Company vs company · Sullivan County, NY · 2027 plan year
Healthfirst Medicare Plan 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.
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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.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
New York Department of Financial Services, community rated Medicare Supplement premiums (in effect as of October 1, 2026) lists $336 to $667 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 $336 a month and Wellcare Value Script (PDP)
$9,464 a year
- Premiums
- $6,997
- Medical costs
- $292
- Drugs
- $2,175
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $7,289.
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.
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from UnitedHealthcare
$6,187 a year
- Premiums
- $2,982
- Medical costs
- $1,455
- Drugs
- $1,750
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $11,882.
With these settings, Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) costs about $970 less a year than AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS).
Tipping point for Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $5,041 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $9,850.
Tipping point for AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $4,732 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $8,900.
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
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$0 copay
Healthfirst Signature (HMO)
$0 copay
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS)
$0
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$0-$25
Prior authorizationHealthfirst Signature (HMO)
$0-$40
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO)
$0-$60
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS)
$0-$55
Prior authorization
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
0%-20%
Prior authorizationHealthfirst Signature (HMO)
0%-20%
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO)
$0
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$0-$225
Prior authorizationHealthfirst Signature (HMO)
$0-$250
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO)
$0-$320
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$115
Healthfirst Signature (HMO)
$115
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO)
$115
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS)
$115
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$40
Healthfirst Signature (HMO)
$40
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO)
$0-$40
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS)
$0-$40
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$0-$200
Prior authorizationHealthfirst Signature (HMO)
$0-$240
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO)
$0-$490
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS)
$0-$440
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$315
Prior authorizationHealthfirst Signature (HMO)
$315
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO)
$300
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS)
$300
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
$2,450
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationHealthfirst Signature (HMO)
$2,448
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO)
$2,360
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS)
$2,450
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) | Healthfirst Signature (HMO) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $336 + drug plan $37.30 | $17.10 + Part B $209.50 | $92 + Part B $209.50 | $49 + Part B $209.50 | $39 + 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 | $9,500 in network; $14,800 in and out of network | $8,900 in network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $0 | $1,000 | $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-$25 copayPrior authorization | $0-$40 copayPrior authorization | $0-$60 copayPrior authorization | $0-$55 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-$225 copayPrior authorization | $0-$250 copayPrior authorization | $0-$320 copayPrior authorization | $0-$320 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$35 copayPrior authorization | $0-$85 copayPrior authorization | $5 copayPrior authorization | $30 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 | $0-$40 copay | $0-$40 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | $0-$590 copayPrior authorization | $0-$490 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$200 copayPrior authorization | $0-$240 copayPrior authorization | $0-$490 copayPrior authorization | $0-$440 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $315 copayPrior authorization | $315 copayPrior authorization | $300 copayPrior authorization | $300 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $490 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $612 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization | $590 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 |
| 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; $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 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $15 copayPrior authorization | $35 copayPrior authorization | $55 copayPrior authorization | $55 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 | $550 | $685 | $685 |
| 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: $2 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 25% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $2 copayPreferred Brand: 19% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 45% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 27% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $8 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $10 copayPreferred Brand: 18% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% 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 Sullivan County
Healthfirst Medicare Plan
- 2 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 0 with a $0 premium; 0 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $9,850 to $9,850
- Star ratings 2.5 to 3.5
- Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) · $17.10 a month · limit $9,850
- Healthfirst Signature (HMO) · $92 a month · limit $9,850
UnitedHealthcare
- 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 $7,150 to $9,500
- Star ratings 3 to 3.5
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO) · $49 a month · limit $9,500
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS) · $39 a month · limit $8,900
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx NY-MA3 (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
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
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 Signature (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
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (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
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (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 | Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) | Healthfirst Signature (HMO) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Comprehensive, up to $1,500 a year | Comprehensive, up to $2,000 a year | Preventive only | Preventive only |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $250 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance | Yes, $250 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, copays from $0 | Yes, copays from $0 | Yes, up to $700 | Yes, up to $700 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | $420 a year | No | No | $100 a year |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Rides to care | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | Yes | Yes | No | 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
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
Healthfirst Signature (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H1722-002-0
- Monthly premium up from $0 to $92
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
- Medical deductible down from $450 to $0
- Drug deductible down from $615 to $550
- Specialist visit: $40 copay to $0-$40 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $611 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90 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 up from $1,000 to $2,000
- Overall star rating down from 3 to 2.5
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H3418-002-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,500
- Medical deductible up from $0 to $1,000
- Drug deductible up from $600 to $685
- Specialist visit: $0-$55 copay to $0-$60 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$160 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$450 copay to $0-$590 copay
- Ground ambulance: $275 copay to $300 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $450 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $590 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
- Eyewear allowance down from $300 to $200
- Fitness benefit removed
- Meals after a hospital stay removed
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
- Overall star rating down from 3.5 to 3
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H3379-059-0
- Monthly premium up from $29 to $39
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $8,500 to $8,900
- Drug deductible up from $600 to $685
- Specialist visit: $0-$45 copay to $0-$55 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$260 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$395 copay to $0-$490 copay
- Ground ambulance: $275 copay to $300 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $395 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
- Yearly OTC allowance down from $180 to $100
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
More 2027 plans in Sullivan County
- Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS), H5599-004 (page for Kings County, NY)
- Wellcare Simple Open (PPO), H2775-106 (page for Kings County, NY)
- Wellcare Giveback Open (PPO), H2775-111 (page for Kings County, NY)
- HumanaChoice H5970-029 (PPO) (page for Erie County, NY)
- Aetna Medicare Elite (PPO), H5521-119 (page for Orange County, NY)
- MVP Medicare Complete Wellness with Part D (PPO), H9615-023 (page for Westchester County, NY)
- MVP Medicare Secure Plus with Part D (HMO-POS), H3305-022 (page for Westchester County, NY)
- Wellcare Fidelis Assist (HMO-POS), H5599-002 (page for Kings County, NY)
County guide: 2027 plans in Sullivan CountyState 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 12758. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- Healthfirst Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Healthfirst Signature (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-0013 (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NY-34 (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices: New York Department of Financial Services, community rated Medicare Supplement premiums (in effect as of October 1, 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.