Company vs company · Richmond County, NY · 2027 plan year

Healthfirst Medicare Plan vs Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP 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 New York, you can go back to Medigap later

New York requires Medigap companies to sell you a plan at any time of year, and your health does not change the price. So you can try Medicare Advantage and go back to Original Medicare with Medigap later.

Read about Medigap rights on Medicare.gov

Your yearly cost, side by side

Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.

How much care do you expect?

Ongoing specialist care

Medigap plan with Original Medicare

Plan G pays almost everything after the $292 yearly Part B deductible.

Specialist visits a year6Days in the hospital0

Brand-name drugs you fill each month1

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

AgeSex

Medigap Plan G price a month in Richmond County$372.5

New York Department of Financial Services, community rated Medicare Supplement premiums (in effect as of October 1, 2026) lists $373 to $840 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 $373 a month and Wellcare Value Script (PDP)

$9,899 a year

Premiums: $7,432
Medical costs: $292
Drugs: $2,175

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $7,724.

Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)

HMO from Healthfirst Medicare Plan

$5,217 a year

Premiums: $2,719
Medical costs: $795
Drugs: $1,703

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $12,569.

Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)

HMO-POS from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP

$6,335 a year

Premiums: $3,042
Medical costs: $1,530
Drugs: $1,763

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $12,292.

With these settings, Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) costs about $1,117 less a year than Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS).

Tipping point for Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $5,476 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $9,850.

Tipping point for Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $5,094 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $9,250.

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.

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What 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
Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)
$0 copay
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$0 copay
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$0
Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS)
$0

Specialist visit

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)
$0-$45
Prior authorization
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$0-$25
Prior authorization
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$40
Prior authorization
Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS)
$40
Prior authorization

Lab tests

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)
0%-20%
Prior authorization
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
0%-20%
Prior authorization
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorization
Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorization

MRI or CT scan

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)
$0-$350
Prior authorization
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$0-$225
Prior authorization
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$55-$250
Prior authorization
Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS)
$55-$250
Prior authorization

Emergency room

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)
$115
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$115
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$115
Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS)
$115

Urgent care

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)
$40
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$40
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$40
Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS)
$40

Outpatient surgery

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)
$0-$450
Prior authorization
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$0-$200
Prior authorization
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$0-$300
Prior authorization
Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS)
0%-20%
Prior authorization

Ground ambulance

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)
$350
Prior authorization
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$315
Prior authorization
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$325
Prior authorization
Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS)
$325
Prior authorization

Hospital stay, 5 days

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)
$2,448
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$2,450
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)
$1,920
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS)
$1,920
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization

See every cost in one table

What you pay in network	Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G	Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)	Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)	Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)	Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS)
Monthly premium	Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $373 + drug plan $37.30	$0 + Part B $209.50	$17.10 + Part B $209.50	$44 + Part B $209.50	$34 + Part B $209.50
Yearly limit on what you pay	You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest.	$9,850 in network	$9,850 in network	$9,250 in network	$9,250 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-$45 copayPrior authorization	$0-$25 copayPrior authorization	$40 copayPrior authorization	$40 copayPrior authorization
Lab tests	$0, most Medicare-covered tests	0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization	0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization	$0 copayPrior authorization	$0 copayPrior authorization
MRI or CT scan	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$350 copayPrior authorization	$0-$225 copayPrior authorization	$55-$250 copayPrior authorization	$55-$250 copayPrior authorization
X-rays	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$85 copayPrior authorization	$0-$35 copayPrior authorization	$55-$100 copayPrior authorization	$55-$100 copayPrior authorization
Emergency room	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$115 copay	$115 copay	$115 copay	$115 copay
Urgent care	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$40 copay	$40 copay	$40 copay	$40 copay
Outpatient hospital	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization	0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization	$0-$350 copayPrior authorization	$0 copay, 30% coinsurancePrior authorization
Surgery center	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$450 copayPrior authorization	$0-$200 copayPrior authorization	$0-$300 copayPrior authorization	0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization
Ground ambulance	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$350 copayPrior authorization	$315 copayPrior authorization	$325 copayPrior authorization	$325 copayPrior authorization
Hospital stay	$0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible	$612 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization	$490 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization	$480 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization	$480 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior 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	$0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization	$0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization	$0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization
Mental health visit	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$25 copayPrior authorization	$0 copayPrior authorization	$40 copayPrior authorization	$40 copayPrior authorization
Physical therapy	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$35 copayPrior authorization	$15 copayPrior authorization	$40 copayPrior authorization	$40 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	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)	$700	$700	$150	$240
Drug tiers (one month, retail)	Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 39% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $11 copay	Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $3 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 45% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance	Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $2 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 25% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance	Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 31% coinsurance	Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 30% coinsurance

