There are 280,306 beneficiaries with Part A and Part B Medicare in Buffalo, New York. With 92,130 Original Medicare beneficiaries and 188,176 Medicare Advantage plans in the city, Medicare Advantage participation rates are significantly higher than the national average.

Medicare Plans in Buffalo, New York

Medicare in New York doesn’t cover all expenses. For those needing Supplemental Medicare, Buffalo, New York, features affordable Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap plans catering to people with special needs and regular drug prescription requirements. Enrolling in one of these supplemental plans will help Buffalo residents save on medical expenses.

Medicare Advantage plans

In Buffalo, 67.13% of residents with Medicare enrolled in New York Medicare Advantage. This totals 52.93% women and 47.07% men. Currently, there are 55 Medicare Advantage plans in Erie County, NY.

Medicare Advantage plans offer many benefits, primarily savings. Excellus Health (HMO-POS) is a top plan with a $0 premium, only a $4,500 out-of-pocket maximum, and an excellent five-star rating.

Independent Health (HMO) is another top-rated plan. It features a five-star rating and a zero-dollar monthly premium. Despite a $6,900 MOOP, the program offers unique benefits such as money back on healthy grocery choices.

With a $7,550 MOOP, Wellcare (HMO-POS) is another affordable yet high-quality plan. Coverage may include transportation to medical appointments and fitness club memberships. Featuring a four-star rating, Wellcare is worth considering.

The average cost of Medicare Advantage plans in Buffalo, New York

PLAN PREMIUM MOOP Plan Type Star Rating
Wellcare $0 $7,550 HMO-POS 4
Excellus Health $0 $4,500 HMO-POS 5
Independent Health $0 $6,900 HMO 5
Humana $0 $4,500 LOCAL PPO 4
Aetna $0 $7,550 HMO-POS 3

Medicare Supplement plans

Patients on Medicare in Buffalo, New York, can pay for costs Medicare doesn’t cover with a New York Medicare Supplement plan called Medigap. Medigap plans provide the same benefits throughout all states, but premiums depend on several factors.

Medigap Plan G is one of the most popular plans, with a lower premium of $184.70 and a high premium of $463.75. This plan covers all expenses except the Part B deductible. For better coverage, choose Plan F.

Medigap Plan F is one of the most expensive plans Buffalo, NY, residents can select. Despite Medigap Plan F having a premium range between $300.67 and $578.22, Plan F offers full coverage for all deductibles, copays, and more.

Medigap Plan HDF is a high-deductible version of Plan F. You’ll need to pay a monthly deductible to get a lower premium like the ones here ($52.53 to $101.38). You’ll still receive the benefits of the regular Plan F.

The average cost of Medicare Supplement plans in Buffalo, New York

LETTER PLAN LOWEST PREMIUM HIGHEST PREMIUM
PLAN A $152.57 $285.56
PLAN B $204.68 $404.68
PLAN C $272.95 $415.68
PLAN D $183.80 $398.05
PLAN F $300.67 $578.22
PLAN HDF $52.53 $101.38
PLAN G $184.70 $463.75
PLAN HDG $52.53 $61.93
PLAN K $77.62 $141.15
PLAN L $172.00 $222.73
PLAN M $308.38 $415.67
PLAN N $176.99 $303.50

Medicare Part D prescription drug plans

Medicare Part D covers prescription drug costs in New York. You can purchase a standalone Part D plan, choose Medicare Extra Help, or a Medicare Advantage plan to cover your prescriptions. Medigap does not cover prescription drugs.

A plan from Aetna offers a $7.20 premium and a decent three-star rating with a $480 deductible. Other top programs, such as Wellcare and Humana, offer $480 deductibles, premiums lower than $30, and three-star ratings.

The average cost of Medicare Part D plans in Buffalo, New York

PLAN PREMIUM DEDUCTIBLE STAR RATING
Aetna $7.20 $480 3
Wellcare $12.90 $480 3
Humana $25.00 $480 3
$34.20 $310 4
Cigna $40.80 $480 3

Special Needs plans

Special Needs plans are unique. Eligibility requirements for Special Needs Medicare in Buffalo, New York, include dual chronic disabilities and special needs.

Wellcare (LOCAL PPO) has a $3,450 deductible and zero-dollar premium, while UnitedHealthcare (HMO) requires a $3,450 MOOP and features a $0 premium. Nascentia Health (HMO) features a higher MOOP of $7,550 and requires dual eligibility.

The average cost of Medicare Special Needs plans in Buffalo, New York

PLAN PREMIUM MOOP Plan Type Eligibility
Wellcare $0 $3,450 LOCAL PPO Dual
Nascentia Health $0 $7,550 HMO Dual
Humana $0 $3,450 LOCAL PPO Dual
$0 $3,450 HMO Dual
Aetna $0 $7,550 HMO Dual

How to sign up for Medicare plans in Buffalo

To sign up for supplemental Medicare in Buffalo, New York, speak to the experts at Medigap.com. We’ll compare plans to help you find the best one. Give us a call or complete our rate form to get rates now.

Written By:
Picture of the author
Lindsay Malzone, Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com. She's been contributing to many well-known publications since 2017. Her passion is educating Medicare beneficiaries on all their supplemental Medicare options so they can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage.
Reviewed By:
Picture of the expert
Rodolfo Marrero, Rodolfo Marrero is one of the co-founders at Medigap.com. He has been helping consumers find the right coverage since the site was founded in 2013. Rodolfo is a licensed insurance agent that works hand-in-hand with the team to ensure the accuracy of the content.