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Best Medicare Coverage for Travelers: What Agents Should Know

For clients who love to travel; whether across state lines or around the world, having the right Medicare coverage is essential. As an agent, helping beneficiaries understand what their plan does and doesn’t cover can prevent costly surprises and strengthen your value as a trusted advisor. Below is a breakdown of the best Medicare coverage for travelers and what makes them stand out.

One of the most common misconceptions is that Original Medicare offers extensive travel protection. While Part A and Part B provide nationwide coverage, they offer very limited benefits outside the United States. This is why many travelers lean on Medigap or specific Medicare Advantage plans for more robust protection.

Medigap Plans: The Gold Standard for International Travel

For clients who spend time abroad, certain Medigap plans; specifically Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N include limited foreign travel emergency benefits. These plans typically cover 80% of approved emergency medical costs after a small annual deductible, giving travelers peace of mind during unexpected situations. Medigap also shines for domestic travelers since it works with any provider who accepts Medicare, making it ideal for RVers, snowbirds, and retirees who move between states.

Watch a YouTube video on Medicare Supplements vs Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans for Travel Flexibility

While Medicare Advantage plans can be restrictive due to network rules, some MA plans are designed with travelers in mind. PPO and Regional PPO plans often allow out-of-network coverage at higher cost-sharing, which can be helpful for clients who split time between locations. Some plans also include worldwide emergency or urgent care benefits, a valuable feature for international travel. Agents should review network strength, coverage areas, and emergency care provisions when guiding clients who are on the move.

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Part D and Prescription Access on the Road

Prescription drug access is another key consideration. Clients traveling domestically should choose a Part D plan with a broad pharmacy network or strong mail-order benefits. For travelers abroad, emphasize traveling with sufficient medication, since Part D does not cover drugs purchased outside the U.S.

Helping Clients Choose the Right Fit

Understanding a client’s travel habits helps you recommend the best Medicare option. Long-term international travelers may lean toward Medigap, while domestic travelers with predictable patterns may find strong value in certain Medicare Advantage PPOs.

By highlighting the coverage differences and asking the right questions upfront, agents can confidently guide their travel-savvy clients to Medicare solutions that protect their health no matter where the journey takes them.

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Medicare Supplement Plan Sales Growth

As Medicare Advantage plans undergo major changes for 2026, more seniors are taking a closer look at Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage. With tighter MA budgets, reduced benefits, and growing network concerns, Medigap is becoming the go-to choice for beneficiaries who want simplicity, stability, and predictable healthcare costs. This has helped with Medicare Supplement plan sales growth.

Why Medicare Advantage Changes Are Driving the Shift

For 2026, many Medicare Advantage carriers are reducing cost-sharing perks, scaling back extras, and becoming more selective with enrollment growth. Factor in increased marketing scrutiny and commission pressure, and the MA landscape feels less predictable than it has in years.

Seniors are noticing; many are now reevaluating whether MA plans still fit their needs.

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Why Medicare Supplement Plans Stand Out in 2026

1. Predictable Costs and Simple Coverage

Medigap helps shield members from unexpected bills by covering the gaps in Original Medicare. Plan G and other popular options remain consistent year after year.

2. Freedom From Networks

Members can see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare; no referrals, no authorizations, and no surprises.

3. Long-Term Stability

While MA benefits change annually, Medigap benefits do not. This makes Medigap especially appealing amid shifting MA offerings.

How to Position Medigap in Your Sales Strategy

• Lead with predictability: Emphasize long-term cost stability compared to fluctuating MA benefits.
• Highlight provider freedom: Seniors frustrated with shrinking MA networks respond well to Medigap’s nationwide access.
• Target MA switchers: Many beneficiaries use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period to move into more stable coverage.
• Educate early: Start conversations before annual plan changes create confusion or frustration.

