As you age, finding the right health insurance becomes more important.
The right coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected medical expenses.
The best health insurance for seniors over 70 offers comprehensive coverage, affordable premiums, and access to a wide network of healthcare providers. These plans often include benefits tailored to older adults, such as coverage for prescription drugs, preventive care, and specialized treatments.
By choosing the right insurance, you can ensure that your health needs are met without breaking the bank.
1) AARP Medicare Supplement
AARP Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage.
These plans are insured by UnitedHealthcare, a trusted name in health insurance.
As a senior over 70, you may find these plans particularly beneficial.
They can help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that Original Medicare doesn’t pay for.
AARP offers several Medicare Supplement plans, each with different levels of coverage. Plan G is often considered one of the best options for comprehensive coverage.
It covers most out-of-pocket costs except for the Medicare Part B deductible.
One advantage of AARP Medicare Supplement plans is their flexibility.
You can use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, without needing referrals.
These plans also offer guaranteed renewability.
This means your coverage can’t be canceled as long as you pay your premiums on time.
It’s important to note that AARP Medicare Supplement plans don’t cover prescription drugs.
You’ll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan for medication coverage.
When considering an AARP Medicare Supplement plan, compare the different options available.
Your choice will depend on your specific health needs and budget.
2) Humana Honor MA Plan
The Humana Honor Medicare Advantage plan is designed with veterans in mind.
It complements your VA benefits without replacing them, offering additional coverage options.
Humana Honor plans are USAA recommended and may provide extra benefits beyond your VA coverage.
These can include routine dental, vision, and hearing care.
Many Humana Honor plans come with $0 monthly premiums, making them an affordable option for seniors over 70.
This can help you save money while still receiving comprehensive coverage.
For 2024, Humana has expanded its Honor plan offerings to 84 new counties.
This expansion increases accessibility for more veterans across the United States.
When considering a Humana Honor plan, you’ll find options that may provide care closer to home.
This can be especially beneficial if you live far from VA facilities.
To explore Humana Honor plans available in your area, you can enter your ZIP code on their website.
This will show you plan options tailored to your location and needs.
Remember, while these plans are designed for veterans, they’re also available to non-veterans who meet Medicare eligibility requirements.
Always review plan details carefully to ensure it meets your specific healthcare needs.
3) UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
UnitedHealthcare is a leading provider of Medicare Advantage plans.
In 2024, they will account for 29% of the Medicare Advantage market, making them the largest insurer in this space.
When you choose a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan, you can expect comprehensive coverage.
Many of their plans include prescription drug coverage, often without an annual drug deductible.
UnitedHealthcare offers a variety of plan options to suit different needs.
You can find plans with low or no monthly premiums, depending on your location and the specific plan you select.
One advantage of choosing UnitedHealthcare is their extensive network of healthcare providers.
This gives you more flexibility in choosing your doctors and hospitals.
Many UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans include additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers.
These may include dental, vision, and hearing coverage, as well as fitness programs.
If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan, UnitedHealthcare is worth looking into.
Their size and experience in the market make them a stable choice for many seniors.
Remember to compare plans carefully and consider your specific health needs when making a decision.
What works best for one person may not be ideal for another.
4) Cigna HealthSpring Preferred
Cigna HealthSpring Preferred is a Medicare Advantage plan designed for seniors over 70.
This plan combines the benefits of Original Medicare with additional coverage, offering you a comprehensive healthcare solution.
As a Medicare Advantage plan, Cigna HealthSpring Preferred provides all the benefits of Medicare Parts A and B, along with extra perks.
You’ll receive coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and preventive care.
One of the standout features of this plan is its prescription drug coverage.
You can access a wide range of medications at affordable prices, helping you manage your health conditions more effectively.
Cigna HealthSpring Preferred also offers dental, vision, and hearing benefits.
These additional services can help you maintain your overall health and quality of life as you age.
The plan includes access to a network of healthcare providers.
You can choose from a variety of doctors, specialists, and hospitals that participate in the Cigna HealthSpring network.
Cost savings are another advantage of this plan.
You may benefit from lower out-of-pocket costs compared to Original Medicare, including reduced copayments and deductibles.
Cigna HealthSpring Preferred offers flexibility in how you access care.
You can purchase over-the-counter items online, by phone, or at participating retail stores, providing convenience and ease of access.
As with any health insurance plan, it’s important to review the specific details of Cigna HealthSpring Preferred.
Coverage and costs may vary depending on your location and individual needs.
5) Blue Cross Blue Shield MA Plan
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts offers Managed Blue for Seniors, a comprehensive health insurance plan designed for seniors.
