If you’re shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan in 2025, especially in states like New Jersey, you’re likely comparing Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield and Amerigroup—two well-known insurers that offer Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans.
Both providers offer comprehensive benefits, low monthly premiums, and extra perks like dental, vision, hearing, and over-the-counter allowances. But how do they compare when it comes to network access, plan types, flexibility, and out-of-pocket costs?
In this side-by-side guide, we compare Horizon Blue Cross Medicare vs Amerigroup Medicare, so you can choose the plan that fits your health, budget, and lifestyle in 2025.
Company Overview
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare
Horizon BCBS, headquartered in New Jersey, is a trusted nonprofit health insurance provider and part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. It offers a variety of Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans with a strong regional focus.
Highlights:
- Serves over 3 million members in NJ
- Offers HMO, PPO, and Dual Eligible (D-SNP) plans
- Large provider network across New Jersey
- Known for excellent customer service and preventive care programs
Amerigroup Medicare Advantage
Amerigroup, a subsidiary of Elevance Health (formerly Anthem), provides Medicare Advantage plans in multiple states. The company is especially strong in Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) and Medicaid-Medicare integrations.
Highlights:
- Available in several states including NJ, TX, TN, and GA
- Offers HMO and D-SNP plans
- Known for affordable, value-based Medicare plans
- Strong focus on underserved populations and Medicaid enrollees
Medicare Advantage Plan Availability (2025)
| Feature | Horizon BCBS Medicare | Amerigroup Medicare |
| Plan Types | HMO, PPO, D-SNP | HMO, D-SNP |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Yes (MAPD plans) | Yes (MAPD plans) |
| Availability | New Jersey only | Multiple states, including NJ |
| Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) | Yes | Yes – strong in this category |
Verdict: If you want statewide PPO flexibility, Horizon is the better choice. If you’re eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, Amerigroup offers strong D-SNP options.
Cost Comparison (2025 Estimates)
| Category | Horizon BCBS Medicare | Amerigroup Medicare |
| Monthly Premium | $0 – $35 (varies by plan) | $0 – $30 (many $0 options) |
| Primary Care Copay | $0 – $10 | $0 – $15 |
| Specialist Copay | $20 – $50 | $20 – $40 |
| Out-of-Pocket Max | $3,400 – $7,550 | $3,000 – $7,550 |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Included (Part D) | Included (Part D) |
Verdict: Amerigroup may offer slightly lower copays and premiums, while Horizon provides strong value with PPO options and regional perks.
Extra Benefits Comparison
| Benefit | Horizon BCBS Medicare | Amerigroup Medicare |
| Dental (Comprehensive) | Yes – included in most plans | Yes – included with enhanced limits |
| Vision & Hearing | Yes – exams and eyewear/hearing aids | Yes – generous allowances |
| Over-the-Counter (OTC) Card | Yes – $30 to $100 per quarter | Yes – up to $100 per month (in D-SNP plans) |
| Grocery/Food Benefits | In select D-SNP plans | Yes – available in many D-SNPs |
| Fitness Program | SilverSneakers or equivalent | SilverSneakers included |
| Telehealth Access | 24/7 virtual care | 24/7 virtual care and behavioral health |
Verdict: Amerigroup excels in D-SNP supplemental benefits, while Horizon offers a more balanced package for both general and special needs Medicare beneficiaries.
Network & Provider Access
| Category | Horizon BCBS Medicare | Amerigroup Medicare |
| HMO Network | Strong NJ-based provider network | Local HMO networks in available counties |
| PPO Access (Out-of-Network) | Yes (in PPO plans) | No PPO option available |
| Referral Requirement | Yes (for HMO), No (for PPO) | Yes (HMO/D-SNP plans) |
| Specialist Access | Easy with referral or via PPO | PCP referral often required |
Verdict: If network flexibility matters, Horizon’s PPO option provides greater freedom than Amerigroup’s HMO-only structure.
Star Ratings (CMS 2024)
| Metric | Horizon BCBS Medicare | Amerigroup Medicare |
| Overall Star Rating | 4.0 – 4.5 stars | 3.5 – 4.0 stars |
| Customer Satisfaction | Above average | Average to good |
| Plan Responsiveness | Excellent in NJ | Good to excellent depending on region |
Verdict: Horizon BCBS generally scores higher in quality and satisfaction ratings, especially in New Jersey.
Pros and Cons
Horizon Blue Cross Medicare
Pros:
- PPO and HMO options
- Strong local provider network in NJ
- Higher Star Ratings
- SilverSneakers and wellness benefits
- Available to non-Medicaid members
Cons:
- Limited to New Jersey residents
- May have higher premiums than some HMO competitors
Amerigroup Medicare
Pros:
- Excellent D-SNP benefits for dual-eligibles
- $0 premium options in many counties
- Generous OTC and grocery allowances
- Behavioral health integration and virtual care
Cons:
- HMO only – no PPO flexibility
- Star Ratings slightly lower than Horizon in some areas
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Horizon Blue Cross Medicare if:
- You want a PPO or HMO plan with strong New Jersey coverage
- You value higher Star Ratings and customer satisfaction
- You prefer wider provider access and fewer restrictions
Choose Amerigroup Medicare if:
- You are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare (D-SNP)
- You want maximum OTC/grocery benefits
- You prefer a zero-premium HMO with focused care coordination
Both Horizon Blue Cross Medicare and Amerigroup Medicare offer competitive options for 2025. Your ideal plan depends on your location, eligibility, and care priorities. If you’re in New Jersey and want PPO flexibility, Horizon is hard to beat. If you’re a dual-eligible beneficiary, Amerigroup’s D-SNP plans offer some of the richest supplemental benefits available.
Before enrolling:
- Visit Medicare.gov to compare plans by ZIP code
- Check Star Ratings, provider networks, and drug formularies
- Review costs and coverage extras like dental, vision, and OTC cards