Company vs company · Nemaha County, NE · 2027 plan year
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska vs Medica Medicare Advantage plans
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.
In most states, including Nebraska, 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 Nebraska 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 Nemaha County. Enter the monthly price from your quote, or check Medigap prices for ZIP 68305 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
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
$5,969 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $2,125
- Drugs
- $1,330
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $8,414.
Medica Advantage Select (PPO)
PPO from Medica
$7,953 a year
- Premiums
- $4,542
- Medical costs
- $1,850
- Drugs
- $1,561
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $11,692.
With these settings, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS) costs about $1,984 less a year than Medica Advantage Select (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
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO)
$0 copay
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS)
$0 copay
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$0 copay
Medica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$0 copay
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO)
$50
Prior authorizationBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS)
$45
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$50
Medica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$75
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$0 copay
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO)
$0-$225
Prior authorizationBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS)
$0-$225
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$0-$90
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$0-$500
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO)
$130
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS)
$130
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$150
Medica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$130
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO)
$50
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS)
$40
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$40
Medica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$50
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO)
$500
Prior authorizationBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS)
$475
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$0-$200
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$0-$550
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO)
$400
Prior authorizationBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS)
$325
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$395
Medica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$600
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO)
$2,750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS)
$2,625
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Salute (PPO)
$2,025
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationMedica Advantage Essential (PPO)
$2,295
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO) | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS) | Medica Advantage Salute (PPO) | Medica Advantage Essential (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 + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $160 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 | $94 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $6,650 in network; $9,000 in and out of network | $5,900 in network | $4,450 in network; $6,700 in and out of network | $7,150 in network; $10,750 in and out of network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $0 | $0 | $500 |
| Primary doctor visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Specialist visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50 copayPrior authorization | $45 copayPrior authorization | $50 copay | $75 copay |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$225 copayPrior authorization | $0-$225 copayPrior authorization | $0-$90 copayPrior authorization | $0-$500 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50 copayPrior authorization | $40 copayPrior authorization | $25 copayPrior authorization | $75 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $130 copay | $130 copay | $150 copay | $130 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50 copay | $40 copay | $40 copay | $50 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $550 copayPrior authorization | $525 copayPrior authorization | $0-$300 copayPrior authorization | $0-$650 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $500 copayPrior authorization | $475 copayPrior authorization | $0-$200 copayPrior authorization | $0-$550 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $400 copayPrior authorization | $325 copayPrior authorization | $395 copay | $600 copay |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $525 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $405 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization | $459 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization |
| Skilled nursing facility | $0, Plan G pays days 21-100 | $0 per day for days 1-10; $10 per day for days 11-20; $218 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-10; $10 per day for days 11-20; $218 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-42; $0 per day for days 43-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-54; $0 per day for days 55-100Prior authorization |
| Mental health visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copayPrior authorization | $35 copayPrior authorization | $40 copay | $65 copay |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50 copayPrior authorization | $45 copayPrior authorization | $50 copay | $75 copay |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Medical equipment | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 14% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Part B drugs | $0 after the $292 Part B deductible | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Drug deductible (Part D) | $700 with AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC (PDP) | $400 | $400 | No drug coverage | $700 |
| 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: 15% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 15% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | No drug coverage | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $10 copayPreferred Brand: 15% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 25% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay |
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 Nebraska, 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
The two companies in Nemaha County
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
- 3 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 2 with a $0 premium; 0 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $5,700 to $6,650
- Star ratings 3 to 3.5
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $6,650
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $5,900
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Protect (PPO) · $48 a month · limit $5,700
Medica
- 3 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 1 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $4,450 to $7,150
- Star ratings 4 to 4
- Medica Advantage Salute (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $4,450
- Medica Advantage Essential (PPO) · $94 a month · limit $7,150
- Medica Advantage Select (PPO) · $169 a month · limit $7,150
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
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (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 21 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS
- You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 21 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Medica Advantage Salute (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 11 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Medica Advantage Essential (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 11 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO) | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS) | Medica Advantage Salute (PPO) | Medica Advantage Essential (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Preventive only, up to $250 a year | Preventive only, up to $500 a year | Comprehensive, up to $1,500 a year | Preventive only |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $100 allowance | Yes, $150 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance | No |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, copays from $495 | Yes, copays from $495 | Yes, copays from $549 | Yes, copays from $549 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | No | $80 a year | $200 a year | No |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rides to care | No | No | No | No | No |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Emergency care abroad | Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | No | $160 a month | No |
What changed for 2027
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H8181-002-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $4,900 to $6,650
- Specialist visit: $35 copay to $50 copay
- Emergency care: $125 copay to $130 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$195 copay to $0-$225 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $350 copay to $550 copay
- Ground ambulance: $350 copay to $400 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $400 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90 to $550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $214 per day for days 21-70; $0 per day for days 71-100 to $0 per day for days 1-10; $10 per day for days 11-20; $218 per day for days 21-100
- Dental maximum down from $1,200 to $250
- Eyewear allowance down from $300 to $100
- Comprehensive dental removed
- OTC allowance removed
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS)
New Plan · New for 2027
No change found in the fields we track.
Medica Advantage Salute (PPO)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H8889-009-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum down from $6,750 to $4,450
- Part B giveback up from $100 to $160
- Emergency care: $130 copay to $150 copay
- Urgent care: $0-$45 copay to $40 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$375 copay to $0-$300 copay
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-52; $0 per day for days 53-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-42; $0 per day for days 43-100
- Dental maximum up from $800 to $1,500
- Yearly OTC allowance up from $100 to $200
- Eyewear allowance up from $100 to $200
- Overall star rating up from 3.5 to 4
Medica Advantage Essential (PPO)
New Plan · New for 2027
No change found in the fields we track.
More 2027 plans in Nemaha County
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO), H5216-278 (page for Johnson County, KS)
- HumanaChoice Giveback H5216-340 (PPO) (page for Douglas County, NE)
- Humana Gold Plus H0028-053 (HMO) (page for Douglas County, NE)
- DEVOTED CHOICE 001 NE (PPO), H9802-001 (page for Douglas County, NE)
- Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS), H1215-005 (page for Douglas County, NE)
- Wellcare Giveback (HMO-POS), H1215-003 (page for Douglas County, NE)
- DEVOTED CHOICE GIVEBACK 002 NE (PPO), H9802-002 (page for Douglas County, NE)
- Aetna Medicare Enhanced Classic Extra (PPO), H1608-118 (page for Douglas County, NE)
County guide: 2027 plans in Nemaha CountyState guide: Nebraska
Questions about your choice? Text us.
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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 Nemaha County, NE. So the Original Medicare total needs your own Medigap quote. You can look up prices for ZIP 68305 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Connect (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska MA Assure (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medica Advantage Salute (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medica Advantage Essential (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices for ZIP 68305 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.