This plan simplifies healthcare by eliminating paperwork and waiting for insurance checks.
With Managed Blue for Seniors, you’re often covered in full or with just a $10 copayment.
This makes budgeting for healthcare expenses more predictable and manageable.
The plan extends coverage when you travel, ensuring you have access to healthcare wherever you go.
This feature provides peace of mind for seniors who enjoy traveling or spend time in different locations.
Blue Cross Blue Shield MA also offers Medicare Advantage plans that can help you better manage your out-of-pocket costs.
These plans often include additional benefits beyond Original Medicare.
Some Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans in Massachusetts come with a $0 premium, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious seniors.
They may also include nearly 30 complimentary programs, enhancing the value of your coverage.
When considering a Blue Cross Blue Shield MA plan, you can use their Plan Comparison Tool to evaluate different options.
This helps you find the plan that best suits your specific healthcare needs and budget.
6) Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage
Kaiser Permanente offers Medicare Advantage plans that provide comprehensive coverage for seniors over 70.
These plans combine hospital care, medical services, and prescription drug coverage in one package.
You can choose from various options to fit your needs and budget.
Some Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans have premiums as low as $0 in 2024, making them an affordable choice for many seniors.
With Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage, you’ll have access to a wide range of care options.
The plans cover inpatient and outpatient services, including mental health care.
For example, inpatient mental health services may have a copay of $350 per day for the first five days, with no charge for the rest of your stay.
Kaiser Permanente also offers additional benefits through their Advantage Plus program.
For an extra $21 per month, you can add comprehensive dental, fitness, hearing, and vision coverage to your plan.
The plan provides cost-saving measures for prescription medications.
For covered insulin, you won’t pay more than $35 for a 30-day supply or $70 for a 31- to 60-day supply.
Kaiser Permanente’s integrated care model allows you to receive most of your services under one roof, simplifying your healthcare experience.
This approach can be particularly beneficial for seniors managing multiple health conditions.
7) Anthem MediBlue Plus
Anthem MediBlue Plus is a Medicare Advantage HMO plan designed for seniors seeking comprehensive coverage.
This plan offers a combination of medical and prescription drug benefits, potentially simplifying your healthcare management.
With Anthem MediBlue Plus, you may enjoy low or no monthly premiums, helping you maintain your budget.
However, keep in mind that you’ll still need to pay your Medicare Part B premium.
The plan features low, fixed copays for doctor visits and outpatient lab tests.
This predictability can make it easier to plan for your healthcare expenses.
Anthem MediBlue Plus often includes additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare.
These may include dental, vision, and hearing coverage, as well as fitness programs.
As an HMO plan, you’ll typically need to choose providers within the plan’s network to receive coverage.
This structure can help control costs but may limit your choice of healthcare providers.
Before enrolling, carefully review the plan’s coverage details and network providers to ensure they meet your specific healthcare needs.
Remember that plan offerings may vary by location, so check what’s available in your area.
8) Aetna Medicare Preferred Plan
Aetna Medicare Preferred Plan is a Medicare Advantage option designed for seniors seeking comprehensive coverage.
This plan combines Medicare Parts A and B with additional benefits to provide a more robust healthcare package.
You’ll find that Aetna Medicare Preferred Plans often include prescription drug coverage, eliminating the need for a separate Part D plan.
This can simplify your healthcare management and potentially reduce overall costs.
Many Aetna Medicare Preferred Plans offer low or zero monthly premiums, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious seniors.
However, you’ll still need to pay your Medicare Part B premium.
These plans typically provide extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare.
You might have access to dental, vision, and hearing coverage, as well as fitness programs and over-the-counter allowances for health-related items.
Aetna’s network includes a wide range of healthcare providers, giving you flexibility in choosing your doctors and specialists.
However, make sure to check if your preferred healthcare providers are in-network to maximize your benefits.
Remember that Aetna Medicare Preferred Plans may have different costs and benefits depending on your location.
It’s important to review the specific plans available in your area to find the best fit for your healthcare needs and budget.
9) WellCare Value Script
WellCare Value Script is a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan designed to provide coverage for outpatient medications.
This plan offers a nationwide network of pharmacies, including preferred cost-sharing options that may provide lower out-of-pocket expenses.
If you’re looking for affordable prescription drug coverage, WellCare Value Script features low premiums and $0 copays for Tier 1 medications.
This can help you save money on your regular medications.
For 2025, WellCare Value Script has announced that most states will have a $0.00 monthly premium.
There are only two exceptions: Alaska with a $22.30 premium and California with a $17.40 premium.
When considering this plan, you should review its formulary to ensure your specific medications are covered.
