In Rhode Island, approximately 223,000 residents have some form of Medicare coverage. A total of 131,085 residents have Original Medicare plans, while 92,781 have Medicare Advantage coverage or some other form of supplemental Medicare plan. Those in Cranston, Rhode Island, have access to all of these.
Cranston, Rhode Island Medicare plans
While 14.5% of Cranston, Rhode Island residents have an Original Medicare plan. However, some people may find that their Medicare benefits don’t cover their medical expenses and choose to take advantage of private Medicare Advantage plans.
This guide looks at various supplemental Medicare plans in Cranston, RI, with average quotes for a 65-year-old woman.
Affordable Medicare Advantage plans in Cranston, Rhode Island
Cranston residents can choose from 14 Medicare Advantage plans that consolidate their Medicare Part A and B plans while adding additional benefits. As the number of Medicare beneficiaries continues to rise in Cranston, RI, you can expect more providers to start offering a wider variety of plans in the future.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island offers a five-star rated HMO-based Advantage plan with a $0 monthly fee and an annual $3,500 maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit. The same provider also offers an HMO-POS plan with a $0 and $5,000 MOOP.
If you want something more national, Aetna has a three-star rated plan with a $0 premium and $5,900 MOOP limit. The plan only covers local providers that have Medicare approval. That said, there’s a $0 deductible for in-network medical care.
Commonwealth is another national healthcare insurer that offers a local PPO plan. The plan has no monthly cost and a relatively low MOOP limit of $4,500. Once you’ve spent $4,500 on healthcare in a year, the plan will cover the rest of your costs for the term of the plan.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| Aetna | $0 | $5,900 | LOCAL PPO | 3 |
| Wellcare | $0 | $5,500 | LOCAL PPO | N/A |
| Commonwealth | $0 | $4,500 | LOCAL PPO | N/A |
| BCBS of Rhode Island | $0 | $3,500 | HMO | 5 |
| BCBS of Rhode Island | $0 | $5,000 | HMO-POS | 5 |
Cheapest Medicare Supplement plans in Cranston, Rhode Island
Medicare Supplement plans, sometimes known as Medigap plans, aren’t Medicare replacements but cover “gap” costs, such as copayments and coinsurance. Medigap plan benefits are the same across the country, with the only difference being how much you’ll pay in monthly premiums.
The most popular Medigap plan is Plan G which offers comprehensive coverage for most Medicare costs, but since 2020 it won’t cover your Medicare Part B deductible or prescription drugs. It costs between $123 and $347 per month, depending on factors including age and health history.
A more affordable option is Plan HDG which offers similar coverage to Plan G but comes with a high deductible amount of $2,490. The monthly premium is between $29 and $46.40, making it an appealing option for people who can afford the higher deductible.
Plan N is another high-coverage option covering Part A deductibles, Part A and Part B coinsurance, and 80% of foreign medical expenses. With a monthly cost of between $85.49 and $267.28, it’s a great alternative to Plan G if you’re comfortable making copayments for physician visits. However, Plan N doesn’t cover Part B excess charges.
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $78.67 | $302.08 |
| PLAN B | $120.91 | $300.25 |
| PLAN C | $145.31 | $360.25 |
| PLAN D | $127.97 | $204.65 |
| PLAN F | $132.21 | $362.12 |
| PLAN HDF | $29.00 | $70.75 |
| PLAN G | $123.35 | $347.35 |
| PLAN HDG | $29.00 | $46.40 |
| PLAN K | $44.20 | $111.62 |
| PLAN L | $81.41 | $203.12 |
| PLAN M | $117.26 | $221.61 |
| PLAN N | $85.49 | $267.28 |
Average Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
Original Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans in Cranston, Rhode Island, don’t cover prescription medication. Medicare Part D plans are standalone options covering prescription medication costs.
Aetna has a three-star rated Plan D option for $7.40 per month, with a $480 deductible. That deductible drops to $0 for Tier 1 drugs. This plan also has copays, depending on the type of medication you need.
UnitedHealthcare is one of Cranston’s top Plan D providers, with a four-star rating. The plan costs $29.30 monthly but only has a $310 deductible. That deductible doesn’t apply to Tier 1 drugs, which have a $0 deductible.
Another four-star-rated plan is Humana’s Plan D, which costs $22.70 per month and has a $480 deductible. That deductible falls to $0 for Tier 1 and 2 drugs. The plan also offers cost-sharing with certain pharmacies.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING |
| Aetna | $7.40 | $480 | 3 |
| Wellcare | $13.00 | $480 | 3 |
| Humana | $22.70 | $480 | 4 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $29.30 | $310 | 4 |
| Cigna | $32.10 | $480 | 3 |
Medicare Special Needs plans
Some health insurance providers offer a unique type of Medicare Advantage plan known as a Special Needs Plan (SNP). The SNP covers medical costs related to chronic disabilities or other special needs. While not available everywhere, Cranston residents have several options to consider.
UnitedHealthcare offers a dual-eligibility SNP for no monthly cost and with a $7,550 MOOP. This HMO-based plan restricts you to a certain network of physicians and won’t cover out-of-network costs. However, it does allocate $3,000 in coverage for dental procedures.
Wellcare provides a local PPO alternative, offering dual eligibility, a $0 premium, and an annual MOOP limit of $3,450. The plan includes coverage for care management services, routine vision, dental care, and even help to get to and from appointments. The annual medical deductible is $0.
BCBS of Rhode Island offers a compromise between the other plans with its HMO-based dual-eligibility plan. It has no monthly premium and a $3,450 annual MOOP limit and offers many special needs-focused benefits, including prescription medication. It even offers coverage for a fitness program.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Wellcare | $0 | $3,450 | LOCAL PPO | Dual |
| BCBS of Rhode Island | $0 | $3,450 | HMO | Dual |
| Commonwealth | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| UnitedHealthcare | $36.30 | $1,800 | LOCAL PPO | Institutional |
FAQs
Is Medicare Part A free at age 65 in Cranston, Rhode Island?
Medicare Part A is free for every Rhode Island resident over 65 under certain conditions. These include receiving benefits from Social Security or having a spouse who paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years.
When can I enroll in Medicare Advantage plans in Cranston, RI?
Most Medicare Advantage plans have an enrollment period, often from January 1 to March 31. You can also enroll for Medicare Advantage during your Initial Coverage Election Period.
Which Medigap plan offers the most coverage in Cranston, Rhode Island
Medigap Plans C and F in Cranston, Rhode Island, offer the most comprehensive coverage but are more expensive than other Medigap plans. High-deductible plans provide a more affordable alternative, though at a much higher deductible cost.
What happens if I refuse Medicare Part D in Cranston, RI?
You must sign up for Medicare Part D during your Initial Enrollment Period. If you don’t sign up during this period, you’ll need to pay a late enrollment penalty, but you’ll still get the plan’s benefits.
What does Medicare Part B cover in Cranston, Rhode Island?
Medicare Part B covers a wide range of outpatient and preventative services. These may include ambulances and mental health services. Visit the official Medicare government page for a complete list of covered services.
How to sign up for Medicare plans in Cranston, Rhode Island
Supplemental Medicare can complement your existing Medicare coverage, but finding the right option can be tricky.
Our licensed experts can help you by contacting most insurance providers and helping you decide which plan works best for your situation and budget.
So give us a call or take a moment to complete our online rate form. This will connect you with the best rates in your area.
