Claudia Paoletto

Learn more about Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Policy Disclaimers

Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. The Cigna Healthcare names, logos, and marks, including THE CIGNA GROUP and CIGNA HEALTHCARE are owned by The Cigna Group Intellectual Property, Inc. Subsidiaries of The Cigna Group contract with Medicare to offer Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans and Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in a Cigna Healthcare product depends on contract renewal.

To file a marketing complaint, contact Cigna Healthcare or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1 (800) 633-4227), 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, TTY 1 (877) 486-2048. Please include the agent/broker’s name if possible.

Medicare Supplement Policy Disclaimers

Medicare Supplement website content not approved for use in: Oregon.

AN OUTLINE OF COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. We'll provide an outline of coverage to all persons at the time the application is presented.

Our company and agents are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation for insurance. An insurance agent may contact you. Premium and benefits vary by plan selected. Plan availability varies by state. Medicare Supplement policies are underwritten by American Retirement Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Cigna Insurance Company, Cigna National Health Insurance Company or Loyal American Life Insurance Company. Each insurer has sole responsibility for its own products.

The following Medicare Supplement Plans are available to persons eligible for Medicare due to disability: Plan A in Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Maryland, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia; Plans A, F, and G in North Carolina; and Plans C and D in New Jersey for individuals aged 50-64. Medicare Supplement policies contain exclusions, limitations, and terms under which the policies may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of coverage, contact the company.

This website is designed as a marketing aid and is not to be construed as a contract for insurance. It provides a brief description of the important features of the policy. Please refer to the policy for the full terms and conditions of coverage.

In Kentucky, Plans A, F, G, HDG, N are available under Cigna National Health Insurance Company, Plans A, F, G, HDF, N are available under Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company and Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, N are available under Loyal American Life Insurance Company.

Kansas Disclosures, Exclusions and Limitations

Medicare Supplement Policy Forms: Plan A: CNHIC-MS-AA-A-KS, CNHIC-MS-AO-A-KS; Plan F: CNHIC-MS-AA-F-KS, CNHIC-MS-AO-F-KS; Plan G: CNHIC-MS-AA-G-KS, CNHIC-MS-AO-G-KS; Plan N: CNHIC-MS-AA-N-KS, CNHIC-MS-AO-N-KS

Exclusions and Limitations:

The benefits of this policy will not duplicate any benefits paid by Medicare. The combined benefits of this policy and the benefits paid by Medicare may not exceed one-hundred percent (100%) of the Medicare Eligible Expenses incurred. This policy will not pay benefits for the following:

(1) the Medicare Part B Deductible;

(2) any expense which You are not legally obligated to pay; or services for which no charge is normally made in the absence of insurance;

(3) any services that are not medically necessary as determined by Medicare;

(4) any portion of any expense for which payment is made by Medicare or other government programs (except Medicaid); or for which payment would have been made by Medicare if You were enrolled in Parts A and B of Medicare;

(5) any type of expense not a Medicare Eligible Expense except as provided previously in this policy;

(6) any deductible, Coinsurance or Co-payment not covered by Medicare, unless such coverage is listed as a benefit in this policy; or

(7) Preexisting Conditions: We will not pay for any expenses incurred for care or treatment of a Preexisting Condition for the first six (6) months from the effective date of coverage. This exclusion does not apply if You applied for and were issued this policy under guaranteed issue status; if on the date of application for this policy You had at least six (6) months of prior Creditable Coverage; or, if this policy is replacing another Medicare Supplement policy and a six (6) month waiting period has already been satisfied. Evidence of prior coverage or replacement must have been disclosed on the application for this policy. If You had less than six (6) months prior Creditable Coverage, the Preexisting Conditions limitation will be reduced by the aggregate amount of Creditable Coverage. If this policy is replacing another Medicare Supplement policy, credit will be given for any portion of the waiting period that has been satisfied.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website.

Y0036_24_1037312_M | Page last updated 03/28/2024

MS-SITE-AllHome2022

What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?

Medicare Part C plans offer the benefits of Original Medicare in combination with prescription drug coverage and extra programs. Learn more about Part C coverage.

What do Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover?

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) provide all of your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage and must cover all medically necessary services. Many plans also offer prescription drug coverage and additional programs not covered by Original Medicare. To enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must be eligible and enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and B and live within the plan’s service area.

