Independence is the fifth-largest city in Missouri, and its Medicare plans come in several options. More than 150,000 Independence, Missouri, Medicare beneficiaries call Independence their home.
Medicare plans in Independence, Missouri
Throughout this article, we’ll cover the cheapest Medicare Advantage plans and the average cost of Medicare Supplements. Then we’ll discuss the most affordable Medicare Part D prescription drug and the available Special Needs Plans. After that, we’ll address some common questions. Finally, we’ll show you how to get help with Medicare plans in Independence, Missouri.
The data given in the illustrations below are based on a 65-year-old male.
Medicare Advantage plans
Missouri Medicare Advantage plans are another way to receive your Medicare benefits. These plans combine your Medicare Parts A, B, and in many cases, D benefits into an all-in-one option.
Located in Jackson County, Independence residents have 40 Medicare Part C options to pick from. Currently, about 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Independence are on Medicare Advantage plans.
Humana has the cheapest overall Medicare Advantage plan in Independence. Their PPO has a 4-star rating and a $0 premium. What stands out is the lowest maximum out-of-pocket compared to the other top choices.
Cigna comes in number two. The plan shown below has the second-lowest maximum out-of-pocket at $4,900. Cigna’s program also has a 3-star rating.
Wellcare shows up at the top as well. They generally have robust benefits in their HMO plans. They are one of the most well-known Medicare companies in the US.
The average cost of Medicare Advantage plans in Independence, Missouri
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| Cigna | $0 | $4,900 | LOCAL PPO | 3 |
| Wellcare | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | 3 |
| Blue | $0 | $7,250 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $5,000 | HMO-POS | 4 |
| Humana | $0 | $4,400 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
Medicare Supplement plans
When looking for the most comprehensive coverage to add to Medicare, Medicare Supplements in Missouri are your go-to. Medicare standardizes them. Standardization means the coverage remains the same no matter where you are or your chosen company.
These plans work with Original Medicare to fill in the costs left for the beneficiary to pay. That’s why they’re also called Medigap plans. Medicare Supplements don’t cover prescription drugs, so you must also enroll in a Part D plan unless you have other creditable prescription coverage. Going without drug coverage isn’t recommended as it can leave you susceptible to a penalty.
Top Medicare Supplement plans
Three plans stand above the rest. They are the most popular plans nationwide and in Independence, Missouri.
Plan F is your Cadillac plan. You pay your premium, and Plan F does the rest. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it plan.
Plan G is excellent coverage as well. It’s the other complete comprehensive plan. The coverage level is the same as Plan F. There is only one difference between the plans. Plan G doesn’t cover Medicare’s annual Part B deductible.
Both Plan F and Plan G have high deductible options. The HDF and HDG have a large annual deductible. Once that’s met, there is nothing else out of pocket to pay for the year.
Plan N is gaining popularity as it’s the most affordable option. Plan N is similar to Plan G. it doesn’t cover the Part B deductible. The differences are when you see a doctor, you’ll pay up to a $20 copay. You’ll be responsible for up to a $50 copay for the emergency room. Other than that, the only thing not covered is the Medicare excess charges. Fortunately, they are straightforward to avoid.
The average cost of Medicare Supplement plans in Independence, Missouri
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $108.22 | $338.30 |
| PLAN B | $164.85 | $320.93 |
| PLAN C | $195.05 | $316.75 |
| PLAN D | $180.31 | $276.00 |
| PLAN F | $196.18 | $388.94 |
| PLAN HDF | $48.00 | $74.01 |
| PLAN G | $163.25 | $341.66 |
| PLAN HDG | $48.00 | $73.67 |
| PLAN K | $69.25 | $119.40 |
| PLAN L | $117.50 | $269.98 |
| PLAN M | $145.79 | $314.47 |
| PLAN N | $137.09 | $267.28 |
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
Medicare prescription drug coverage in Missouri follows the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Private companies offer these plans but must follow the model provided. Drug plans can provide better options than the model but can’t be less.
Medicare Part D is your stand-alone drug coverage for prescriptions picked up at the pharmacy. They are required to have four coverage phases. The phases include the deductible, initial coverage, coverage gap, and catastrophic coverage phases. As you fill your prescriptions, you’ll move through your coverage phases.
Aetna’s SilverScript has the cheapest premium in Independence. Their plans have always been highly regarded. A premium under seven bucks can be a no-brainer for the beneficiary who doesn’t take prescriptions.
Wellcare has a very inexpensive plan, also. Their cheapest Part D plan comes in just shy of $13.
Humana also has an affordable plan. You can’t go wrong at just under $23, and you have a solid choice when you couple that with some of the best customer services in the industry.
The average cost of Medicare Part D plans in Independence, Missouri
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING |
| Aetna | $6.80 | $480 | 3 |
| Wellcare | $12.90 | $480 | 3 |
| Humana | $22.70 | $480 | 4 |
| Clear Spring | $28.70 | $480 | 2 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $29.40 | $310 | 4 |
Special Needs plans
Special Needs Plans are great options for specific beneficiaries. They’re specifically designed with particular needs in mind. There are three types of Special Needs Plans.
Dual SNPs are expressly set up to assist with the coordination and needs of low-income beneficiaries. You must have Medicare and Medicaid to enroll in a dual plan.
Chronic SNPs cater to beneficiaries with chronic conditions, and some examples of conditions with SNP options include COPD, Diabetes, and chronic heart disease. These plans can alter the typical costs for procedures, treatments, or prescriptions used to treat the condition.
Institutionalized SNPs are for beneficiaries that reside in an institutional setting.
Wellcare’s D-SNP tops the list with a low maximum out-of-pocket. Their D-SNP plans have a variety of plan extras that help low-income beneficiaries get the treatment and support they need.
UnitedHealthcare has a PPO option for beneficiaries with both Medicare and Medicaid. A PPO will allow access to a larger pool of doctors.
Humana and Aetna round out the list. Both of their plans shown have a low maximum out-of-pocket.
The average cost of Medicare Special Needs plans in Independence, Missouri
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| Wellcare | $0 | $3,450 | HMO | Dual |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $7,550 | LOCAL PPO | Dual |
| Humana | $0 | $3,450 | HMO | Chronic or Disabling |
| Aetna | $0 | $3,450 | HMO | Dual |
| NHC Advantage | $32.60 | $5,900 | HMO | Institutional |
How to sign up for Medicare plans in Independence, Missouri
We’re here to assist you in understanding your Missouri Medicare and Medicare options. We have licensed brokers standing by that specialize in every aspect of Medicare. They’ll educate and help you understand Medicare. Assist you in verifying your doctors and medications are appropriately covered.
For more information or assistance, fill out our online request form. If you don’t want to wait, you can call us. Our knowledgeable agents are available to help you.
