Medico Medicare Supplement Review
More retirees are looking for ways to protect their health and finances, and Medicare Supplement insurance, or Medigap, is a reliable option to help cut down on out-of-pocket costs.
Among the various insurance providers offering Medigap plans, Medico Insurance Company, now doing business under the Wellabe brand, has garnered attention for its affordability and strong financial ratings. However, it’s not without its shortcomings.
When reviewing Medico’s Medicare Supplement plans, we discovered that their premiums are, on average, 29% more cost-effective than their competitors.
Medico offers guaranteed renewable policies and up to 7% household discounts. They also provide separate insurance policies for dental, vision, and hearing.
Despite receiving mixed customer reviews on different platforms, it is worth noting that Medico has achieved an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
This in-depth review explores what Medico offers in 2025 and whether it’s the right choice for Medicare beneficiaries. Let’s jump right in.
Which Medigap Plans Does Medico Offer?
Medico provides a variety of standardized Medigap plans, including:
Among these, Plan G is the most popular due to its comprehensive coverage that excludes only the Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025).
Plan G covers all Part A hospital coinsurance costs and extended hospital stays, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part A and Part B deductibles (except the Part B deductible), Part B excess charges, and foreign travel emergency care up to plan limits.
Understanding Medicare Supplement Insurance
Navigating the world of Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when you start exploring ways to manage the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
That’s where Medicare Supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, comes into play.
Medigap policies are private health insurance plans designed to complement Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
While Medicare pays for a significant portion of healthcare expenses, beneficiaries are still responsible for various out-of-pocket costs, such as:
- Deductibles
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
- Excess charges
Medigap plans aim to reduce or eliminate these gaps, creating a more predictable and manageable financial experience.
Advantages of Choosing Medico
Affordability is one of Medico’s biggest strengths. In a market where many providers charge high rates for standard benefits, Medico stands out with competitive pricing, letting you get the same coverage for less.
Another big perk is the company’s strong financial footing. With an “A” rating from A.M. Best, you can feel confident that claims will be paid on time and the company is financially stable for the long haul.
Policyholders will also have guaranteed renewable coverage. As long as you pay your premiums, your policy stays active – even if you face major health challenges later.
Medico also has a broad network of agents and an online portal for policy management. While some policyholders report positive experiences with local agents and enrollment support, others have noted challenges with billing and claim resolution.
Policyholders seeking a highly digital, self-service experience may find Medico’s infrastructure more traditional than some newer or larger competitors. However, the insurer’s commitment to working through local, knowledgeable agents can be a plus for those who prefer personalized guidance.
How Much Does a Medigap Plan Cost With Medico?
The premiums offered by Medico tend to be lower than industry averages in several states.
For example, a 65-year-old non-smoking female in Illinois may pay approximately $123 monthly for Plan G and $95 for Plan N.
Below, you’ll find a comparison of the monthly premium costs for Medico’s top Medigap plans in relation to some competitors:
Medigap Plan | Medico | Aflac | BCBS IL | Cigna |
---|---|---|---|---|
G - comprehensive coverage | $123 | $170 | $175 | $137 |
N - budget friendly | $95 | $116 | $152 | $91 |
F - limited eligibility | Not offered at this age | Not offered at this age | Not offered at this age | Not offered at this age |
A - basic option | $128 | $202 | $140 | $161 |
This analysis is specifically tailored for a 65-year-old non-smoking female living in Illinois zip code 60625, without any household discounts. |
These rates are illustrative and subject to factors like age, location, and tobacco use, but they place Medico among the more affordable providers.
Based on this research, Medico usually offers premiums that are, on average, 29% more affordable than its competitors.
Are There Discounts With Medico?
Yes, Medico offers discounts on its Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and ancillary insurance products, although the availability and amount of these discounts can vary based on your location and the type of plan you choose.
Below is a detailed look at the types of discounts Medico provides and how you may qualify for them.