Part C: Medicare Advantage Plan

Part A
Hospital

Part B
Medical

Part D
Prescription

Combines Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, in 1 plan
Often also includes Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
May come with additional programs and services not offered by Original Medicare

These plans are part of the government’s Medicare program, but are offered and managed through private insurers, like Cigna Healthcare. Medicare Advantage Plans may include plan extras not found in Original Medicare. You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to join.

Do Medicare Advantage Plans replace Medicare?

Medicare Advantage plans do not replace Medicare and are not a Medicare Supplement plan, either. Part C plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A [hospital] and Part B [medical]) and can offer additional coverage, including prescription drug coverage and extra programs and services.

Looking for a Medicare Advantage plan?

Cigna Healthcare offers plans with low or no monthly premiums, and often with dental and vision, too.

Explore our Medicare Advantage plans

What are the pros and cons of a Part C Medicare Advantage plan?

Pros of Medicare Advantage Plans

With Medicare Advantage plans, you can get personalized, coordinated medical care at a lower cost, depending on your plan. There are many advantages of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. You can get:

All of your coverage bundled together in 1 convenient plan.
Costs that may be lower than Original Medicare.
Extra benefits such as coverage for vision, hearing, dental, wellness programs, and discounts on health-related items.
Prescription drug coverage (if it’s included as part of the plan).
All the rights and protections offered through the Medicare program.
Help paying for premiums (subsidies), if you qualify.
All the benefits of Medicare Part A and Part B plans, without buying supplemental insurance.

Cons of Medicare Advantage Plans

The following are some disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans:

If you select an HMO Medicare Advantage plan, you may have a small selection of providers to choose from. If you see a provider out-of-network, it can cost you more. However, other plan options will offer a wider provider network.
With certain plans, you may see additional costs for things like drug deductibles and specialist visit copays.
If you travel a lot, your plan may not cover services outside your service area.

What types of Medicare Advantage plans are available?

There are various kinds of Medicare Advantage plans, such as HMO, PPO, and Private Fee-for-Service plans. HMOs and PPOs each have certain characteristics, whether they are part of a Medicare plan or part of a regular health plan.

For example, an HMO plan typically comes with lower costs but requires you to see providers within a network and get referrals before you see a specialist. A PPO plan typically costs more, but offers more flexible options for seeing providers and may not require any referrals to see specialists.

Confused by Medicare terms?

Look it up in the Cigna Healthcare Glossary

What does a Medicare Advantage plan cost?

Depending on your Medicare Advantage plan, the costs you pay out-of-pocket can vary:

You may pay a deductible, a certain amount you must meet before your plan begins to pay.
There may be copays for doctor visits—this is a flat fee usually due at the time of the visit.
You may have to pay a share for lab services and medical equipment.
You will pay a monthly plan premium if there is one.
You will continue to pay the Original Medicare Part B monthly premium, as well.
Additional coinsurance or copays if you see providers outside your plan network.

To help control your costs, make sure you understand the terms of your plan and the out-of-pocket costs you may be required to pay.

How do I choose a Medicare Advantage plan?

It’s important to compare the benefits between your current coverage and the different types of Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). Be sure that you understand the additional benefits and any benefits (or freedoms) that you may lose.
You may want to consider:

If you can change your current doctors
If your medications are covered under the plan’s drug list formulary (if prescription drug coverage is provided)
The monthly premium
The cost of coverage. This could include annual deductible, copays, and coinsurance.
What additional services are offered (i.e. preventive care, vision, dental, health club membership)
Any treatments you need that aren’t covered by the plan

How do I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

If you want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must:

Be eligible for Medicare
Be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B (you can check this by referring to your red, white, and blue Medicare card)
Live within the plan’s service area (which is based on the county you live in–not your state of residence)
Not have end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

Want more information about enrollment? Visit Medicare Part C Eligibility and Enrollment Information

Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan?

There are a few times during the year that you may be eligible to change your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan:

Annual Enrollment Periods

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) occurs every year from October 15-December 7. Anyone who is eligible for Medicare can change plans during this time. You can make as many changes to your plan as you’d like before December 7, and your new coverage begins January 1.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment occurs every year from January 1-March 31. This period is for Medicare Advantage customers only and is your opportunity to:

- Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan that better fits your needs, with or without drug coverage
- Switch to Original Medicare Part A and Part B, and add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan if you’d like one.
  Learn more about Original Medicare

You can only make one change to your Medicare Advantage plan during this period. Your new coverage will begin the first of the month after you make the switch.

