Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut for 2023
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
If you live in Connecticut and you're thinking about enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, you're not alone. This year nearly half (48%) of all people with Medicare will join a Medicare Advantage plan because they want lower costs, more benefits, and access to more doctors and other healthcare providers.
Our online tools can help you find the best Medicare Advantage plans available that meet your needs. Below is a summary of the Connecticut market. This will allow you to get a clear idea of the top plan options available, the top-rated plan providers, and what you should expect to pay each month in premiumsA premium is an amount that an insurance policyholder must pay for coverage. Premiums are typically paid on a monthly basis. In the federal Medicare program, there are four different types of premiums. .
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Advantage PlansMedicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans from private insurance companies that are available to people eligible for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B). are available to U.S. citizens and legal U.S. residents living in Connecticut who are enrolled in Original MedicareOriginal Medicare is private fee-for-service health insurance for people on Medicare. It has two parts. Part A is hospital coverage. Part B is medical coverage..
- Insurance plans are offered by private health insurance companies and provide an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits in your Connecticut County.
- Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut are required to provide at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, but they may also provide additional benefits such as vision, dental, and hearing coverage.
- Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage, which is not available with Original Medicare. A stand-alone Medicare Part DMedicare Part D plans are an option Medicare beneficiaries can use to get prescription drug coverage. Part D plans provide cost-sharing on covered medications in four different phases:Â deductible, initial coverage, coverage gap, and catastrophic. Each... plans available in Connecticut can be added if the health plan does not include Part D.
- Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut may have different cost-sharing requirements than Original Medicare, such as copaymentsA copayment, also known as a copay, is a set dollar amount you are required to pay for a medical service., coinsuranceCoinsurance is a percentage of the total you are required to pay for a medical service. , and deductiblesA deductible is an amount a beneficiary must pay for their health care expenses before the health insurance policy begins to pay its share.. Be sure to compare plans, including prices, quality and affordable out-of-pocket costsOut-of-Pocket Costs for Medicare are the remaining costs that are not covered by the beneficiary's health insurance plan. These costs can come from the beneficiary's monthly premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments., to determine the best Medicare insurance for your situation.
- Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut may also have different provider networks than Original Medicare, so it is important to make sure that your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-networkDoctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers that agree to health plan members' services and supplies at a set price are in-network providers. With some health plans, your care is only covered if you get....
- Medicare Advantage insurance has specific open enrollment periods. Unlike Medicare Supplement plans, you cannot join, switch, or drop a plan outside of an enrollment period.
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Who Has The Best Plans in Connecticut?
Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the U.S. Federal agency that runs the Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Programs. (CMS) reviews and rates all Medicare Advantage plans in Connecticut based on a 5-star scale. Input for the ratings comes from information that each plan self-reports, as well as individual member complaints. (Read more about Medicare star ratings.)
There are no 5-star plans in Connecticut in 2023. However, there are 4.5-star plans. This year, the highest rated Medicare plans available in Connecticut come from:
- Humana
MedicareWireMedicareWire is a Medicare insurance consulting agency. We founded MedicareWire after seeing and hearing how confusing and frustrating it is to find, understand, and choose a plan. Our services are free to the consumer. recommends evaluating plans from these Connecticut health insurance companies first. Why? Because more stars mean a better plan. For instance, members may get better care, customer service, and phone support from a 5-star plan than from a 4-star one.
IMPORTANT: Depending on where you live in Connecticut, Medicare Advantage plans may have many valuable benefits (as compared to Original Medicare). But, before you choose, it's crucial that you understand the potential disadvantage of Medicare Advantage plans, as well as Medigap vs Advantage plans. Compare coverage and costs with care to find the plan best suited to your health and financial needs.