#1. Household Discount Medico’s most commonly available discount is the Household Discount, which typically ranges from 7% to 12%, depending on the state. You may qualify for this discount if you live with another adult who also has (or is applying for) a Medico Medicare Supplement policy. In some states, you can qualify even if the other household member is not applying for or does not have a Medico policy, as long as you share a residence. This discount is designed to reward joint enrollment or multi-policy households and can significantly reduce your monthly premiums over time. |
#2. Payment Method Discounts While Medico doesn’t always advertise it as a formal “discount,” choosing certain payment methods may lead to small savings or fee waivers: Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or bank draft payments are often encouraged and may reduce the risk of late payments or administrative fees. Paying annually or semi-annually rather than monthly may also offer small savings, or at least avoid the service fees that sometimes accompany monthly billing. |
#3. Multi-Policy Incentives If you enroll in multiple Medico products – such as a Medicare Supplement plan and a dental, vision, or hearing (DVH) plan – some agents may be able to offer bundled pricing or streamlined billing. While not always structured as a formal discount, these bundles can offer logistical and financial benefits, depending on the state and sales channel. |
#4. State-Specific Discounts Medico’s discounts can vary by state regulations, and some states may have unique discount rules or eligibility criteria. For instance, a household discount in one state may require both individuals to be over 60 or married, while another state may simply require that two adults live together. Always check the Medico plan brochure or speak with a licensed agent to confirm what discounts apply in your zip code. |
Does Medico Have Any Drawbacks?
A downside of Medico’s Medicare Supplement plans is limited availability.
Only beneficiaries in the following states can enroll in Medigap coverage with Medico:
Arizona Colorado Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Michigan | Missouri Nebraska Nevada New Mexico North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina | Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming |
---|
Customer service has also been flagged as a concern. Industry reports suggest Medico’s complaint rate is approximately 29% higher than the national average.
Common issues include billing disputes, delays in claim processing, and communication lags. While this doesn’t mean every customer will have a negative experience, it does highlight an area where the company could improve.
Additionally, Medico does not offer Medicare Advantage (Part C) or standalone Part D prescription drug plans. Individuals interested in those forms of coverage will need to obtain them from other providers, potentially complicating the enrollment process.
Despite the mixed feedback, Medico maintains an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
State Availability: A Focus on Florida
Medico’s Medicare Supplement plans are available in Florida, which is good news for retirees in one of the nation’s most popular retirement destinations.
However, plan availability and pricing vary by zip code and local market conditions.
Before enrolling, Floridians should review which specific plans are offered in their county, compare premiums with other local carriers, and consider bundling their coverage with a separate Part D drug plan if needed.
Does Medico Provide Dental, Vision, and Hearing Plans?
Medico does offer standalone dental, vision, and hearing (DVH) plans in the below states:
Alabama Arkansas Colorado Delaware Florida Georgia Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Louisiana Maine | Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Mexico North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon | Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming |
---|
Enrolling in DVH plans gives you access to several benefits, including:
Dental | Vision | Hearing |
---|---|---|
Two customizable plan coverage levels: Gold and Platinum | Annual WellVision exam | Up to 48% discounts on hearing aids, tinnitus options, and more |
First-day coverage for all services | Up to 30% savings on lens enhancements | Risk-free trial period of 60 days |
5% discount when either you or your spouse applies for and is issued a Wellabe Medigap plan at the same time as the dental plan | Over 41,000 providers | Free office visits for a year |
Option to add the carry-over benefit | Extra $20 towards featured brands for frames | Financing options available |
Medico’s DVH plans are available in many of the same states where it offers Medigap coverage, but availability may vary by zip code.
Applicants can usually enroll at any time of year since DVH plans are not tied to Medicare enrollment periods.
Underwriting is generally minimal, making them relatively easy to obtain.
Medico also allows bundling of these benefits into a single plan for added convenience and potential cost savings.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Applicants should consider enrolling during their Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the first month they are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
During this window, Medico must accept applicants regardless of health history.
Outside of this period, applicants may face medical underwriting. Those with chronic health conditions or recent hospitalizations may be denied coverage or charged higher premiums.
That said, healthy individuals applying outside of their open enrollment period may still receive favorable rates from Medico compared to other providers.
Why Medigap Exists
Original Medicare provides substantial coverage, but it’s not comprehensive. For example, patients are responsible for the Part A hospital deductible, which can be over $1,600 per benefit period.
Under Part B, beneficiaries must also pay 20% of the cost for most outpatient services, and there is no cap on how high these out-of-pocket costs can climb. For retirees living on fixed incomes, these expenses can create financial uncertainty.