Special Enrollment Periods

If you need to change your MA plan outside of the standard enrollment periods described above, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for these qualifying events:

- Moving outside your plan’s coverage area
- New Medicare or Part D plans are available due to a move to a new permanent location
- Recently released from prison
- Your plan is not renewing its contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or will stop offering benefits in your area at the end of the year

CMS may also establish SEPs for certain “exceptional conditions” such as:

- If you make an MA enrollment request into or out of an employer-sponsored MA plan
- If you want to disenroll from an MA plan in order to enroll in the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
- If you dropped a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance plan when you enrolled for the first time in an MA plan and you’re still in the federally mandated “trial period” 12 months after the purchase of your MA plan
- If you enrolled in a Special Needs Plan (SNP) but are no longer eligible
- If you were a non-U.S. citizen and have become “lawfully present” as a “qualified non-citizen” without a waiting period in the United States

To confirm if you’re eligible for a SEP, contact us.

Privacy

Legal

Medicare Supplement State Disclosures

Customer Rights

Accessibility

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Explore our Medicare Advantage plans

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Policy Disclaimers

Medicare Supplement Policy Disclaimers

Medicare Supplement website content not approved for use in: Oregon.

AN OUTLINE OF COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. We'll provide an outline of coverage to all persons at the time the application is presented.

Kansas Disclosures, Exclusions and Limitations

Exclusions and Limitations:

(1) the Medicare Part B Deductible;

(2) any expense which You are not legally obligated to pay; or services for which no charge is normally made in the absence of insurance;

(3) any services that are not medically necessary as determined by Medicare;

(5) any type of expense not a Medicare Eligible Expense except as provided previously in this policy;

(6) any deductible, Coinsurance or Co-payment not covered by Medicare, unless such coverage is listed as a benefit in this policy; or

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website.

Y0036_24_1037312_M | Page last updated 03/28/2024

MS-SITE-AllHome2022

What is Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)?

Original Medicare has 2 parts: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). Learn more about the benefits and costs of Original Medicare.

How does Original Medicare work?

Original Medicare is a federal health care program made up of both Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). It’s a fee-for-service plan, which means you can go to any doctor, hospital, or other facility that’s enrolled in and accepts Medicare, and is taking new patients.

Medicare was set up to help people 65 and older. In 1972, Medicare became available to people with disabilities and End-Stage Renal Disease/kidney failure.

What does Medicare Part A and Part B cover?

Original Medicare
Part A
Hospital Insurance

Hospital Stays
Skilled nursing facilities
Hospice care
Some Home Health Care

You can enroll in Medicare Part A once you turn 65. If you’re already collecting Social Security disability benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Part A.

Part B
Medical Insurance

Medically necessary services (such as ambulance services, clinical research, outpatient mental health services, and physical therapy)
Some preventive services (such as colorectal cancer screenings, diabetes screenings, flu shots, and mammograms)

Medicare pays 80 percent of approved charges and you pay about 20 percent.
Part B is optional because you have to pay a monthly premium and meet a deductible before Medicare will pay benefits.

Looking for a Medicare Advantage plan?

Cigna Healthcare offers plans with low or no monthly premiums, and often with dental and vision, too.

What does Medicare Part A
and B not cover?

Medicare Part A and Part B does not cover:

Long-term care (i.e. nursing homes)
Most dental care (i.e. dentures)
Eye exams for prescription glasses
Cosmetic surgery
Hearing exams and hearing aids
Routine foot care
Health care outside of the US

Confused by Medicare terms?

Look it up in the Cigna Healthcare Glossary

What’s the difference between Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B?

Part A is the hospital services part of Medicare. This benefit covers inpatient care, hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and medically needed home health care services.

Part B is the medical services part of Medicare. It covers many of the medically necessary services not covered in Part A, such as outpatient and preventive services. This involves things like X-rays, bloodwork, doctor’s visits, and outpatient care. It will also cover other medical items such as diabetic test strips, nebulizers, and wheelchairs.

