Company vs company · Bristol County, RI · 2027 plan year
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island vs UnitedHealthcare 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 Rhode Island, you can go back to Medigap once a year
Rhode Island lets Medicare Advantage members with steady coverage buy any Medigap plan from October 15 to December 7. Your Medigap coverage then starts on January 1.
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 Bristol County. Enter the monthly price from your quote, or check Medigap prices for ZIP 02809 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
BlueCHiP for Medicare Access (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
$3,655 a year
- Premiums
- $2,890
- Medical costs
- $765
- Drugs
- $0
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $8,890.
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from UnitedHealthcare
$5,853 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $1,530
- Drugs
- $1,809
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $8,814.
With these settings, BlueCHiP for Medicare Access (HMO-POS) costs about $2,198 less a year than AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS).
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
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)
$0 copay
BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS)
$0 copay
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS)
$0
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)
$0-$40
BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS)
$0-$35
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS)
$0-$35
Prior authorization
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationBlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)
$0-$200
Prior authorizationBlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS)
$0-$175
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)
$130
BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS)
$130
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS)
$130
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS)
$130
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)
$50
BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS)
$50
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)
$0-$350
BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS)
$0-$300
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS)
$0-$500
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS)
$0-$345
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)
$200
Prior authorizationBlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS)
$200
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS)
$380
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS)
$350
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)
$2,000
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationBlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS)
$1,625
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS)
$2,750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS)
$1,975
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS) | BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G at the price of your quote + drug plan $25.50 | $39 + Part B $209.50 | $159 + Part B $209.50 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $48 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $6,750 in network | $6,000 in network | $6,300 in network | $5,400 in network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 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 | $0-$40 copay | $0-$35 copay | $0-$50 copayPrior authorization | $0-$35 copayPrior authorization |
| 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-$200 copayPrior authorization | $0-$175 copayPrior authorization | $0-$320 copayPrior authorization | $0-$320 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $25 copayPrior authorization | $25 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $130 copay | $130 copay | $130 copay | $130 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $50 copay | $50 copay | $0-$50 copay | $0-$50 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$450 copayPrior authorization | $0-$400 copayPrior authorization | $0-$550 copayPrior authorization | $0-$395 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$350 copay | $0-$300 copay | $0-$500 copayPrior authorization | $0-$345 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $200 copayPrior authorization | $200 copayPrior authorization | $380 copayPrior authorization | $350 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $400 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization | $325 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90Prior authorization | $550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $395 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization |
| Skilled nursing facility | $0, Plan G pays days 21-100 | $10 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-45; $0 per day for days 46-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-45; $0 per day for days 46-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 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 | $0-$40 copay | $0-$35 copay | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$40 copayPrior authorization | $0-$35 copayPrior authorization | $50 copayPrior authorization | $35 copayPrior authorization |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Medical equipment | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 10% coinsurancePrior authorization | 30% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Part B drugs | $0 after the $292 Part B deductible | 0%-20% coinsurance | 0%-20% coinsurance | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Drug deductible (Part D) | $700 with Blue MedicareRx Value Plus (PDP) | $500 | $450 | $685 | $595 |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $3 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 35% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 30% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 28% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 30% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 28% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $6 copayPreferred Brand: 19% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 22% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 27% coinsurance |
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 Rhode Island, 10 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $13.30 to $284.70 a month. Half of them cost $114.75 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.
- 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 Bristol County
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
- 5 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 $5,000 to $6,750
- Star ratings 3.5 to 3.5
- BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS) · $39 a month · limit $6,750
- BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS) · $159 a month · limit $6,000
- BlueCHiP for Medicare Access (HMO-POS) · $31.30 a month · limit $6,000
- BlueCHiP for Medicare Essential (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $6,750
- BlueCHiP for Medicare Core (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $5,000
UnitedHealthcare
- 4 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 2 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $5,400 to $7,150
- Star ratings 4 to 4
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $6,300
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS) · $48 a month · limit $5,400
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0003 (PPO) · $27 a month · limit $7,150
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx RI-MA01 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $6,200
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
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (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 11 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Ambulance, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Medical equipment, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing
BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (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 11 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Ambulance, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Medical equipment, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (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 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
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (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 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 | BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS) | BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Comprehensive, up to $2,000 a year | Comprehensive, up to $2,500 a year | Preventive only | Comprehensive, up to $2,000 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $200 allowance | Yes, $300 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, copays from $300 | Yes, copays from $200 | Yes, up to $700 | Yes, up to $700 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | $100 a year | $160 a year | $100 a year | $200 a year |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rides to care | No | No | No | No | No |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency care abroad | Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | No | No | No |
What changed for 2027
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H4152-013-0
- Monthly premium up from $35 to $39
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $5,750 to $6,750
- Overall star rating down from 4 to 3.5
BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H4152-018-0
- Monthly premium up from $143 to $159
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $5,000 to $6,000
- Drug deductible up from $350 to $450
- Overall star rating down from 4 to 3.5
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H5253-150-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $4,900 to $6,300
- Drug deductible up from $355 to $685
- Specialist visit: $0-$35 copay to $0-$50 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$260 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$345 copay to $0-$550 copay
- Ground ambulance: $275 copay to $380 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $345 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 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; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Yearly OTC allowance down from $220 to $100
- Eyewear allowance down from $300 to $200
- Comprehensive dental removed
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H5253-148-0
- Monthly premium up from $35 to $48
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $4,500 to $5,400
- Drug deductible up from $355 to $595
- Specialist visit: $0-$30 copay to $0-$35 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$160 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$345 copay to $0-$395 copay
- Ground ambulance: $275 copay to $350 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $345 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $395 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
- Eyewear allowance down from $300 to $200
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
More 2027 plans in Bristol County
- Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO), H5521-375 (page for Providence County, RI)
- Aetna Medicare Enhanced (PPO), H5521-449 (page for Providence County, RI)
- Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO), H5521-296 (page for Fairfield County, CT)
County guide: 2027 plans in Bristol CountyState guide: Rhode Island
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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 Bristol County, RI. So the Original Medicare total needs your own Medigap quote. You can look up prices for ZIP 02809 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0002 (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC RI-0001 (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices for ZIP 02809 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.