Medigap policies are designed to fill in these gaps and make health costs more predictable.
One helpful aspect of Medigap is that the federal government standardizes all plans. This means that a Plan G policy from one insurance company offers the same core benefits as a Plan G policy from another company.
What differs are the monthly premiums, customer service experience, underwriting guidelines, and optional value-added features like payment flexibility or discounts.
Medigap plans work in coordination with Medicare. When a patient sees a healthcare provider who accepts Medicare, Medicare pays its approved share of the cost first. The Medigap policy then covers the remaining costs, depending on the benefits provided by the specific plan.
This process is seamless for the patient and eliminates the need to file claims in most cases.
Unlike many health insurance plans, Medigap policies do not have provider networks. Beneficiaries can see any doctor or specialist anywhere in the country, as long as the provider accepts Medicare. This offers greater freedom for people who travel frequently or live in different states during the year.
Medigap should not be confused with Medicare Advantage, which is an entirely separate alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans often have lower upfront costs and may include drug coverage and extra benefits like dental or vision, but they typically use provider networks and may require referrals.
In contrast, Medigap offers nationwide access to providers and generally more predictable out-of-pocket costs, though it does not include prescription drug coverage.
Overall, Medicare Supplement insurance is a great option for anyone looking to keep out-of-pocket healthcare costs low while still having access to a wide range of providers. Plans from companies like Medico make this kind of coverage easy to get with competitive pricing, portability, and simple benefits.
If reliable, consistent coverage is your priority, a Medigap plan can be an important part of your Medicare strategy.
Bottom Line
Medico is an excellent option for seniors seeking comprehensive Medigap coverage. However, availability varies by state, so potential policyholders must verify the offerings in their location.
It’s also important to compare premiums with other insurance providers in your area.
Our licensed insurance agents can help you compare Medico’s costs and benefits with those of other providers so you can find the perfect plan for your needs.
Sources: Medico (Wellabe) Site | Compare Medigap Plan Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
You can enroll by contacting a licensed insurance agent or calling the company directly. You can also apply online through Medico’s website.
Unlike some other providers, Medico does not have a pre-existing waiting period. Any medical conditions you had before joining Medico’s supplement plans will be immediately covered.
Medico, like most insurers, does not automatically allow you to switch between Medigap plans without undergoing medical underwriting unless you’re within a guaranteed issue period. Even if you’re an existing Medico policyholder, switching from, say, Plan N to Plan G would typically require a new application and health screening unless you’re in a state that allows “birthday rule” or “anniversary rule” switching.
Yes, Medico’s Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable and portable across state lines. If you move, your coverage continues uninterrupted. However, your premium may change based on the rating and pricing in your new state. You should contact Medico’s customer service to update your address and confirm any premium adjustments.
In most states where Medico operates, the high-deductible versions of Plan G and Plan F are not offered. Their product portfolio primarily includes standard Plans A, G, N, and sometimes F (only for those eligible before 2020). If you’re specifically interested in high-deductible options to lower monthly premiums, you may need to consider other carriers.
Medico generally provides a 31-day grace period for late premium payments. During this time, your policy remains active. However, if payment is not received by the end of that grace period, the policy may be terminated. Reinstatement is not guaranteed and may require underwriting. It’s important to contact Medico immediately if you’re facing a late payment situation.
Some Medico plans, such as Plan G and Plan N, include limited foreign travel emergency coverage. This benefit typically pays 80% of eligible emergency care costs up to plan limits (after a $257 deductible) for emergencies occurring during the first 60 days of a trip. These benefits are capped at $50,000 over a lifetime, so travelers with frequent international needs might want to consider supplemental travel insurance.
Medico’s underwriting standards are generally considered middle of the road. They are not known for being unusually strict or unusually lenient. However, responses to specific conditions (like insulin-dependent diabetes, recent hospitalizations, or heart issues) may vary. Applicants concerned about health-related denials should consult an agent to pre-screen their medical history.
Yes. Medico allows several billing frequencies: monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually. Some policyholders may qualify for small administrative savings by opting for annual payments, especially using a bank draft instead of paper billing.