ACE Medicare Supplement Review
ACE has limited historical data to review as a newcomer in the Medicare Supplement market. However, after thorough analysis, we have found that ACE’s Medicare Supplement plans offer highly competitive prices compared to other insurers.
Key Points:
- ACE offers premiums that are, on average, 7.5% lower than those of other top providers.
- ACE provides plans in 43 states, each with varying costs and levels of coverage.
- ACE maintains a stable A.M. Best rating of A++.
- ACE offers eligible members a 7% discount on household premiums.
- ACE Medigap plans do not have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
What Is ACE?
ACE P&C Insurance Company is a health insurance provider offering Medicare Supplement policies designed to bridge the coverage gaps that Original Medicare may leave behind.
With a customer-focused approach, ACE offers a range of plans to meet diverse needs, from individual to family coverage.
Which Medigap Plans Does ACE Offer?
ACE provides all ten standardized Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, each designed to help cover out-of-pocket expenses not paid by Original Medicare Part A and Part B.
These expenses include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, ensuring that beneficiaries experience fewer financial surprises when seeking medical care.
Among the various Medigap plans available through ACE, four stand out for their balance of comprehensive coverage and competitive premiums:
- Plan G – One of the most popular choices among Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G covers everything except the Medicare Part B deductible. This means beneficiaries receive full coverage for Medicare-approved hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and doctor visits once the annual Part B deductible is met.
- Plan N – A cost-effective option that provides robust coverage with lower premiums compared to Plan G. Plan N requires beneficiaries to pay copayments for doctor visits (up to $20) and emergency room visits (up to $50, waived if admitted), and it does not cover excess charges that some doctors may bill above Medicare’s approved amount.
- Plan A – The most basic Medigap plan, Plan A provides essential benefits, covering Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance or copayments, and blood (first three pints). It does not cover skilled nursing facility care, the Part A deductible, or Part B excess charges, making it best suited for individuals who do not need extensive coverage.
- Plan F – Available only to individuals who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, Plan F is the most comprehensive option. It covers all Medicare-approved out-of-pocket costs, including the Part B deductible, making it a preferred choice for those who want zero out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare-covered services.
While ACE offers all ten Medigap plans, the availability of each plan may vary by state. Additionally, premiums differ based on factors such as age, gender, tobacco use, and location.
Understanding the differences between these plans can help beneficiaries select the one that best meets their healthcare and financial needs.
For personalized recommendations, it’s beneficial to compare the premium costs and out-of-pocket responsibilities of each plan to determine the best fit for your situation.
What Is ACE’s Medigap State Availability?
Currently, ACE offers Medigap plans in the following states:
AK | IL | MT | RI |
AL | IN | NC | SC |
AR | KS | ND | SD |
AZ | KY | NE | TN |
CO | LA | NH | TX |
DC | MD | NJ | UT |
DE | ME | NM | VA |
FL | MI | NV | WI |
GA | MN | OH | WV |
IA | MO | OK | WY |
ID | MS | PA | |
Since its introduction to the Medicare market in mid-2022, ACE has undergone remarkable growth and expansion.
ACE Medigap Premiums vs Other Providers
When selecting a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, one of the most crucial factors for many enrollees is the monthly premium cost. Medigap Plan G is one of the most comprehensive and popular supplement plans available, covering expenses such as Part A coinsurance, skilled nursing facility care, and Part B excess charges.
Below is a comparative analysis of monthly premium rates for ACE’s Medigap Plan G against other leading insurance providers across various states:
Comparison of Monthly Premiums for Medigap Plan G (65-Year-Old Non-Smoking Female, No Household Discounts)
State | Zip Code | ACE | Aflac | Cigna | Mutual of Omaha |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arkansas | 72401 | $130 | $141 | $138 | $143 |
Louisiana | 70726 | $132 | $133 | $140 | $148 |
Texas | 77494 | $108 | $120 | $134 | $123 |
Florida | 32503 | $177 | $175 | $194 | $176 |
Note: These rates are sample quotes and may vary based on individual underwriting, inflation, and market conditions.
ACE’s Cost-Saving Advantage
Based on this research, ACE Medigap Plan G offers substantial cost savings compared to its competitors:
- Arkansas (Zip Code 72401): ACE is 9% lower than Mutual of Omaha.
- Louisiana (Zip Code 70726): ACE is 6% lower than Cigna.
- Texas (Zip Code 77494): ACE is 10% lower than Aflac.
- Florida (Zip Code 32503): ACE is 9% lower than Cigna.
On average, ACE provides Plan G premiums that are 7.5% lower than other major Medigap insurers.
Additional Benefits of Choosing ACE Medigap
While premium cost is an essential consideration, other factors such as discounts, rate stability, and financial strength should also be considered when selecting a provider. ACE offers the following advantages:
1. Household Premium Discounts
ACE provides a 7% household discount for eligible members, making coverage even more affordable for couples or individuals living with another Medicare-eligible person.
2. Financial Strength and Stability
ACE is backed by Chubb Insurance, a well-established and highly rated insurance carrier with an A++ rating from A.M. Best. This ensures financial security and reliable claims processing.
3. No Network Restrictions
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap Plan G allows policyholders to visit any doctor or specialist that accepts Medicare, ensuring flexibility in choosing healthcare providers without referrals or network limitations.
4. Guaranteed Renewable Policy
ACE Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable, meaning they cannot be canceled as long as premiums are paid on time. This provides peace of mind and long-term coverage stability.
5. Competitive Rate Adjustments
While all Medigap providers may adjust premiums over time due to inflation and claims experience, ACE has a history of maintaining stable and predictable rate increases, preventing unexpected premium hikes for policyholders.
ACE’s Medigap Plan G stands out as an affordable and reliable choice for Medicare beneficiaries looking for comprehensive supplemental coverage.
With lower-than-average premiums, household discounts, strong financial backing, and flexible provider access, ACE remains a competitive option in the Medigap market.
ACE Medigap Underwriting Guidelines
Underwriting is a process carried out by ACE Insurance Company to assess eligibility and determine pricing for insurance plan premiums.
ACE is recognized for its fair pricing and exceptional customer service, offering coverage without a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
First-time Medicare applicants typically receive guaranteed acceptance into a Medigap plan without health questions.
Does ACE Offer Dental or Vision Insurance?
ACE Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans primarily focus on covering expenses not included in Original Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
These plans do not typically encompass additional benefits like dental, vision, or hearing coverage.
For beneficiaries seeking dental and vision coverage, there are alternative options:
- Standalone Dental and Vision Plans: Private insurance companies offer separate policies specifically for dental and vision care, which can complement your existing Medicare coverage.
ACE has a strong Medicare Supplement plan and prices, they aren’t so much focused on ancillary products like larger more established companies are.
Bottom Line – Is ACE Worth Considering?
With their competitive rates and discounts for eligible household members, ACE is worth considering when looking for supplemental health insurance to fill the gaps of Original Medicare.
Our licensed insurance agents can assist you in comparing the costs and benefits of ACE with other providers, helping you find the best plan for your needs.
FAQs
Can I keep my current healthcare providers with ACE?
You can continue seeing your preferred doctors and specialists if they accept Medicare assignment.
Are prescription drugs covered under ACE Medigap plans?
No, prescription drug coverage is not included in Medigap plans.