Watch a quick YouTube video on MA OEP best practices

Key Takeaways

• Medicare Advantage plans are cutting back on supplemental benefits and tightening networks for 2026.
• Medicare Supplement plans offer predictability, nationwide access, and long-term stability.
• Demand is increasing as seniors seek more control and fewer surprises.
• Agents can leverage this shift to build trust, long-term relationships, and stronger retention.

As Medicare Advantage plans tighten benefits in 2026, Medicare Supplement insurance stands out as a stable, reliable alternative. For agents, this shift presents a strong opportunity to guide clients toward coverage that offers flexibility, control, and predictable healthcare spending.

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Why Medicare Supplement Rates Are Increasing

Many Medicare beneficiaries have recently noticed that their Medicare Supplement (Medigap) premiums are climbing; sometimes more than expected. The Medicare supplement rate increases can be frustrating, especially for retirees on fixed incomes. However, there are several factors driving these adjustments that help explain why costs are rising across the board.

Rising Healthcare Costs Nationwide

Healthcare costs in the United States continue to rise each year, driven by inflation in hospital charges, doctor fees, prescription drug prices, and medical technology. Medicare Supplement insurance companies base their premiums on the cost of paying future claims. As healthcare services become more expensive, insurers must collect more in premiums to keep up with the cost of covering beneficiaries’ care.

An Aging Policyholder Population

As people age, they typically require more frequent and costly medical care. Medicare Supplement plans, particularly those with long-standing enrollees, experience higher claim volumes as the average age of their members increases. When claims outpace the amount collected in premiums, insurers must adjust rates to remain financially stable.

Inflation and Administrative Expenses

General economic inflation affects almost every industry; including insurance. Administrative expenses such as employee wages, technology costs, and compliance requirements have all increased in recent years. Insurers incorporate these higher operating costs into their premium calculations, which contributes to annual rate increases.

Medical Advancements and Utilization

Medical advancements help seniors live longer and healthier lives, but they also come with higher price tags. New treatments, diagnostic tools, and specialized therapies often cost more than older alternatives. At the same time, people are using more healthcare services overall, from preventive screenings to outpatient procedures, raising total claim costs and, ultimately, premiums.

Plan Type and Rating Method

The way a Medicare Supplement plan is priced also affects future rate increases. There are three main rating methods:

• Community-rated: Everyone pays the same rate regardless of age. Increases are usually due to inflation or claim experience.
• Issue-age-rated: Rates are based on the age when you enroll; increases come from inflation and claims, not your age.
• Attained-age-rated: Rates start lower but increase as you age, plus inflation and claim adjustments.

Those enrolled in attained-age plans often experience the steepest long-term increases.

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Smaller Risk Pools and Market Shifts

As Medicare Advantage enrollment continues to grow, fewer people are buying new Medicare Supplement plans. A smaller pool of members means less spread of risk, which can cause rates to rise faster for remaining policyholders. Additionally, some carriers exit certain states or discontinue specific plans, leaving fewer options and less competition.

Watch a video on the special enrollment periods for discontinued Medicare advantage plans

Managing Future Increases

While rising premiums are often unavoidable, beneficiaries can take steps to manage their costs. Reviewing your plan annually, comparing rates from other carriers, or switching to a different Medigap plan type may help reduce expenses. Working with a licensed Medicare agent ensures you understand your options and can make informed decisions based on your health needs and budget.

Medicare Supplement rate increases reflect broader trends in healthcare spending, demographics, and the insurance market. While the numbers may fluctuate, understanding the reasons behind them helps seniors plan ahead and make the most of their Medicare coverage.

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Deductibles and Other Medical Costs: What They Mean for Your Healthcare Budget

Healthcare terms can feel confusing, especially when it comes to how much you’ll actually pay for medical services. One of the most important pieces to understand when choosing insurance, or reviewing your current coverage, are deductibles and other medical costs.

These costs directly impact what you spend before your insurance steps in and how much you’re responsible for throughout the year. Understanding them helps you plan better, compare plans accurately, and avoid unexpected medical bills.

