Medigap - American Continental Insurance or AARP / Unitedhealthcare

[Snidely Whiplash]

Explained in detail elsewhere, Wife is 55 years old with a very rare stage 4 pancreatic cancer that has spread to liver. Neuroendocrine tumors and radiation treatments have been effective so she could realistically have several years (hopefully more). She will be put on Medicare in a month and we need to find a Medigap plan (Florida is a "must-issue" state wrt to Medigap plans).

I've contacted Florida SHIP agency but the counselor was less than helpful. I've contacted an insurance agent who has given us the following quotes:

Plan F - American Continental Insurance $371 per month
Plan F - AARP / United Healthcare $609 per month

The agent says American Continental Insurance is a subsidiary of Aetna Insurance. I have no experience with them and would appreciate any insights from anyone who has.

We have had a regular United Healthcare policy for many years and they have been very good to us. Once we make this choice we will be locked into it until (if) my wife gets to 65 years old.

The rate difference is significant but I don't know how to compare quality of service etc between the two companies. Any help or suggestions appreciated.

[MBSC]

The American Continental HD-F plan is popular with those age 65+. I do not hesitate to recommend them as a Medigap insurer. They have an under 65 Plan G in Florida that runs about $330/yr less than your Plan F quote. The Part B deductible is $183.

UHC/AARP does not offer direct enrollment in an under 65 Florida Plan G. After a person is enrolled in Plan F, UHC/AARP usually lets them downgrade to G with a simple phone call to customer service (no underwriting) but I don't know if it's allowed for under 65 in Florida. You may want to look into this. The total cost of their Plan G including deductible may be more competitive.

[omni550]

I've been on Medicare Supplemental American Continental Insurance Plan G for 2 years. I've been in good health, so haven't had much use of it. I used it for a basic physical exam and a mammogram. It looks like it is Aetna, from the paperwork I've seen.

I did 'jam' my ankle in a weird situation about a year ago. I had no issues with their covering my Xrays, doctor visit, and follow-up meeting with an ankle surgeon (who verified I didn't need ankle surgery).

FWIW, I just renewed my policy with American Continental.

omni

[Snidely Whiplash]

Thanks to both of you for taking the time to reply! Hearing that you are both happy with the American Continental company gives me considerable peace of mind.

We have a six-month window to select the plan via the "must issue" status but then we are locked in for at least 10 years so I am very wary about making the wrong choice.

Again, I'm grateful for your recommendations and input.