Who is eligible for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) are available to those who are 65 or older, disabled, in end-stage renal disease, or diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

For most people who are eligible for Part A and Part B based on their age, it’s important to sign up sooner than later so you do not have a gap in your coverage or have to pay a penalty.

Do Medicare Part A and Part B cover prescription drugs?

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) only covers prescriptions in a couple of instances. This can be medications you get as part of inpatient hospital care, as well as injections and infusions you may get in a doctor’s office.
Find out more about Part B vs. Part D drug coverage

You’ll need to enroll in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan to be covered for outpatient prescription medications.
Learn more about Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

What do Medicare Part A and B cost?

With both Medicare Part A and B, you have to pay annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. For certain medical procedures, you may have additional out-of-pocket costs to pay. You can buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan (Medigap), which can help pay some of these costs.

How much does Medicare Part A cost?

With Medicare Part A, you may have to pay copays and deductibles for hospital stays, but may not have to pay a monthly premium. Copays and deductibles apply to hospital benefit periods, which start when you enter a hospital or skilled nursing facility, and end 60 days after you’ve left the facility (as long as you have not received skilled care in any other facility during those 60 days). It’s important to note that:

For each hospital benefit period, you pay a deductible.
You pay a copay if you’ve stayed in a hospital for more than 60 days.
There’s no deductible or copayment for home health care or hospice care.

For many people, Part A comes without a monthly premium. You may have no monthly premium if you paid a certain amount toward Medicare taxes while working. In this case, you are often automatically enrolled in premium-free Part A.
If you don’t automatically get premium-free Part A, you may be able to buy it if you (or your spouse/partner):

Are age 65 or older and allowed to (or are enrolling in) Part B to meet the citizenship and residency requirements.
Are under age 65 and are disabled but no longer get premium-free Part A because you returned to work.

How much does Medicare Part B cost?

With Medicare Part B, you pay a standard monthly premium that’s based on your income. In some cases, your monthly premium may be higher if you didn’t sign up for Part B when you became eligible.
You may also need to meet an annual deductible before Medicare kicks in and starts paying. Once you’ve met your deductible, you will pay a 20 percent copay for approved Medicare Part B services.

You can always buy a Medicare Supplement Plan that pays your Part B deductible, as well as other out-of-pocket costs such as copays and coinsurance.

How do you enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)?

To enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you must be 65 and don’t necessarily have to be retired. Initial enrollment period packages are sent to people 3 months before they turn 65 or during their 25th month of disability benefits.

If you’ve received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, you are automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B.

Need help paying for Medicare?

Medicare gives financial aid for people who have limited income and support. If you feel you may qualify, you can learn about eligibility requirements by either:

• Visiting www.socialsecurity.gov

• Or calling the Social Security Administration at 1 (800) 772-1213. (TTY/TDD users should call 1 (800) 325-0778).

Explore articles related to your Medicare journey

What is Medicare?

Understand what Medicare is, how it works and what you need to know to find the plan that's right for you.

Learn More

Types of Medicare Plans

Explore the many different Medicare plan options so you can be ready to enroll in the plan that's right for you.

Learn More

Choosing a Medicare Plan

No matter your needs or budget, Cigna Healthcare offers a wide range of plan options to choose from.

Learn More

Privacy

Legal

Medicare Supplement State Disclosures

Customer Rights

Accessibility

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Policy Disclaimers

Medicare Supplement Policy Disclaimers

Medicare Supplement website content not approved for use in: Oregon.

AN OUTLINE OF COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. We'll provide an outline of coverage to all persons at the time the application is presented.

Kansas Disclosures, Exclusions and Limitations

Exclusions and Limitations:

(1) the Medicare Part B Deductible;

(2) any expense which You are not legally obligated to pay; or services for which no charge is normally made in the absence of insurance;

(3) any services that are not medically necessary as determined by Medicare;

(5) any type of expense not a Medicare Eligible Expense except as provided previously in this policy;

(6) any deductible, Coinsurance or Co-payment not covered by Medicare, unless such coverage is listed as a benefit in this policy; or

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website.

Y0036_24_1037312_M | Page last updated 03/28/2024

MS-SITE-AllHome2022

Types of Medicare Plans

Explore the different types of Medicare plans available and determine which one may work best for you.