What Is a Deductible

A deductible is the amount you must pay for covered healthcare services before your insurance begins to share the costs.

For example, if your deductible is $2,500, you pay the first $2,500 of covered medical expenses yourself. After you meet your deductible, your insurance typically starts paying a portion of costs (often through coinsurance).

Think of the deductible as your first layer of financial responsibility in your insurance plan.

What Are Out-of-Pocket Costs

Out-of-pocket costs are expenses you’re responsible for when receiving care. They may include:

• Deductibles
• Copayments (fixed dollar amounts per service)
• Coinsurance (a percentage of the cost of services)
• Non-covered services

When comparing plans, look not only at the deductible but also the overall cost-sharing structure. A low-deductible plan may have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket expenses when you receive care and vice versa.

Understanding the Out-of-Pocket Maximum

Most health insurance plans also include an out-of-pocket maximum (OOPM). This is the most you’ll pay in a policy year for covered services. Once you reach that limit, your insurance covers 100% of eligible expenses for the remainder of the year.

This limit is an important financial safeguard, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or unexpected medical events.

Watch a Video on Medicare IRMAA & Part B SEP Rules

Why Your Deductible and OOP Spending Matter

Knowing your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum helps you:

• Budget healthcare expenses
• Select a plan that fits your needs
• Avoid surprises when receiving care
• Plan ahead for prescriptions, specialists, or procedures
• Understand how preventive services are covered (This is key; many preventive services are covered before deductible!)

Tips for Choosing the Right Plan

When evaluating health plans, consider:

• How often you visit doctors
• Whether you take ongoing prescriptions
• Expected medical needs (e.g., planned surgery, therapies)
• Monthly premium cost versus potential annual expenses
• Your comfort level with risk and unexpected bills

People who expect regular medical care may benefit from lower deductibles and higher premiums. Those who rarely seek care may prefer a lower-premium, higher-deductible option.

Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs aren’t just insurance jargon; they are vital components of your financial health plan. Understanding them helps you to make smarter decisions and choose coverage that protects both your health and your wallet.

If you are an agent who is ready to join the team at Crowe – click here for online contract.

If you ever feel uncertain about comparing plans or estimating potential costs, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Being informed is the first step to confident healthcare decisions. That is why working with a licensed insurance agent is so important.

Agents stay updated on agent events and information

The Medigap Birthday Rule: A Unique Opportunity for Medicare Beneficiaries

If you or your clients have a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap), there’s a little-known rule that can save money and improve coverage and it’s called the Medigap Birthday Rule. This rule is an excellent opportunity for beneficiaries to switch Medigap plans without going through medical underwriting, but it only applies in certain states and during a very specific timeframe. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the Medigap Birthday Rule

The Medigap Birthday Rule is a state-level regulation that allows Medicare beneficiaries to switch to another Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits each year around their birthday, without answering health questions or going through medical underwriting.

Normally, after the initial Medigap open enrollment period (which happens when someone first signs up for Medicare Part B), switching Medigap plans could require underwriting; meaning the insurance company can deny coverage or charge more based on health history. The Birthday Rule removes that barrier, making it easier for people to shop for a better premium or a different carrier’s plan.

How the Rule Works

The details of the rule depend on the state you live in, but generally:

• Eligibility: You must already have a Medigap plan in place.
• When You Can Switch: You have a short window each year, usually starting on your birthday (some states give you up to 60 days, others 30).
• What You Can Switch To: You can move to a Medigap plan with the same or lesser benefits; for example, switching from Plan G with one company to Plan G with another, or from Plan F to Plan N.
• No Underwriting: You don’t have to answer health questions, so pre-existing conditions won’t prevent you from switching.

Watch our YouTube video on Medicare Supplement underwriting

States That Offer the Birthday Rule

As of 2025, the Medigap Birthday Rule is available in several states, including:

• California
• Oregon
• Illinois
• Nevada
• Idaho
• Louisiana
• Kentucky (newer version of the rule)

Each state’s version is slightly different, so it’s essential to check the exact length of the switching window and eligibility criteria.

