When comparing Medicare Advantage plans for 2025, both Amerigroup (now operating as Wellpoint in most states) and Cigna offer distinct features tailored to different healthcare needs. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision:
- Rebranding: As of January 2024, Amerigroup’s Medicare Advantage plans have been rebranded as Wellpoint in six states: Arizona, Iowa, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. In New Mexico, the plans continue under the Amerigroup name.
Plan Types
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Requires members to use a network of doctors and hospitals.
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs):
- Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs): Designed for individuals with specific chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
- Dual Eligible SNPs (D-SNPs): For individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
- Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs): Designed for individuals with specific chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Costs
- Premiums: Generally low, with some plans averaging around $3 per month.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Lower deductibles compared to some competitors.
Additional Benefits
- Dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
- 24/7 telehealth services.
- Fitness programs and transportation assistance.
Considerations
- Customer Satisfaction: Some reports indicate challenges with accessing care due to network limitations.
- Availability: Limited to specific states, which may affect continuity of care if you move.
Cigna Medicare Advantage Plans
Overview
- National Presence: Cigna offers Medicare Advantage plans across multiple states, providing a broad network of providers.
Plan Types
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Requires use of a network of providers.
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): Offers more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.
- Special Needs Plans (SNPs): Tailored for individuals with specific diseases or dual eligibility.
Costs
- Premiums: Approximately 80% of Cigna’s Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums.
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Average of $5,471, which is competitive in the market.
Additional Benefits
- Quarterly allowances for over-the-counter (OTC) items.
- Dental, vision, and hearing services.
- Transportation services and fitness programs.
- Home-delivered meals and caregiver support.
Quality Ratings
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Average rating of 3.93 out of 5 stars.
- National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA): Ratings range between 3.5 and 5 out of 5.
Considerations
- Upcoming Changes: Cigna’s Medicare Advantage business is set to be acquired by Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) in 2025, which may lead to changes in plan offerings and management.
Comparison Summary
| Feature | Amerigroup (Wellpoint) | Cigna |
| Plan Availability | Select states (e.g., AZ, IA, NJ, TN, TX, WA) | Nationwide in multiple states |
| Plan Types | HMO, SNPs | HMO, PPO, SNPs |
| Average Premium | ~$3/month | Many plans with $0 premium |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Lower than some competitors | Average of $5,471 |
| Additional Benefits | Dental, vision, hearing, telehealth | OTC allowances, transportation, meals |
| Customer Satisfaction | Reports of network access issues | Generally positive ratings |
| Upcoming Changes | Rebranding to Wellpoint in most states | Acquisition by HCSC in 2025 |
Choose Amerigroup (Wellpoint) if you’re seeking low-premium plans and reside in one of the states where they’re offered. Be mindful of potential network limitations and verify provider availability in your area.
- Choose Cigna if you prefer a broader network, a variety of plan types, and additional benefits like OTC allowances and transportation services. Keep an eye on the upcoming acquisition by HCSC, which may affect future plan offerings.
Before making a decision, it’s essential to compare specific plans available in your area, considering factors like provider networks, covered services, and total costs. Consulting with a licensed insurance agent or using the Medicare Plan Finder tool can also provide personalized assistance.