Complete List of Connecticut's 2023 Providers
Connecticut's Medicare Advantage plans are offered by 8 plan providers, including:
- Aetna Medicare
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- CarePartners of Connecticut
- Cigna
- ConnectiCare
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
- Wellcare
Top Ranked 2023 Plans in Connecticut
Here are the top-ranked 2023 Medicare Advantage plans in Connecticut, according to the Centers for Medicare & MedicaidMedicaid is a public health insurance program that provides health care coverage to low-income families and individuals in the United States. Services:
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut
| Provider | Plan ID | Plan Name | Premium | Limit | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | H5216-288 | HumanaChoice H5216-288 (PPO) | $19.00 | $4,800 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-289 | HumanaChoice H5216-289 (PPO) | $0.00 | $4,800 | 4.5 |
| CarePartners of Connecticut | H5273-001 | CarePartners of CT CareAdvantage Preferred (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,900 | 4.0 |
| CarePartners of Connecticut | H5273-002 | CarePartners of CT CareAdvantage Prime (HMO) | $39.00 | $4,900 | 4.0 |
| UnitedHealthcare | H0755-030 | UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plan 1 (HMO-POS) | $84.00 | $4,700 | 4.0 |
| UnitedHealthcare | H0755-031 | UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plan 2 (HMO-POS) | $25.00 | $6,000 | 4.0 |
| UnitedHealthcare | H0755-033 | UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plan 3 (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $6,700 | 4.0 |
Whether or not you can join a plan from one of the top-rated providers depends on where you live. If your Connecticut County has the plan you want, and you qualify, you can enroll. Medicare Advantage plans are regional. Generally speaking, larger urban areas have more plan options than rural areas.
Best Plans in Connecticut by County
Choose your Connecticut County below to see the best (and the worst) 2023 plans.
For fast, friendly assistance call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) .
How to Select The Best Plan
If you’re approaching the age of 65, navigating a special enrollment event, or looking to review your plan options ahead of the Annual Enrollment PeriodThe Annual Enrollment Period is when Medicare beneficiaries can join, drop or change Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. AEP begins on 15 October and ends on 7 December., there are a number of details you need to consider when comparing your options.
1. Consider Your Expected Utilization
Utilization is what determines your overall cost. Healthy individuals use fewer healthcare services. These people can save money by evaluating plans with low monthly premiums. Be aware that these plans often have higher copayments and a higher maximum out-of-pocket limit.
The opposite is true if you have one or more health conditions and frequently use healthcare services, especially hospital inpatient careInpatient care refers to care provided in a hospital or other inpatient facility. Inpatients are admitted and stay at least one night depending on their condition.. In this case, plans with higher monthly premiums, low copayments, and low maximum out-of-pocket limits will help you save money.
2. Evaluate Your Prescription Costs
Prescription drugs, not doctors, are what many seniors blame for driving up their healthcare costs. Part D prescription benefits are included with most Medicare Advantage plans. It would be best if you made sure that the plan you choose covers your drugs at a price you can afford.
3. Understand Your Additional Coverage Needs
Original Medicare does not all health care costs. It covers your major medical and some preventive care services, but it does not cover dental, vision, hearing, or prescriptions. A growing number of Medicare Advantage plans cover many of the essential services that your Part A and Part BMedicare Part B is medical coverage for people with Original Medicare benefits. It covers doctor visits, preventative care, tests, durable medical equipment, and supplies. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of most medically necessary healthcare services. benefits do not.
4. Consider Your Healthcare Providers
Medicare Advantage plans have healthcare provider networks. Unfortunately, not all specialists and primary care doctors accept all plans. Many people on Medicare in Connecticut tell us it's difficult to find a plan their doctors take. We can help!
Should I Choose an HMO or PPO plan?
There are many plan options available when shopping for Medicare Advantage plans in Connecticut, including HMO and PPO options. These are some of the differences you should consider before making a plan selection.
- With an HMO you may pay less out-of-pocket, but you will need to choose a primary physician to coordinate your care. Referrals for specialists are often required. Except in an emergency, you must remain within the provider network.
- With a PPO you are not required to get referrals for specialty care. You have the option to get health care outside of the plan's provider network. However, typically you will pay more and the out-of-pocket maximum for out-of-network care will be higher.
Need help choosing? Call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) for plan assistance. There's no obligation.
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
Eligibility
Medicare Advantage plans are available to people ages 65 and older. They are also available to individuals with certain disabilities. When eligible, you can generally join one of these Medicare Advantage Plans:
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
- Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS)
- Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plan
You must live in the service area (i.e., County) of the plan you want to join. If you reside outside the plan's service area for part of the year, ask if the plan will cover you there. You must also have both Medicare Part AMedicare Part A is hospital coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. It covers inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It also covers limited home healthcare services and hospice care. and Part B and be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.