Why the Birthday Rule Matters

For beneficiaries, this rule can mean:

• Lower Premiums: Shop for the same coverage at a better price.
• More Carrier Choices: If you’re unhappy with your current insurer, you can switch without worrying about being declined.
• Guaranteed Access: People with health issues who might otherwise be denied coverage can still change plans.

Tips for Agents

If you’re a Medicare agent, the Medigap Birthday Rule is a perfect client retention opportunity:

• Reach out proactively before a client’s birthday to review their coverage.
• Shop carriers and rates to see if they can save money without losing benefits.
• Build trust by showing clients you’re looking out for their financial well-being.

If you are an agent who wants to join the team at Crowe, click here for online contracting

This annual touchpoint can strengthen your book of business and help you stay top-of-mind with clients.

The Medigap Birthday Rule is a valuable consumer protection that gives beneficiaries a yearly chance to make their coverage more affordable; no health questions asked. If you or your clients live in a state that offers it, don’t miss this opportunity. Mark those birthdays on the calendar and be ready to take advantage of this unique enrollment period.

Stay up-to-date on Medicare agent events and information

Why Sell Critical Illness Insurance

When it comes to protecting clients from financial hardship, health coverage alone isn’t always enough. The big question is; why sell critical illness insurance. The answer is: as an insurance agent, you already know the cost of a serious illness can go far beyond hospital bills. That’s where this insurance comes in. Offering this valuable coverage to your clients not only strengthens their financial safety net, but also helps your business grow.

What Is Critical Illness Insurance

Critical illness insurance is a supplemental policy that provides a lump-sum cash benefit if the policyholder is diagnosed with a covered illness such as:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Cancer
• Organ failure
• Major surgery

Unlike health insurance, which pays doctors and hospitals, critical illness insurance puts money directly in your client’s hands to spend however they need.

Why Agents Should Offer It

Fill a Major Coverage Gap

Even clients with excellent health insurance can face substantial out-of-pocket costs; deductibles, co-pays, non-covered treatments, travel expenses for care, and lost income during recovery. Critical illness benefits can bridge that gap, giving clients peace of mind.

Protect Clients’ Financial Well-Being

A major diagnosis can derail a family’s finances. This coverage can help with:

• Mortgage or rent payments
• Childcare
• Utility bills
• Transportation to treatment
• Alternative or experimental treatments not covered by insurance

Helping your clients plan for these “hidden” costs builds trust and shows you care about their full financial picture.

Click here for online contract and join the team at Crowe

Create a New Revenue Stream

Critical illness policies are generally affordable and easy to quote. Adding them to your portfolio can boost your sales without requiring significant additional effort. Many carriers offer simplified underwriting and electronic applications, making the process smooth for both you and your clients.

Cross-Sell Opportunities

Critical illness coverage is a natural add-on for clients purchasing:

• Health insurance
• Medicare Advantage or Supplement plans
• Life insurance
• Disability income insurance

By bundling solutions, you create a comprehensive protection plan and increase client retention.

Watch a quick YouTube video on why sell ancillary products with Medicare

Stand Out from Competitors

Many agents overlook supplemental health products. Offering critical illness insurance shows that you go beyond the basics and are committed to providing complete risk protection for your clients.

Positioning Critical Illness Insurance with Clients

When discussing this coverage, focus on real-life scenarios and emphasize flexibility:

• “If you were diagnosed with cancer tomorrow, would you have enough savings to cover your expenses while you focus on getting better?”
• “This policy gives you cash you can use however you want – not just on medical bills.”

Simple, empathetic conversations often lead to meaningful sales.

