Company vs company · Elmore County, ID · 2027 plan year
Humana vs Blue Cross of Idaho 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.
Humana Gold Plus H2486-005 (HMO)
HMO from Humana
$5,713 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $1,828
- Drugs
- $1,371
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,034.
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.
With these settings, Humana Gold Plus H2486-005 (HMO) costs about $1,879 less a year than Original Medicare.
Tipping point for Humana Gold Plus H2486-005 (HMO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $3,707 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $6,520.
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.
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
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$0
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
$0
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$40
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$40
Prior authorizationTrue Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$40
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
$40
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0
Prior authorizationTrue Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$0
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$0
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0-$345
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0-$345
Prior authorizationTrue Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$0-$340
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$0-$200
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$115
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$130
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$130
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
$130
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$40
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$50
True Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$50
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
$50
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0-$350
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$0-$350
Prior authorizationTrue Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$0-$250 or 20%
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$0-$225
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$325
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$325
Prior authorizationTrue Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$320
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$275
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$1,800
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationHumana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
$1,920
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationTrue Blue Rx 37 (HMO)
$2,125
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$1,750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) | Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) | True Blue Rx 37 (HMO) | Secure Blue Courage (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $212 + drug plan $5.30 | $0 (pays back $100 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $43 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 | $129 + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $45 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. | $9,150 in network; $13,900 in and out of network | $5,100 in network; $10,100 in and out of network | $5,900 in network | $5,200 in network; $7,000 in and out of network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $0 | $900 | $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 copayPrior authorization | $40 copayPrior authorization | $40 copay | $40 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-$345 copayPrior authorization | $0-$345 copayPrior authorization | $0-$340 copayPrior authorization | $0-$200 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$145 copayPrior authorization | $0-$145 copayPrior authorization | $25 copayPrior authorization | $15 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $115 copay | $130 copay | $130 copay | $130 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copay | $50 copay | $50 copay | $50 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$450 copayPrior authorization | $0-$450 copayPrior authorization | $0-$500 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | $0-$325 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$350 copayPrior authorization | $0-$350 copayPrior authorization | $0-$250 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | $0-$225 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $325 copayPrior authorization | $325 copayPrior authorization | $320 copayPrior authorization | $275 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $450 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 | $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 |
| 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 | $10 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 21-55; $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 |
| Mental health visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $35 copay | $0 copay |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $35 copayPrior authorization | $45 copayPrior authorization | $40 copay | $40 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 | 17% 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) | No drug coverage | No drug coverage | $205 | 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 | No drug coverage | No drug coverage | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $4 copayPreferred Brand: 22% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 26% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 31% coinsurance | No drug coverage |
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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 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
Humana
- 5 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 4 with a $0 premium; 2 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $5,100 to $9,150
- Star ratings 4 to 4
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $9,150
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $5,100
- HumanaChoice H5216-048 (PPO) · $97 a month · limit $7,000
- Humana Total Complete (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $6,660
- Humana Gold Plus H2486-005 (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $6,520
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
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
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (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
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (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
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
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) | Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) | True Blue Rx 37 (HMO) | Secure Blue Courage (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Comprehensive, up to $1,500 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, $150 allowance | Yes, $150 allowance | Yes, $100 allowance | Yes, $100 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, copays from $575 | Yes, copays from $575 | Yes, copays from $499 | Yes, copays from $499 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | $200 a year | No | No | No |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | $100 a month | $43 a month | No | $45 a month |
What changed for 2027
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H5216-427-4
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$335 copay to $0-$345 copay
- Ground ambulance: $335 copay to $325 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $450 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $450 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 21-85; $0 per day for days 86-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Overall star rating up from 3.5 to 4
Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H5216-455-0
- Part B giveback up from $30 to $43
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$780 copay to $0-$345 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$480 copay to $0-$450 copay
- Ground ambulance: $305 copay to $325 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $480 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $480 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $10 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-70; $0 per day for days 71-100 to $10 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- OTC allowance removed
- Overall star rating up from 3.5 to 4
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
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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.
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- 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
- 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.