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A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch

With Original Medicare, you buy a separate drug plan. In New York, 9 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $37.30 to $238.30 a month. Half of them cost $169.30 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.
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 Richmond County

Healthfirst Medicare Plan

4 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
1 with a $0 premium; 0 pay back part of your Part B premium
Yearly limits from $9,850 to $9,850
Star ratings 3 to 3.5

Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $9,850
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) · $17.10 a month · limit $9,850
Healthfirst Signature (HMO) · $60 a month · limit $9,850
Healthfirst Signature (PPO) · $155 a month · limit $9,850

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP

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 $6,800 to $9,250
Star ratings 3 to 5

Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS) · $44 a month · limit $9,250
Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS) · $34 a month · limit $9,250
Anthem Veteran 2 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $6,800

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

Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)

HMO

You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
No referral needed to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 23 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, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs

Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)

HMO

You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
No referral needed to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 23 services

Anthem Medicare Advantage (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 23 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, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs

Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (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 23 services

Extra benefits

Extra benefit	Original Medicare	Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)	Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)	Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)	Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS)
Dental	No	Comprehensive, up to $1,000 a year	Comprehensive, up to $1,500 a year	Preventive only	Preventive only
Eye exam	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Glasses or contacts	No	Yes, $100 allowance	Yes, $250 allowance	Yes, $175 allowance	Yes, $225 allowance
Hearing aids	No	Yes, copays from $0	Yes, copays from $0	No	Yes, up to $1,000
Over-the-counter allowance	No	$120 a year	$420 a year	$120 a year	$180 a year
Fitness benefit	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Rides to care	No	Yes	Yes	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	No	No

What changed for 2027

Healthfirst 65 Plus Plan (HMO)

Renewal Plan with SAE · 2026 plan H3359-001-0

In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
Specialist visit: $35 copay to $0-$45 copay
Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$250 copay to $0-$350 copay
Ground ambulance: $315 copay to $350 copay
Inpatient hospital: $489 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $612 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90
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 $1,250 to $1,000
Yearly OTC allowance down from $300 to $120
Eyewear allowance down from $150 to $100
Overall star rating down from 4.5 to 3.5

Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H3359-019-0

Monthly premium down from $24 to $17
In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
Specialist visit: $25 copay to $0-$25 copay
Inpatient hospital: $489 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $490 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
Overall star rating down from 4.5 to 3.5

Anthem Medicare Advantage (HMO-POS)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H8432-040-0

Specialist visit: $50 copay to $40 copay
Outpatient hospital: $0 copay, 30% coinsurance to $0-$350 copay
Eyewear added
Overall star rating down from 3.5 to 3

Anthem Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H6988-009-0

Specialist visit: $50 copay to $40 copay
Yearly OTC allowance up from $120 to $180
Eyewear added
Hearing aids added

More 2027 plans in Richmond County

County guide: 2027 plans in Richmond County State guide: New York

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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 New York Department of Financial Services, community rated Medicare Supplement premiums (in effect as of October 1, 2026), pulled 2026-10-13. They are for the price area that includes ZIP 10314. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.

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.

See all comparisons

Healthfirst Medicare Plan vs Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP Medicare Advantage plans

Your yearly cost, side by side

What you pay each time you get care

A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch

The two companies in Richmond County

Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization

Extra benefits

What changed for 2027

More 2027 plans in Richmond County

Questions about your choice? Text us.

Sources and method

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