Selling critical illness insurance is more than an opportunity to increase commissions – it’s a way to help clients face one of life’s biggest challenges with confidence. By offering this coverage, you can:

• Strengthen your client relationships
• Provide real financial security
• Build a more resilient, profitable business

Stay up-to-date on Medicare agent events and information

Helping clients prepare for the unexpected is what great agents do. Critical illness insurance is an essential piece of that puzzle.

Understanding Medicare Deductibles

Medicare deductibles are one of the most important; and sometimes confusing, parts of how Medicare works. Whether your clients are on Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, understanding Medicare deductibles is an important part of healthcare decisions. Knowing what they are, when they apply, and what services count toward them can help avoid costly surprises.

As an agent, being able to break this down simply is a great way to build trust and guide clients to the right coverage.

What Is a Medicare Deductible

A deductible is the amount a beneficiary must pay out of pocket for covered services before Medicare or their Medicare plan starts sharing the cost.

There are several types of Medicare deductibles:

• Medicare Part A Deductible – applies to each benefit period for inpatient hospital care.
• Medicare Part B Deductible – applies once per calendar year for medical services like doctor visits and outpatient care.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) Deductible – set by the private plan and may apply to medical, drug coverage, or both.
• Medicare Part D Drug Deductible – applies to certain prescription drugs (usually higher-tier medications).

Watch a quick YouTube video on Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplements

Services That Use Deductibles

Here’s what typically applies to each deductible:

• Part A (Hospital) Deductible:
  • Inpatient hospital stays
  • Skilled nursing facility care (after meeting Part A requirements)
  • Some home health care and hospice services
• Part B (Medical) Deductible:
  • Physician visits
  • Outpatient surgery
  • Diagnostic tests (labs, X-rays, imaging)
  • Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
  • Preventive care is usually exempt — covered at 100%
• Medicare Advantage Deductible:
  • Inpatient hospital care (if plan requires it)
  • Outpatient hospital/surgical care
  • Advanced diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans)
  • Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
  • Emergency/urgent care (sometimes)
• Part D Deductible:
  • Applies to most Tier 3 and higher brand-name drugs
  • Generic drugs on lower tiers may bypass the deductible

Services That Skip the Deductible

To keep care accessible, Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans often waive the deductible for:

• Preventive screenings (wellness visit, mammogram, colonoscopy)
• Routine lab work
• Many primary care visits
• Many Tier 1 and Tier 2 generic prescriptions

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Deductibles Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle

When reviewing coverage options with clients, don’t just look at the deductible amount. Also compare:

• Coinsurance and copays – what clients pay after meeting the deductible
• Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) on Medicare Advantage plans
• Medigap coverage – many Medigap plans cover some or all deductibles, reducing out-of-pocket costs

Stay updated on agent events and information; click here.

By helping clients understand when and how deductibles apply, you make it easier for them to budget for healthcare and choose the plan that fits their needs.

The Medigap Free Look Period and How to Use It

When clients are considering a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, they want to be sure they’re making the right choice. Fortunately, Medicare gives beneficiaries a way to try out a new Medigap plan without fully giving up their old one; it’s called the Medigap Free Look Period.

As an agent, knowing how this works helps you guide clients through transitions confidently and avoid gaps in coverage.

What Is the Medigap Free Look Period

The Medigap Free Look Period is a 30-day window that allows Medicare beneficiaries to try out a new Medigap policy while keeping their current one.

This is helpful when a client isn’t sure if the new plan will meet their needs; for example, if they are switching from a Plan F to a Plan G or moving to a carrier with a lower premium.

Watch a YouTube video on Medicare Supplement Underwriting (GI & Non-GI States)

How the Free Look Period Works

Here’s how the process goes step by step:

1. Apply for the New Medigap Plan
   • Your client must be accepted by the new Medigap plan (and if underwriting is required, they must pass).
2. Keep Paying for the Old Policy
   • Even after the new plan starts, your client must keep paying premiums for their old Medigap policy during the 30-day free look period.
   • This ensures there’s no gap in coverage if they decide to go back.
3. Evaluate the New Coverage
   • Over the 30 days, your client can use the new Medigap plan and see how it works with their needs.
4. Decide Whether to Keep It
   • If they like the new plan, they can cancel the old one after the 30 days.
   • If they don’t, they can cancel the new plan and keep the old one; no harm done.