Alternatives
Medicare Advantage Plans are an alternative to Original Medicare coverage. However, there is another option. You can keep your Original Medicare benefits and add one of the best Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut for additional coverage. And, there are Connecticut Medicare Part D plans for coverage of prescription drugs.
Many experts feel Medicare Supplement insuranceMedicare Supplements are additional insurance policies that Medicare beneficiaries can purchase to cover the gaps in their Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) health insurance coverage. plans offer superior financial coverage and the most flexibility. Plus, benefits rarely change and you can get a policy outside of a Medicare enrollment period. However, plans may not be affordable for all Connecticut seniors.
Due to the fact that Medicare Supplement plans cover more costs than Medicare Advantage Plans, their monthly premiums are generally higher. If you cannot afford Medicare's out-of-pocket costs, another alternative is a dual-eligibleDual-eligible beneficiaries are those who receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. It includes beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B while receiving full Medicaid and/or financial assistance through a Medicare Savings Program.... Medicare Special Needs Plan in Connecticut. D-SNP plans help Connecticut seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. D-SNP plans offer quality care at very affordable prices.
Next Steps
Call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) for assistance. There's no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? These common questions and answers might help.
What are the disadvantages of a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage plans may have several disadvantages. Most plans require that their members use their network providers. It is also difficult to budget for healthcare costs as costs are largely determined by your use of healthcare services. Many plans require that members obtain referrals to a specialist before they are authorized to receive a service. Discover more disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans.
How much does Medicare Advantage cost in Connecticut?
On average, the cost of a Medicare Advantage plan in Connecticut is $27.03 (based on 2023 rates). That's just the cost of the monthly premium to be in the plan. If you have chronic health conditions, the plan's out-of-pocket costs, including copays and deductibles, should also be considered. Additionally, Medicare Advantage plans often include Part D prescription drug benefits that have out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy.
What are Medicare Advantage plans required to cover?
Approved Medicare Advantage plans sold in Connecticut must, at a minimum, cover everything that's in Original Medicare. But plans do not have to cover healthcare services at the same cost as Original Medicare. For example, Medicare Part A covers about 80% of hospital stays, skilled nursing care, home health careHealth care services and supplies a doctor decides you may receive in your home under a plan of care established by your doctor. Medicare only covers home health care on a limited basis as ordered..., and hospiceHospice is a special way of caring for people who are terminally ill. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach that addresses the medical, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. care. Whereas Part B provides coverage for about 80% of outpatient services, including lab tests and doctor visits. Medicare Advantage plans set their own copays and deductibles, and often charge more than 20%. However, plans have an annual limit and Original Medicare doesn't.
Methodology and Sources
Our analysis of the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in Connecticut excludes employer group plans, Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs), Medicare Savings Account Plans (MSAs), Special Needs Plans (SNPs), and plans that do not include Part D benefits.
CMS rates and reviews health plans in several categories, including delivery of health care, member experience and customer service. When comparing plan ratings, we use state-specific data, not CMS' nationwide figures.
Medicare Advantage plan data is sourced from CMS public use files (see: Citations & References). When needed, we combined affiliated companies to calculate insurer averages.
Our research does not include Connecticut's Medicare Advantage SNP Plans. We evaluate these plans separately. We also did not include plans without Part D benefits for prescription drugs, employer plans, or Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs). If you're not looking for a Medicare Advantage plan but want to cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare plan doesn't cover, MedicareWire also ranked the best Medigap Plans in Connecticut.
Citations & References
- CMS.gov, 2023 Medicare Part C Landscape Source Files, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- CMS.gov, "5-STAR PLAN RATINGS", Last Accessed October 22, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed October 16, 2022
- KFF.org, "Medicare Advantage 2022 Spotlight: First Look", Last Accessed November 2, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "How to join a Medicare Advantage Plan", Last Accessed October 11, 2022
- CMS.gov, Part C and D Performance Data, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- CMS.gov, Monthly MA Enrollment by State/County/Contract, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- CMS.gov, Biden-Harris Administration Announces Lower Premiums for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans in 2023, Last Accessed September 29, 2022
- CMS.gov, Medicare Marketing Guidelines, Last Accessed February 2, 2023
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About
The Medicare Advantage information on the page was researched and published by David Bynon, and was last updated on .
Our content follows the guidance provided by the Medicare Marketing Guidelines on CMS.gov. If you believe the information on this page is inaccurate, please contact us.