Understanding the A, B, C and Ds of Medicare

Overall, Medicare consists of four parts:

Part A: Hospital insurance
Part B: Medical insurance
Part C: Medicare Advantage
Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Note: Parts A and B are also known as Original Medicare, which only covers about 80% of your medical care.

Depending on which part(s) you choose, you may need additional coverage to fill in the gaps. To avoid unexpected costs, you’ll want to enroll in the right plan for your needs.

What are the Different Types of Medicare Plans?

Explore the different parts and options available.

What is Medicare Part A
(hospital insurance)?

Medicare Part A covers hospital inpatient care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and home health care. It is part of Original Medicare and is often combined with Medicare Part B (medical insurance).

What is Medicare Part B
(medical insurance)?

Medicare Part B covers any care that is medically necessary, like outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive care and other services. It is part of Original Medicare and is often combined with Medicare Part A (hospital insurance).

What is Medicare Part C
(Medicare Advantage)?

Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage. These plans are provided through private health care insurance companies and include Original Medicare (Part A and Part B combined) coverage with prescription drug coverage and additional benefits—like vision, dental or hearing.

What is Medicare Part D
(prescription drug coverage)?

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans are part of the government’s Medicare program, but they’re offered and managed through approved private insurers, like Cigna Healthcare^SM. These plans help lower the cost of prescription drugs.

What is Medicare
Supplement Insurance?

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, is private health insurance that adds on to Original Medicare (Parts A and B combined) and helps cover some of the costs Original Medicare doesn’t pay.

What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance policies are two different types of Medicare coverage. Discover the similarities and differences and find out which may be better for you.

Explore articles related to your Medicare journey

What is Medicare?

Understand what Medicare is, how it works and what you need to know to find the plan that's right for you.

Learn More

Types of Medicare Plans

Explore the many different Medicare plan options so you can be ready to enroll in the plan that's right for you.

Learn More

Choosing a Medicare Plan

No matter your needs or budget, Cigna Healthcare offers a wide range of plan options to choose from.

Learn More

Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. The Cigna names, logos, and marks, including THE CIGNA GROUP and CIGNA HEALTHCARE, are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Subsidiaries of The Cigna Group contract with Medicare to offer Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans and Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in a Cigna Healthcare product depends on contract renewal.

To file a marketing complaint, contact Cigna Healthcare, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (24 hours a day/7 days a week). Please include the agent/broker’s name if possible.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website.

INT_25_1303205_C | Page last updated 08/30/2024.

What is Medicare?

Learn the basics of Medicare, including what is the purpose of Medicare, how much does Medicare cost, what it covers, and more.

Medicare Overview

Medicare is a federal health plan. It was started in 1965 and first made available to people age 65 and over. It was then expanded to include people with certain disabilities and End-Stage Renal Disease/kidney failure. Medicare is broken up into parts that cover various types of care and services:

Part A (Original Medicare) covers hospital care and services.
Part B (Original Medicare) covers medical care and services, including preventive care.
Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs.
Part C is also called Medicare Advantage. These plans combine Part A and B (and often Part D prescription drug coverage) into a single convenient plan.
Medicare Supplement insurance policies (also known as Medigap) helps cover some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t.

Video: How Does Medicare Work

This 5-minute video explains the Medicare coverage options available, and the differences between them. (Length: 00:05:25)

What is the purpose of Medicare and who qualifies?

Medicare’s purpose is to provide national health coverage to the following:

Older adults, age 65 and over. This has been a traditional retirement age, when health insurance coverage through an employer might typically end. Medicare provides health coverage at a time of life when health care and prescription costs often increase.
People with certain disabilities, or End Stage Renal Disease. The purpose is to provide health coverage to those unable to work due to disability or kidney failure and therefore unable to get health coverage through an employer. Medicare ensures affordable access to care and services that could otherwise be costly.

Need Medicare coverage?

Cigna Healthcare has Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

Explore Cigna Healthcare

What are the main types of Medicare coverage?

