Company vs company · Elmore County, ID · 2027 plan year
Blue Cross of Idaho vs PacificSource Medicare 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.
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In most states, including Idaho, 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 Idaho 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. Idaho’s birthday rule helps only people who already have Medigap, not people who leave Medicare Advantage.
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
Idaho Department of Insurance SHIBA, monthly Medicare Supplement rates for ages 65 and up, non-smoker (updated 10/8/2026) lists $212 to $315 a month for a 65-year-old woman who does not use tobacco. We start at the lowest price. Health questions can raise the price after your first 6 months with Part B.
Original Medicare
With Medigap Plan G at $212 a month and Wellcare Value Script (PDP)
$7,592 a year
- Premiums
- $5,125
- Medical costs
- $292
- Drugs
- $2,175
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $5,417.
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
HMO from Blue Cross of Idaho
$7,971 a year
- Premiums
- $4,062
- Medical costs
- $2,297
- Drugs
- $1,612
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,962.
PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from PacificSource Medicare
$6,487 a year
- Premiums
- $3,522
- Medical costs
- $1,085
- Drugs
- $1,880
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $10,672.
With these settings, PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS) costs about $1,105 less a year than Original Medicare.
Tipping point for True Blue Rx 37 (HMO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $1,918 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $5,900.
Tipping point for PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $2,190 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $7,150.
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
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$0
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
$0
PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS)
$0 copay
PacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS)
$0 copay
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$40
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
$40
PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS)
$0-$55
Prior authorizationPacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS)
$0-$45
Prior authorization
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$0
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$0
Prior authorizationPacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS)
$0 or 20%
Prior authorizationPacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS)
$0 or 20%
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$0-$340
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$0-$200
Prior authorizationPacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS)
$0 or 20%
Prior authorizationPacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS)
$0 or 20%
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$130
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
$130
PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS)
$130
PacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS)
$130
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$50
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
$50
PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS)
$50
PacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS)
$50
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$0-$250 or 20%
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$0-$225
Prior authorizationPacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS)
$0-$425
Prior authorizationPacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS)
$0-$350
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$320
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$275
Prior authorizationPacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS)
$500
Prior authorizationPacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS)
$400
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$2,125
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$1,750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationPacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS)
$2,475
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationPacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS)
$2,750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | True Blue Rx 37 (HMO) | Secure Blue Courage (PPO) | PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS) | PacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $212 + drug plan $5.30 | $129 + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $45 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 | $84 + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $60 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. | $5,900 in network | $5,200 in network; $7,000 in and out of network | $7,150 in network | $7,150 in network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $900 | $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 | $40 copay | $40 copay | $0-$55 copayPrior authorization | $0-$45 copayPrior authorization |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | $0 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$340 copayPrior authorization | $0-$200 copayPrior authorization | $0 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | $0 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $25 copayPrior authorization | $15 copayPrior authorization | $0-$20 copayPrior authorization | $0-$15 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 | $50 copay | $50 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$500 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | $0-$325 copayPrior authorization | $0-$475 copayPrior authorization | $0-$425 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$250 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | $0-$225 copayPrior authorization | $0-$425 copayPrior authorization | $0-$350 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $320 copayPrior authorization | $275 copayPrior authorization | $500 copayPrior authorization | $400 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $425 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $350 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $495 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization |
| Skilled nursing facility | $0, Plan G pays days 21-100 | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-55; $0 per day for days 56-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-55; $0 per day for days 56-100Prior 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 | $35 copay | $0 copay | $20 copay | $25 copay |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copay | $40 copay | $35 copayPrior authorization | $25 copayPrior authorization |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Medical equipment | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% 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 Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | $205 | No drug coverage | $700 | No drug coverage |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 50% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $11 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $4 copayPreferred Brand: 22% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 26% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 31% coinsurance | No drug coverage | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $6 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 26% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% 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 Idaho, 8 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $238 a month. Half of them cost $63.70 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 Elmore County
Blue Cross of Idaho
- 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 $3,000 to $5,900
- Star ratings 3 to 3
- True Blue Rx 37 (HMO) · $129 a month · limit $5,900
- Secure Blue Courage (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $5,200
- True Blue Valor (HMO) · $34 a month · limit $3,000
PacificSource Medicare
- 2 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 $7,150 to $7,150
- Star ratings 3 to 3
- PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS) · $84 a month · limit $7,150
- PacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS) · $0 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
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
HMO
- You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 13 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
PPO
- The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 13 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (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 17 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
PacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (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 17 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | True Blue Rx 37 (HMO) | Secure Blue Courage (PPO) | PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS) | PacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Preventive only | Comprehensive, up to $2,000 a year | Comprehensive, up to $1,000 a year | Comprehensive, up to $1,000 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $100 allowance | Yes, $100 allowance | Yes, $100 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, copays from $499 | Yes, copays from $499 | Yes, copays from $599 | Yes, copays from $599 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | No | No | No | No |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rides to care | No | No | No | No | No |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | No | No | No | No |
| Emergency care abroad | Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | $45 a month | No | $60 a month |
What changed for 2027
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
Renewal Plan with SAE · 2026 plan H1350-037-0
- Monthly premium down from $153 to $129
- Drug deductible up from $150 to $205
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$350 copay to $0-$340 copay
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-55; $0 per day for days 56-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-55; $0 per day for days 56-100
- Overall star rating down from 3.5 to 3
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H1302-004-0
- Part B giveback down from $50 to $45
- Emergency care: $100 copay to $130 copay
- Urgent care: $40 copay to $50 copay
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-55; $0 per day for days 56-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-55; $0 per day for days 56-100
PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS)
New Plan · New for 2027
No change found in the fields we track.
PacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS)
New Plan · New for 2027
No change found in the fields we track.
More 2027 plans in Elmore County
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO), H5216-427 (page for Ada County, ID)
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO), H5216-455 (page for King County, WA)
- HumanaChoice H5216-048 (PPO) (page for King County, WA)
- Humana Total Complete (HMO), H5619-177 (page for Ada County, ID)
- Humana Gold Plus H2486-005 (HMO) (page for Ada County, ID)
- St. Luke's Advantage Rx 01 (HMO), H3012-001 (page for Ada County, ID)
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. Medigap prices come from Idaho Department of Insurance SHIBA, monthly Medicare Supplement rates for ages 65 and up, non-smoker (updated 10/8/2026), pulled 2026-10-13. They are statewide prices for Idaho. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- True Blue Rx 37 (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Secure Blue Courage (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- PacificSource Medicare River Select Rx (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- PacificSource Medicare Idaho Basic (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices: Idaho Department of Insurance SHIBA, monthly Medicare Supplement rates for ages 65 and up, non-smoker (updated 10/8/2026)
- 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.