Americo Medigap Plans Review
Americo offers affordable rates, household discounts up to 10 percent, and several Medigap plans to choose from.
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Americo Life Inc., one of the biggest privately owned insurance companies in the U.S., gives seniors the option to choose from four Medigap plans. Though this number is smaller than some competitors we’ve reviewed, like Aetna, the Kansas City-based company provides affordable premiums and great household discounts for older adults looking to save a few bucks per month. Read on as we cover everything you need to know about Americo.
Americo at a Glance
Pros About Americo
- Affordable premiums
- 10 percent household discount
- Trusted for over 100 years
Cons About Americo
- Only available in 34 states
- Offers fewer plan options than competitors
- Must call for a quote
Overview of Americo’s Medigap Plans
Americo sells five of the 10 available Medigap plans: A, F, high-deductible F, G, and N. This simplification in selection has its pros and cons, of course. When there are only five options, it is easier to compare plans and not get overwhelmed. However, older adults may not find a plan that meets their needs. For example, if you’re looking for a Plan K or Plan L option, we suggest checking out our UnitedHealthcare review or Humana review to see if their Medigap plans meet your needs.
Plans | Benefits | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part A Deductible | Part A Coinsurance | Skilled Nursing Coinsurance | Part B Deductible | Part B Coinsurance | Foreign Travel | Excess Charges | |
Plan A | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Plan F* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
High Deductible Plan F* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Plan G | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Plan N | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
*Due to changes made by the federal government, plans C, F, and high-deductible F aren't available to seniors who first became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Which Americo Medigap Plan Is Right for Me?
Plan A: Basic Coverage
If you want coverage for hospital stays, home health care, and hospice care, Medigap Plan A can give you the basic coverage you need at a relatively low premium. However, you will need to save room in your budget to pay the Medicare Part A ($1,632 in 2024) and Part B ($240 in 2024)1 deductibles if needed.
Plan F: Good Coverage for Pre-2020 Enrollees
Plan F was the most popular Medigap plan selected before the federal government put a halt on new enrollees selecting the plan starting in 2020. If you were already enrolled in Plan F before 2020, you can keep your coverage. The monthly premium is high for Plan F, but if you’re a senior who needs frequent medical care, you can rest assured that copays and deductibles are taken care of.
Pro Tip: Want to compare plans from other popular providers to Americo? Check out our list of this year’s best Medigap plans.
High-Deductible Plan F: Low-Cost Coverage for Pre-2020 Enrollees in Good Health
Prior to 2020, high-deductible Plan F was another favored Medigap choice for older adults. This plan offers identical coverage to Plan F with one prerequisite. You must pay for Medicare-covered costs (coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles) up to the deductible amount ($2,800 in 2021).2 If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, but not yet enrolled, you may be able to purchase a high-deductible Plan F plan.
Plan G: Comprehensive Coverage for New Medicare Enrollees
Plan G provides the most comprehensive coverage for older adults. If you have frequent medical appointments or are diagnosed with a chronic illness, this will give you the best coverage. Keep in mind the premiums may be a bit higher. Very similar to Plan F, Plan G covers almost everything, minus the Part B deductible. As a result, you’ll need to pay the Medicare Part B deductible before your insurance benefits kick in.
Plan N: Low Premium
If you’re an older adult living on a tight budget but still want decent coverage, Plan N may be for you. Your monthly premium will be lower with Plan N, but be prepared to pay for Part B deductible, coinsurance, and any excess charges.
How Much Do Americo Medigap Plans Cost?
To get a quote on Americo’s four plans, you can either call Americo directly or start the process online. If you decide to go the online route, you’ll input your name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and a few other details on the company’s website. Then, you’ll be directed to call an Americo representative for an accurate quote. The representative will have all of your information on hand to make the call as painless and quick as possible!
Americo offers a significant 10 percent household discount, which is five percent more than UnitedHealthcare. For seniors with a spouse, it is beneficial for both to purchase an Americo Medigap policy.
Keep In Mind: When comparing plans and premiums between supplemental insurance providers, take this household discount into consideration. It could be the tipping point between the two providers you're considering!
Since your monthly premium will be dependent on where you live, your age, and gender, you’ll need to speak with an Americo agent to get a personalized quote. Unlike many other Medigap providers, Americo doesn’t offer online quotes, which might be a drawback for some customers. However, speaking with an agent ensures you get the best rates and plan for your needs.
How to Buy an Americo Medigap Policy
As we’ve mentioned, you’ll need to sign up for an Americo Medigap plan over the phone, but you can provide some information and start the process online if you’d like. If you want to give Americo’s process a shot, we’ve outlined the steps below. You can also call Americo directly and speak with an agent for a no-fuss process.
Step 1
Head to the Americo website, enter the state you reside in, and click “Find Plans.”
Step 2
Enter your first and last name.
Step 3
Enter your email address.
Step 4
Enter your date of birth.
Step 5
Answer three questions about yourself.
Step 6
Enter your ZIP code.
Step 7
Enter your phone number.
FYI: An Americo insurance may contact you by phone or text through the number you provide. Enter a phone number you are comfortable being reached at.
Step 8
You will then be directed to call Americo for an accurate quote. The agent will have the answers to all of the questions you previously answered online on hand. Once you’ve gone over your options and selected a plan, the Americo representative will help you complete the enrollment process.
Tip from the Pros: To get the best prices and selection of Medigap policies, make sure to purchase a policy during your six-month initial enrollment period. This six-month enrollment period begins the month of your 65th birthday.
Americo: The Bottom Line
In the U.S., nearly 6 in 10 people are worried about how they would pay for the medical expenses associated with a major accident or illness.3 A Medigap policy from Americo gives older adults the peace of mind and security that their out-of-pocket medical expenses are reduced. Though Americo has limited plan options compared to providers we’ve reviewed, like Colonial Penn and lacks an online application process, they make up for it with their low premiums and generous household discount. If you’re hunting for a good deal, we think getting a quote for an Americo Medigap policy in your area is worth the time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Americo
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How much does a Medigap policy from Americo cost per month?
Your monthly premium is dependent on your location, age, and gender. Rates can be lower than $100 a month, or they can be over $200 a month based on your specific circumstance.
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What is a Medigap policy?
Medicare Part A and Part B only cover about 80 percent of medical expenses. A Medigap policy can absorb some of that leftover 20 percent and provide financial security.
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Which is the best Americo Medigap policy?
The most popular plan is Plan G, as it provides the most comprehensive coverage. If you’re looking for a plan with a lower premium than Plan G, Plan N from Americo may be a better option.
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How do I know if I am eligible for a Medigap policy?
You can apply for a Medigap policy once you’re 65 or older. It is best to apply during the six-month enrollment period, which begins the month you turn 65.
Medicare.gov. (2021). Costs.
Medicare.gov. (2021). How to compare Medigap policies.
Gallup. (2018). Paying for Medical Crises, Retirement Lead Financial Fears.