Important Things to Remember

• Two Premiums Are Due: Clients will pay two Medigap premiums during the free look period; one for the old plan and one for the new. This is often the biggest surprise for beneficiaries, so prepare them ahead of time.
• Coverage Overlap Is Intentional: The goal is to avoid any lapse in coverage while deciding which plan to keep.
• Act Within 30 Days: If the client decides to go back to their old policy, they must notify the new carrier before the free look period ends.

Why Agents Should Talk About It

Educating clients about the Medigap Free Look Period builds trust. Many people hesitate to switch plans out of fear of losing coverage or making the wrong choice. When you explain that they can try a new plan risk-free, you help them feel confident in making a change. That helps position you as a knowledgeable, client-first agent.

If you are an agent ready to join the Crowe team; click here for online contract.

The Medigap Free Look Period is a great tool to help beneficiaries compare coverage and costs without the stress of losing their existing plan. As an agent, you can guide them through the process, set clear expectations about paying two premiums, and help them decide which plan is the best long-term fit.

Empower your clients with this knowledge; it may be exactly what they need to take the next step toward better coverage and savings.

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Medicare Supplement Underwriting Explained

When clients start exploring Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, one topic that often causes confusion is underwriting. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, which don’t require medical underwriting, Medigap coverage can involve health-related questions and approval requirements; depending on when and how someone applies. That is why we hope, Medicare supplement underwriting explained will provide an understanding of the process so agents can better assist clients.

What Is Medicare Supplement Underwriting

Underwriting is the process insurance companies use to determine whether to accept an applicant for a Medigap policy, and sometimes the determine the premium amount. This process often involves answering health questions, reviewing prescription history, or even checking recent hospitalizations.

Not every applicant will face underwriting, many people qualify for guaranteed issue rights or are in their Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which means they can get a plan without medical review.

When Is Underwriting Required

Underwriting typically comes into play in these situations:

• Applying outside the Medigap Open Enrollment Period (which lasts six months after a beneficiary first enrolls in Part B at age 65).
• Switching from one Medigap plan to another outside of specific state-mandated open enrollment or “birthday rules.”
• Losing coverage without qualifying for guaranteed issue rights.

In these cases, insurance carriers can:

• Approve coverage at the standard rate,
• Charge a higher premium,
• Impose a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, or
• Deny coverage altogether.

Guaranteed Issue Rights (No Underwriting Required)

There are special circumstances where a beneficiary can enroll in a Medigap plan without facing underwriting, such as:

• Losing employer or union coverage.
• Their Medicare Advantage plan leaving the service area or ending coverage.
• Moving out of a Medicare Advantage plan’s service area.
• Taking advantage of certain state-specific enrollment protections (like California and Oregon’s Birthday Rule, or Missouri’s Anniversary Rule).

During these times, carriers must offer coverage, regardless of health status.

Watch a quick YouTube video on Medicare Supplement Underwriting

Common Health Questions in Underwriting

While exact questions vary by carrier, underwriting often includes:

• Recent heart attacks, strokes, or cancer diagnoses.
• Use of oxygen, dialysis, or organ transplants.
• Height, weight, and mobility concerns.
• Hospitalizations in the past 90 days.
• Use of certain expensive medications.

Carriers typically ask about conditions that are costly and ongoing. Clients with stable, controlled conditions may still qualify.

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Why Agents Should Understand Underwriting

As an agent, knowing the underwriting rules helps you:

• Advise clients on the best time to apply for Medigap coverage.
• Set realistic expectations about approvals, denials, or higher premiums.
• Protect clients by helping them avoid losing a plan they may not be able to requalify for later.