In understanding the basics of Medicare, it’s important to learn the different types of Medicare coverage and what they generally offer:

Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health plan that has 2 parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). You can go to any doctor, supplier, hospital, or other facility that accepts Medicare, and is accepting new Medicare patients.
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is a type of Medicare plan offered by a private company, like Cigna Healthcare^SM. These plans provide you with all your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits and may include plan extras not offered by Original Medicare.
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage provides optional prescription drug coverage to anyone with Medicare. Private companies, like Cigna Healthcare, offer this as a standalone Part D plan or with select Medicare Advantage Plans.
Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap) insurance includes plans offered by private companies like Cigna Healthcare.¹ Plans help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

What are the basics of Medicare?

Here’s a quick overview of what each part of Medicare covers and how they work together:

Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) is the federal government’s Medicare program:

Part A covers you for hospital care and services. This includes inpatient hospital stays, surgeries, and more.
Part B covers two types of services: medically necessary services (services or supplies needed to diagnose or treat a medical condition), and preventive services (health care to prevent illness or detect it in an early state, including doctors’ visits, preventive care, ambulance, and durable medical equipment).
Original Medicare works with:
- Medicare Supplement Plans
- Standalone Part D Prescription drug plans
- Or, use it alone with no additional coverage

Learn more about Part A and B (Original Medicare)

Medicare Advantage Part C is part of the government’s Medicare program, but is offered and managed through private insurers like Cigna Healthcare.

Includes Part A hospital and Part B medical coverage.
Part D prescription drug coverage is usually included.
Other coverage may include some basic dental, vision, and hearing depending on the plan and insurer you choose.
Part C works with:
- Standalone Part D Prescription drug plans (if they are not already included as part of the Part C plan or cannot be included due to certain types of plan designs).

Learn more about Part C

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage is part of the government’s Medicare program, but is offered and managed through private insurers like Cigna Healthcare.

Part D plans cover costs for various types of prescription drugs, depending on the plan you choose.
Part D works with:
- Original Medicare (Part A and B)
- Medicare Supplement policies
- Many Medicare Advantage plans come with some prescription coverage already included

Learn more about Part D

What are the basics of Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?

Medicare Supplement Insurance is not part of the federal government’s Medicare program. These policies are sold through private insurers like Cigna Healthcare and designed to help cover some expenses not covered by Original Medicare:

Helps pay Part A and sometimes Part B annual deductibles.²
Helps pay copays, coinsurance and other out-of-pocket costs you may owe for services.
Medicare Supplement works with:
- Original Medicare, alone
- Original Medicare plus Part D Prescription Drug plan

Learn more about Medicare Supplement

How does Medicare work?

Signing up for Medicare: When you turn 65 you must choose either to sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan through a private insurer.³

You are eligible to sign up during the 3 months before the month in which you turn 65, during your birthday month, and through the 3 months that follow your birthday month. So you have 7 months in which to sign up for Medicare.
Note: If your birthday falls on the 1st of the month, your initial enrollment period starts 4 months before your 65th birthday and ends 2 months after your 65th birthday. Generally, your Medicare coverage starts on the 1st day of the month before you turn 65.

If you have End Stage Renal Disease or a chronic condition or disability for which you receive Social Security benefits, you would be eligible for Medicare, regardless of age.

Medicare annual open enrollment: Medicare Open Enrollment usually runs from October 15 to December 7, each year. During that time you can decide if you want to make any changes to your current Medicare coverage. For example, if you signed up for Original Medicare when you turned 65, you may decide you want to try a Medicare Advantage plan instead, or vice versa.

Signing up* for a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy (Medigap): If you are 65 or older and have signed up for Original Medicare then you may be eligible for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan. These plans are not part of the federal government’s Medicare program and are sold exclusively through private insurers.

Open Enrollment is a 6-month period when you can buy any Medicare Supplement policy sold in your state, even if you have pre-existing health conditions. This period automatically starts on the first day of the month that you meet both of the following 2 criteria:

You’re 65 (or older) and
You’re enrolled in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

*You can apply for a Medicare Supplement policy any time during the year, however during your Open Enrollment period, you are guaranteed Medicare Supplement coverage. When applying outside of your Open Enrollment period, you may be subject to restrictions based on your previous health history or current medical conditions, and you could also be denied acceptance.

How much does Medicare cost?