The plan’s tier structure determines your out-of-pocket costs for different drugs.
WellCare Value Script includes both standard and preferred pharmacy networks.
By choosing a preferred pharmacy, you may be able to reduce your prescription costs even further.
Remember that Medicare Part D plans can change their coverage and costs annually.
It’s important to review your options during each enrollment period to ensure you have the most suitable coverage for your needs.
10) Mutual of Omaha Medigap Plan G
Mutual of Omaha offers a comprehensive Medicare Supplement Plan G that can help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare.
This plan is popular among seniors over 70 who want extensive coverage without the higher premiums of Plan F.
With Plan G, you’ll be responsible for paying the Medicare Part B deductible, but after that, most of your medical expenses are covered.
This includes Medicare Part A coinsurance, hospital costs, and skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
You’ll also benefit from coverage for Medicare Part B excess charges and foreign travel emergency care.
This can provide peace of mind if you plan to travel outside the United States.
Mutual of Omaha is known for its strong customer service and financial stability.
The company offers competitive rates and potential discounts, such as household discounts for eligible policyholders.
When considering Mutual of Omaha’s Plan G, make sure to compare rates with other providers.
While the company’s premiums are generally average to above-average, the exact cost can vary depending on your location and individual factors.
Remember that Medigap plans like Plan G are standardized, meaning the coverage is the same regardless of the insurance company.
Your choice may come down to price, customer service, and the company’s reputation.
Understanding Health Insurance Options for Seniors
Seniors have several health insurance options to consider, each with its own benefits and limitations.
These choices can significantly impact your healthcare coverage and costs.
Medicare Benefits and Limitations
Medicare is the primary health insurance option for most seniors over 65.
It consists of different parts:
Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and some home health care.
It’s usually premium-free if you’ve paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Part B covers outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies.
It requires a monthly premium, which is deducted from your Social Security benefits.
Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
It’s offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
Medicare has limitations, including:
- No coverage for long-term care
- No cap on out-of-pocket expenses
- Limited coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies as an alternative to Original Medicare.
These plans must provide the same coverage as Parts A and B, but often include additional benefits:
- Prescription drug coverage
- Dental, vision, and hearing services
- Wellness programs
Many Medicare Advantage plans have lower out-of-pocket costs compared to Original Medicare.
However, they typically have network restrictions, requiring you to use specific healthcare providers.
Some popular Medicare Advantage providers include:
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
Supplemental Insurance Policies
Supplemental insurance, also known as Medigap, helps cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t, such as copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance.
These policies are sold by private companies and work alongside your Medicare coverage.
Key features of Medigap policies:
- Standardized plans labeled A through N
- Coverage for foreign travel emergency care
- No network restrictions
Plan G from AARP/UnitedHealthcare is considered one of the best Medicare Supplement options.
It covers most out-of-pocket costs except for the Part B deductible.
When choosing a supplemental policy, consider:
- Your health needs
- Premium costs
- The financial stability of the insurance company
Key Considerations When Choosing Health Insurance
Selecting the right health insurance as a senior requires careful evaluation of several crucial factors.
These factors will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your healthcare needs and financial situation.
Coverage Needs and Medical History
Your current health status and medical history play a vital role in choosing the right insurance plan. Medicare is the primary option for seniors over 65, but it may not cover all your needs.
Consider any chronic conditions or ongoing treatments you require.
Evaluate whether you need coverage for prescription drugs, specialists, or specific procedures.
If you have pre-existing conditions, look for plans that offer comprehensive coverage without exclusions.
Some seniors opt for Medicare Supplement Plans to fill gaps in traditional Medicare coverage.
Network of Healthcare Providers
The network of healthcare providers is a crucial aspect of your insurance plan.
You’ll want to ensure your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are included in the network.
Check if your current healthcare providers accept the insurance plans you’re considering.
Some plans may offer out-of-network coverage, but at a higher cost.
Consider the geographical coverage of the plan, especially if you travel frequently or split your time between different locations.
Look for plans with broad networks or those offering coverage across state lines.
Cost and Affordability
Evaluate the overall cost of the insurance plan.
This includes premiums, deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Health insurance for a 60-year-old costs an average of $994 per month, but prices can vary significantly.
Consider your budget and how much you can afford to spend on healthcare annually.
Look for plans that balance monthly premiums with out-of-pocket costs.
Compare different plans’ coverage limits and lifetime maximums.
Some plans may offer lower premiums but have higher out-of-pocket costs or coverage limits.
Don’t forget to factor in potential savings through subsidies or cost-sharing reductions if you qualify based on your income.