Stay up-to-date on Medicare agent events and information

Underwriting for Medicare Supplements can be straightforward if clients apply at the right time, but tricky if they wait too long or want to change plans later. By understanding the process and knowing when underwriting applies, you can help your clients secure coverage that supports their health and budget without unexpected roadblocks.

United American HDG Plan Sales – Why Consider Them This AEP

Why Add UA Now

The Annual Election Period (AEP) for Medicare runs each year from October 15 through December 7. It’s the window when beneficiaries can enroll in, switch, or drop Medicare plans. With all the changes to Medicare plans this year, agents might want to consider United American HDG Plan Sales.

What is a High-Deductible Plan G (HDG)

United American’s HDG plan offers the same benefits as a standard Plan G after enrollees meet the deductible ($2,870 in 2025). That means once the deductible is met, the plan pays 100% of Medicare-approved services, including:

• Hospital costs and Part A coinsurance
• Skilled nursing facility coverage
• Part A deductible
• Part B coinsurance and excess charges
• 80% of foreign travel emergencies

Because of the higher deductible, monthly premiums are significantly lower, making HDG an attractive choice for cost-conscious beneficiaries.

Watch a quick YouTube video on High Deductible Plan G

Why choose United American’s HDG plan this AEP

Fewer Medicare Advantage options, especially PPOs

Carriers are withdrawing some Medicare Advantage plans from the market, particularly PPOs, and many agents are reporting fewer plan choices this AEP. In some areas, commissions on Medicare Advantage plans are also being reduced or eliminated. For beneficiaries who want stability, freedom of provider choice, and nationwide access, an HDG plan offers an excellent alternative.

Great value for cost-conscious consumers

HDG balances affordability and coverage; lower monthly premiums without sacrificing comprehensive protection once the enrollee meets the deductible.

Nationwide flexibility

Unlike Medicare Advantage, which often restricts members to networks, United American’s HDG allows you to visit any provider that accepts Original Medicare, with coverage that travels across state lines.

Financial strength and trust

United American has been selling Medicare Supplements since 1966 and maintains strong financial ratings, including an A (Excellent) from A.M. Best. Their history of stability reassures clients looking for long-term reliability.

Consumer-friendly features

Guaranteed renewable: You can’t be canceled as long as premiums are paid.

30-day free-look period: Cancel within 30 days if not satisfied.

Switching flexibility: Start with HDG and, at your second anniversary, move to a standard Plan G without underwriting if you decide you want richer coverage.

Why HDG makes sense in today’s market

With Medicare Advantage options shrinking, especially PPOs, and rising uncertainty in benefits and provider access, many beneficiaries are reconsidering Medigap. HDG is a way to:

• Keep premiums affordable
• Retain freedom to choose providers nationwide
• Have peace of mind that coverage won’t change annually the way MA plans often do

Sample Comparison: Is HDG Worth It

• High Deductible Plan G: Lower monthly premium, pay the $2,870 deductible first, then full coverage.
• Standard Plan G: Higher premiums, but no deductible. Total yearly cost could be higher even with no deductible, depending on your health needs and provider use.

If saving on monthly cost is a priority—and you’re able to manage the deductible if needed—HDG offers strong value, especially during this AEP when you have the flexibility to enroll.

GET CONTRACTED

Contracting for UA is easy; just email lisa@croweandassociates.com, she will request the contract for you.  Those looking for a GA level contract will need to have a minimum of 5 sub agents and 100 Medicare supplement cases on the books. Call our office at 203-796-5403 with any additional questions.

If you would like to contract with Crowe for carriers other than UA; click here

Stay up-to-date on Medicare agent events and information

This AEP presents a unique opportunity. With fewer Medicare Advantage choices and increasing restrictions, United American’s High-Deductible Plan G stands out as a cost-effective, flexible, and stable solution. For beneficiaries who value freedom of choice, reliable coverage, and the ability to control their long-term costs, HDG is a smart move this enrollment season.