigap N.

For example, if Medigap F has an increase of 8% and Medigap G raises its rates by 6%, Cigna’s rate spike will likely be around 3.6%.

Is Medicare Supplement Plan N Better than Medicare Supplement Plan G?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to which Medigap Supplement plan is best. It depends on the individual Medicare beneficiary’s medical needs, frequency of doctor visits, and need for other healthcare services.

The main difference in benefits between Medicare Supplement G and Medicare Supplement N is that Supplement G covers the Part B excess charges and Supplement N does not. Excess charges consist of an extra amount, no greater than 15%, some doctors charge over the Medicare-approved amount.

If you receive your healthcare from providers that accept Medicare assignments and do not expect to change providers, the excess charges may not be an issue. Should you need to see a different doctor, such as a specialist, be sure to ask ahead of time if they accept Medicare assignments, and if not, try to find one who does.

If you want lower monthly premiums and are willing to pay some copayments with each medical encounter (up to $20 for a doctor visit and up to $50 for an Emergency Room visit) in addition to the Part B deductible, Plan N could be the best plan for you.

If your doctor visits are frequent and/or you see multiple doctors often, you might prefer to pay a little higher premium with Plan G and have your Part B coinsurance paid in full once the deductible has been paid.

Who Has the Best Medicare Supplement Plan N?

All Medicare Supplement N plans are exactly the same in the benefits they offer. That is what is meant by calling supplement insurance plans ‘standardized’. The difference is in the insurance company and rates vary based on how the company calculates the premiums.

Cigna offers most established Medicare Supplement insurance plans and some supplemental insurance coverage beyond the regulated plans. This enables Cigna to provide international coverage.

The company has a strong financial foundation and a long-standing reputation for excellent customer service.

Does Medicare Supplement N cover Prescription Drugs?

Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You can purchase a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan from a private insurance company that contracts with Medicare. You can speak to an agent who can provide some quotes and help you find the best Part D plan for your needs.

Does Medicare Supplement Plan N cover dental and vision care?

Medicare Supplement insurance plans do not cover dental and vision care. You can get these benefits by choosing a Medicare Advantage plan. Some PPO Advantage plans have dental and vision care and most HMO Advantage plans offer these benefits.

Many Medicare Part C Advantage plans also provide prescription drug coverage.

Does Medicare Supplement N cover hearing aids?

Medicare Supplement Plan N does not cover hearing aids. A separate policy can be purchased to cover hearing care. Some insurance companies offer vision, hearing, and dental insurance packages.

Medicare Advantage plans are another popular way to get coverage for vision, hearing, dental, and prescription drugs.

Does Cigna Pay for Gym Memberships?

If you have Medicare Supplement plan coverage, you can sign up for a Cigna Medical Plan. This plan will offer a $100 per member fitness reimbursement per calendar year. This can be used at qualified health clubs for membership or class fees. You can get a family plan which pays up to $300 per year.

Which Medicare Supplement Company is Best?

There may not be a definitive way to name one Medicare Supplement insurance company as ‘best’. If you are looking for a plan with a superior record for financial stability, dependability in taking care of its members, and dedicated customer service, Cigna has a great deal to offer in meeting your insurance coverage needs.

Learn more: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/medicare/what-is-medigap-plan-n-what-you-need-to-know

*Please note, we are not Cigna insurance company. This is simply a review.