Medicare is not free. The different types of Medicare each have certain out-of-pocket costs:

Original Medicare Part A and Part B come with monthly premiums that vary from year to year, depending on your income level. Part A and Part B each has its own annual deductible, as well as copays and coinsurance for care and services. Learn more about Original Medicare
Part C, or Medicare Advantage plans, often come with low or no monthly premiums, depending on the plan. You will pay copays for specialist doctor visits, some of the cost for other various services and care, as well as copays for prescriptions if included in the plan. Costs and coverage can vary.
Part D prescription plans have a monthly premium, as well, and may also have a prescription deductible depending on the types of prescription drugs you need.
Medicare Supplement plans have monthly premiums, which help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

Explore articles related to your Medicare journey

What is Medicare?

Understand what Medicare is, how it works and what you need to know to find the plan that's right for you.

Learn More

Types of Medicare Plans

Explore the many different Medicare plan options so you can be ready to enroll in the plan that's right for you.

Learn More

Choosing a Medicare Plan

No matter your needs or budget, Cigna Healthcare offers a wide range of plan options to choose from.

Learn More

To file a marketing complaint, contact Cigna Healthcare, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (24 hours a day/7 days a week). Please include the agent/broker’s name if possible.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website.

INT_25_1303205_C | Page last updated 08/30/2024.

Why choose Cigna Healthcare for Medicare?

You deserve outstanding service and the coverage you need to stay healthy. Count on us to provide you with:

A Wide Range of Plan Options

We offer many different Medicare plan options to choose from so you can find the one that’s right for you.

Guidance All Along the Way

We offer tools, resources and personal guidance to help you understand how Medicare works. Then we assist you in finding a plan that suits your needs to a tee.

Programs and Services at No Extra Cost¹

Our plans come with no-cost perks that help you get more from your Medicare plan.

24/7 Access to Your Benefits

Find a doctor, hospital or pharmacy, or access your claims, coverage, ID cards and more. Do it all with the myCigna^® website or mobile app.

Experience You Can Trust

Cigna Healthcare^SM has been in business for more than 225 years² and is trusted by over 190³ million customers. That’s strength and stability you can count on.

Think Cigna Healthcare for Medicare.

¹These programs are NOT insurance and do not provide reimbursement for financial losses. Some restrictions may apply. Programs and services may be added or discontinued at any time. Customers are required to pay the entire discounted charge for any discounted products or services available through these programs. The Healthy Rewards program is provided by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company. Programs are provided through third-party vendors who are solely responsible for their products and services. Program availability may vary by location, except where prohibited by law.

²Across all lines of business. Cigna’s 2021 Annual Report [PDF]
³Cigna.com Company Profile 2022.

Explore articles related to your Medicare journey

What is Medicare?

Understand what Medicare is, how it works and what you need to know to find the plan that's right for you.

Learn More

Types of Medicare Plans

Explore the many different Medicare plan options so you can be ready to enroll in the plan that's right for you.

Learn More

Choosing a Medicare Plan

No matter your needs or budget, Cigna Healthcare offers a wide range of plan options to choose from.

Learn More

Look it up in the Cigna Healthcare Glossary

To file a marketing complaint, contact Cigna Healthcare, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (24 hours a day/7 days a week). Please include the agent/broker’s name if possible.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website.

INT_25_1303205_C | Page last updated 08/30/2024.

Choosing a Medicare Plan

Confused by the Medicare coverage options? Find out how to choose a Medicare plan, what the different plans are, and steps to follow when deciding which plan is right for you.

How do you choose a Medicare plan?

To choose a Medicare plan, you first need to understand a bit about Medicare. What types of plans are there? Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D—what do they all mean and how do they work together? And what about Medicare Supplement Insurance (also called Medigap)—is that a type of Medicare coverage, too?

What are the different types of Medicare plans?

There are 3 different types of Medicare coverage:

Part A and Part B, also called Original Medicare: Part A covers hospital care and Part B covers medical care. Part A and B cover the costs for many inpatient and outpatient medical services, as well as hospice care, some skilled nursing facility care, home health care, and durable medical equipment. Your out-of-pocket expenses can include annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
Part A and B does not include dental, vision, or prescription coverage.
Medicare Advantage: This is also known as Part C. Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private insurers like Cigna Healthcare^SM.^¹ They bundle all of Part A and B (hospital and medical care), and usually include Part D prescription drug coverage, too. Many of these plans include dental and vision care.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies, or Medigap: These plans are also offered through private insurers, like Cigna Healthcare. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are just that — they supplement or offer additional coverage to help pay some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay. Medicare Supplement plans come in many different options, from those that cover basic costs to those that offer more extensive coverage for deductibles, as well as copays and coinsurance.

