Plan vs plan · Calhoun County, IA · 2027 plan year
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS) vs Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
Medicare.gov compares Medicare Advantage plans with each other. This page also shows Original Medicare, so you can see the full trade-off: premiums, copays, the yearly limit, extra benefits, and the rules about doctors and approvals.
Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Pinnie does not sell plans.
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
- Plan premium
- $0 a month
- Yearly limit, in network
- $4,450
- 2027 star rating
- 4 of 5
- Prior authorization needed for
- 19 services
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
- Plan premium
- $0 a month
- Yearly limit, in network
- $4,700
- 2027 star rating
- 4 of 5
- Prior authorization needed for
- 24 services
In most states, including Iowa, you cannot count on getting Medigap later
You can buy any Medigap plan with no health questions in the 6 months that start when you are 65 or older and have Part B. After that, a Medigap company in Iowa can ask about your health. It can say no, or it can charge you more. So if you join a Medicare Advantage plan now, you may not be able to get Medigap later.
One exception is the trial right. If you joined Medicare Advantage when you first got Medicare at 65, or you left a Medigap plan to try Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can switch back within 12 months. Then you can buy a Medigap plan with no health questions.
Read about Medigap rights on Medicare.govYour yearly cost, side by side
Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.
Want to check your exact drugs? Medicare.gov lets you enter each drug and shows what each plan charges for it. Enter your drugs on Medicare.gov
We have no Medigap Plan G price for a 65-year-old woman in Calhoun County. Enter the monthly price from your quote, or check Medigap prices for ZIP 50579 on Medicare.gov.
Original Medicare
We have no Medigap Plan G price for a 65-year-old woman here, so we cannot show this total yet. Enter your quote above to see it. Check Medigap prices on Medicare.gov
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from Aetna Medicare
$5,641 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $1,590
- Drugs
- $1,537
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $6,964.
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
PPO from Humana
$9,289 a year
- Premiums
- $714
- Medical costs
- $1,543
- Drugs
- $7,032
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $5,414. This plan has no drug coverage, and its members cannot add a separate drug plan. We count drugs at full price. People often pick it when they get drugs from the VA, TRICARE, or an employer.
With these settings, Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS) costs about $3,648 less a year than Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO).
These are estimates, not quotes. Check every number with Medicare (Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE) and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Drug costs use typical prices for generic and brand-name drugs. Original Medicare amounts are 2027 projections from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report. CMS sets the final amounts in November.
Text us about this comparisonWhat you pay each time you get care
In-network costs for one visit or one stay. The Original Medicare amounts follow your Medigap choice above: Plan G.
Primary doctor visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$0
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$40
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$55
Prior authorization
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$0-$375
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0-$345
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$150
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$130
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$50
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$50
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$0-$350
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0-$300
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$345
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$325
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
$2,000
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$1,875
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS) | Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G at the price of your quote + drug plan $10.30 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $150 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $4,450 in network | $4,700 in network; $10,100 in and out of network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $0 |
| Primary doctor visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Specialist visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copay | $55 copayPrior authorization |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$375 copayPrior authorization | $0-$345 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $25 copayPrior authorization | $0-$145 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $150 copay | $130 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50 copay | $50 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$400 copayPrior authorization | $0-$400 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$350 copayPrior authorization | $0-$300 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $345 copayPrior authorization | $325 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $400 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $375 per day for days 1-7; $0 per day for days 8-90Prior authorization |
| Skilled nursing facility | $0, Plan G pays days 21-100 | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $10 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization |
| Mental health visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copay | $30 copayPrior authorization |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Medical equipment | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 16% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Part B drugs | $0 after the $292 Part B deductible | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Drug deductible (Part D) | $700 with AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC (PDP) | $500 | No drug coverage |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 18% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 38% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 28% coinsurance | No drug coverage |
Not sure which of these costs apply to you?
Text us what you have now. We will help you read this comparison and check it with Medicare.gov.
