Many residents of Pocatello, Idaho, rely on Medicare for their health insurance coverage. However, Original Medicare is often insufficient to adequately protect beneficiaries from high medical expenses.
This article discusses the supplemental plans available to Pocatello, Idaho, Medicare beneficiaries.
Pocatello, Idaho Medicare plans
Purchasing a Medicare supplemental health plan will help cover services typically paid for out-of-pocket. Pocatello, Idaho, Medicare beneficiaries select their preferred method from various supplemental Medicare plan types and insurance companies.
Medicare insurance plans include Medicare Supplement insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. The information below uses quotes based on an average 65-year-old female Pocatello beneficiary.
Cheapest Medicare Advantage plans in Pocatello, Idaho
There are 18 Medicare Advantage plans in Pocatello, Idaho. These options differ significantly in terms of benefits and prices, but all are valuable options for beneficiaries. Medicare Advantage plans often provide enrollees with additional benefits and prescription drug coverage with lower healthcare costs.
Humana’s Local PPO has an affordable MOOP (maximum out-of-pocket cost) of $5,000 and a four-star rating, indicating high overall plan effectiveness.
Even though UnitedHealthcare’s HMO plan has a higher MOOP than competitors at $6,700, it has a four-star rating and offers a zero-dollar monthly premium.
Blue Cross of Idaho’s Local PPO plan offers solid coverage at an affordable price. This plan has a MOOP of $6,200, a zero-dollar monthly premium, and a high four-star rating.
Medicare Advantage plans are network-based. HMO plans require you to use in-network providers for services except in emergencies. PPO plans allow out-of-network items and services but expect to pay a higher copay or coinsurance in that case.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| Blue Cross of Idaho | $0 | $3,400 | LOCAL PPO | N/A |
| Humana | $0 | $5,000 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $6,700 | HMO | 4 |
| PacificSource | $0 | $3,500 | LOCAL PPO | 3 |
| Blue Cross of Idaho | $0 | $6,200 | HMO | 4 |
Affordable Medicare Supplement plans in Pocatello, Idaho
A Pocatello, Idaho Medicare Supplement plan can help you cover costs that Original Medicare does not cover. They are advantageous because they shield beneficiaries from the expenses they would pay themselves under most circumstances. Your state and county will determine the cost, but you’ll receive the same benefits wherever you live.
Its balance between price and protection makes Plan G popular with beneficiaries — prices for this Idaho Medigap plan range between $154 and $257.47 per month. With Plan G, Medicare covers the majority of medical costs.
The Medigap Plan F is another popular plan. Plan F offers comprehensive coverage, covers excess charges, and costs $190 to $304.42 monthly.
High-deductible plans are an option for beneficiaries who need to minimize the monthly cost of healthcare. Plan HDG, for instance, offers affordable premiums in Pocatello, Idaho, ranging from $46 to $69 per month.
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $103.00 | $241.10 |
| PLAN B | $148.00 | $195.15 |
| PLAN C | $189.00 | $350.00 |
| PLAN D | $162.08 | $207.88 |
| PLAN F | $190.00 | $304.42 |
| PLAN HDF | $46.00 | $92.10 |
| PLAN G | $154.00 | $257.47 |
| PLAN HDG | $46.00 | $69.00 |
| PLAN K | $62.75 | $182.00 |
| PLAN L | $123.50 | $152.00 |
| PLAN M | $180.21 | N/A |
| PLAN N | $111.16 | $196.35 |
Average Medicare Part D Plans prescription drug plans
A Pocatello, Idaho, Medicare Part D plan covers the cost of prescription medications. Medigap and most Medicare Advantage plans do ’t cover these costs, so this coverage is crucial. In Pocatello, Idaho, enrolling in Part D is vital to building an adequate Medicare coverage plan.
Locally, Aetna offers Idaho’s most affordable plan, which costs $6.90 a month with a deductible of $480.
Plan premiums for Wellcare are higher, at $11.30 a month with a $480 deductible.
At $22.70, Humana’s premiums are a barrier for some, but its deductible is the same at $480.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING |
| Aetna | $6.90 | $480 | 3 |
| Wellcare | $11.30 | $480 | 3 |
| Clear Spring | $16.10 | $480 | 2 |
| Humana | $22.70 | $480 | 4 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $29.40 | $310 | 4 |
Medicare Special Needs plans
Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are Advantage plans designed to help those with chronic disabilities or special needs lower healthcare costs. Unfortunately, these plans are ’t available in every area.
For beneficiaries with dual eligibility, Blue Cross of Idaho offers an HMO SNP with a MOOP of $3,000. Those with dual eligibility receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
Beyond that, Molina Healthcare offers two plans with dual eligibility that provide MOOPs for $7,550 and $2,000. The plan with the lower MOOP has a monthly premium of $42.90
Keep in mind Dual Special Needs plans will typically coordinate benefits with Medicaid. Beneficiaries enrolled in these plans will have little to no out-of-pocket when using their healthcare.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| Molina Healthcare | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Blue Cross of Idaho | $0 | $3,000 | HMO | Dual |
| Molina Healthcare | $42.90 | $2,000 | HMO | Dual |
FAQs
What is the deductible for Plan G in Pocatello, Idaho?
With Plan G, Idaho Medicare beneficiaries are only responsible for a standard $233 deductible when receiving medical treatment. Plan HDG, however, offers similar coverage with a much more sizable deductible of $2,370.
Which Medicare Supplement plan has the best mixture of cost and value?
Many Medicare beneficiaries agree that Plan N gives the perfect mix of cost and value. With similar coverage to Plan G, the most significant difference is small copays for physician office visits and the emergency room.
Who qualifies for Medigap insurance in Pocatello, Idaho?
You can qualify for Medigap in Idaho if you have Original Medicare Part A and B. Generally, you must be at least 65 years old to enroll in Medicare.
However, you may be eligible for early enrollment if you have a chronic disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).
Are Medicare Parts A and B free in Pocatello, Idaho?
Most Medicare beneficiaries in Idaho can receive Medicare Part A for free, although some will need to pay a premium. Most beneficiaries pay a standard premium and deductible for Part B; however, reduction programs are available for low-income beneficiaries.
In addition, Pocatello residents with an annual income above a specific limit may have to pay a higher Medicare Part B monthly premium.
What is the difference between Medicare Plan C and Plan G in Pocatello?
Both Medicare Plan C and Plan G offer comprehensive coverage for Idaho beneficiaries. However, Plan C does not cover Medicare excess charges, which is the primary difference between the two plans.
Does Medicare cover emergency room visits in Pocatello, Idaho?
Medicare Part B provides beneficiaries with coverage for emergency room visits and other urgent medical treatment. Beneficiaries are still responsible for the Part B deductible, but Medicare covers costs beyond that point.
How to Sign Up for Supplemental Medicare in Pocatello
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the enrollment process for Medicare in Pocatello, Idaho. We can assist you if you have trouble selecting the right Medicare supplemental plan. Call us now to get started. Or fill out our online rate form to get the best rates for your area today.