Medicare Supplement plans only work with Original Medicare or standalone Part D Prescription Drug plans. They do not work with Medicare Advantage plans.

Need Medicare coverage?

Cigna Healthcare^SM has Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

Explore Cigna Medicare

What factors should you consider when choosing a Medicare plan?

Choosing a Medicare plan means taking a few moments to consider what would best fit your needs and lifestyle. You may want to consider the following factors when comparing Medicare plans:

What are your health care needs?
Do you see your primary care provider once a year for your annual checkup? Do you also need to see specialists for additional care?
Do you expect to be hospitalized for a surgical procedure or need outpatient surgery?
Do you take any prescription medications? If so, do you take specialty medications, things like insulin or other injectables, or do you take generic medications?
Do you have a chronic condition that puts you at risk for needing more care?
Do you have a chronic condition or disability for which you are already receiving Medicaid or disability benefits?
Do you need dental care or vision care?
Do you want coverage to include access to behavioral health providers such as therapists and counselors?
Are you okay seeing a doctor in a network or do you want to have the flexibility to see any doctor who accepts Medicare?
If you travel, do you want coverage wherever you go?

Having the answers to these questions, and others like it, may help guide you when deciding which type of Medicare coverage is right for you.

3 Steps to Choosing a Medicare Plan

This graphic shows the steps you might take when choosing Medicare coverage that’s right for you. It’s a great place to start if you want to compare Medicare plans or need a quick review of Medicare and all its parts.

You’ll see the main features of each Medicare coverage option side-by-side to help you understand how the different parts of Medicare work with each other.

Confused by Medicare terms?

Decide if you want Original Medicare OR Medicare Advantage

Original Medicare
(Part A and Part B)

Part A:
Hospital Insurance

Hospital Stays
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Hospice care
Some Home Health Care

You can enroll in Medicare Part A once you turn 65. If you’re already collecting Social Security disability benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Part A.

Part B:
Medical Insurance

Hospital Stays
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Hospice care
Some Home Health Care

Medicare pays 80 percent of approved charges and you pay about 20 percent. Part B is optional because you have to pay a monthly premium and meet a deductible before Medicare will pay benefits.

Find out more about Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

Medicare Advantage
(Part C)

Part A:
Hospital

Part B:
Medical

Part D:
Prescription

Combines Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, into 1 plan
Often includes Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
May come with extra programs and services not offered by Original Medicare

These plans are part of the government’s Medicare program, but are offered and managed through private insurers, like Cigna Healthcare, and may offer plan extras not found in Original Medicare. You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to join.

Learn more about Medicare Advantage (Part C)

If you choose Original Medicare, decide if you need to add supplemental coverage

Skip this step, if you choose Medicare Advantage—
Medicare Supplement doesn’t work with Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C).

Medicare Supplement Insurance

Helps pay some health care costs (copays, coinsurance, and deductibles) that Original Medicare doesn’t cover
Works with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans, but not Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Offers nationwide coverage without network restrictions²

A Medicare Supplement policy (also known as Medigap) is private health insurance that adds on to Original Medicare. It helps pay about 20 percent of the Medicare expenses that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, after the Part B deductible has been met. It’s important to note that core Medicare Supplement Plan benefits are the same no matter which insurer you choose (for example, Plan G with Company A is exactly the same as Plan G with Company B).

Learn more about Medicare Supplement Insurance

Decide if you need to add prescription drug coverage to either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Helps lower prescription drug costs
All Part D plans must offer at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare
Some Medicare Advantage Plans come with built-in prescription drug coverage

Find out more about Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

Find the right plan for you

Explore your options so you can enroll in the Medicare plan
you deserve.

Explore articles related to your Medicare journey

What is Medicare?

Understand what Medicare is, how it works and what you need to know to find the plan that's right for you.

Learn More

Types of Medicare Plans

Explore the many different Medicare plan options so you can be ready to enroll in the plan that's right for you.

Learn More

Choosing a Medicare Plan

No matter your needs or budget, Cigna Healthcare offers a wide range of plan options to choose from.

Learn More