A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch
With Original Medicare, you buy a separate drug plan. In Iowa, 9 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $222.90 a month. Half of them cost $33.30 a month or less.
- Every 2027 drug plan limits what you pay for covered drugs to $2,400 a year. The drug coverage in Medicare Advantage plans has the same limit.
- The premium is one part of your yearly cost. The calculator above adds premiums, medical costs, and drug costs, so you can see the whole year.
- A Medicare Advantage plan can cost less in a light year. But you also take on its network and prior authorization rules, and you may not be able to get Medigap later.
- If your income is limited, Extra Help can pay most of your drug plan premium and drug costs. Check Extra Help at SSA.gov
Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization
Cost is one side. The other side is how you get care. These rules come from the CMS plan files. Prior authorization means the plan must approve a service before you get it.
Original Medicare
- Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare
- No referrals
- Prior authorization only for a short list of services
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS
- You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 19 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
PPO
- The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
- No referral needed to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 24 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS) | Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Comprehensive, up to $750 a year | Comprehensive, up to $1,500 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $100 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, up to $1,250 | Yes, copays from $575 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | No | $400 a year |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rides to care | No | No | No |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | No | Yes |
| Emergency care abroad | Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible | Yes | Yes |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | $150 a month |
What changed for 2027
Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H1609-001-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $4,300 to $4,450
- Drug deductible down from $615 to $500
- Specialist visit: $35 copay to $40 copay
- Emergency care: $130 copay to $150 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$300 copay to $0-$375 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$390 copay to $0-$400 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $390 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $400 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Dental maximum down from $900 to $750
- Eyewear allowance down from $150 to $100
- Overall star rating down from 4.5 to 4
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H5216-278-1
- Part B giveback up from $135 to $150
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$335 copay to $0-$345 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$350 copay to $0-$400 copay
- Ground ambulance: $335 copay to $325 copay
- Skilled nursing facility: $10 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $10 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Overall star rating up from 3.5 to 4
More 2027 plans in Calhoun County
- Aetna Medicare Signature Classic (PPO), H1608-001 (page for Polk County, IA)
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC IA-0002 (HMO-POS), H5253-108 (page for Winnebago County, IL)
- HumanaChoice Giveback H5216-340 (PPO) (page for Douglas County, NE)
- Aetna Medicare Value Care (HMO-POS), H1609-068 (page for Polk County, IA)
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC IA-0003 (PPO), H8768-017 (page for Linn County, IA)
- Aetna Medicare Enhanced Classic Extra (PPO), H1608-117 (page for Polk County, IA)
- Aetna Medicare Signature Extra (HMO-POS), H1609-069 (page for Polk County, IA)
- HumanaChoice H5216-014 (PPO) (page for Douglas County, NE)
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Sources and method
Plan data comes from the CMS 2027 Plan Benefit Package and landscape files. The data is from 2026-10-10. We checked a sample of plans field by field against Medicare.gov. Original Medicare amounts are the 2027 projections in the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report (Tables V.E1 and V.E2). CMS sets the final amounts in November. We do not have a Medigap price for Calhoun County, IA. So the Original Medicare total needs your own Medigap quote. You can look up prices for ZIP 50579 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices for ZIP 50579 on Medicare.gov
- CMS Plan Benefit Package files, 2027
- CMS 2027 landscape files (premiums and limits)
- CMS 2027 plan crosswalk
- CMS 2027 Star Ratings
- 2026 Medicare Trustees Report: projected 2027 Part A and Part B amounts (Tables V.E1 and V.E2)
- CMS 2026 Part A and Part B amounts
- Medicare.gov: Medigap guaranteed issue rights
These are estimates, not quotes, and they are for education only. Check every number with Medicare and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Plans can change their benefits, premiums, drug lists, and networks each year.
Pinnie is not an insurance agent or broker and does not sell Medicare plans. Pinnie is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For all your options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048.