Company vs company · Cass County, ND · 2027 plan year
UnitedHealthcare vs Align powered by Sanford Health Plan 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 most states, including North Dakota, 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 North Dakota 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.
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
We have no Medigap Plan G price for a 65-year-old woman in Cass County. Enter the monthly price from your quote, or check Medigap prices for ZIP 58079 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
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO)
PPO from UnitedHealthcare
$4,917 a year
- Premiums
- $2,809
- Medical costs
- $2,108
- Drugs
- $0
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,959.
Align SecureChoice (PPO)
PPO from Align powered by Sanford Health Plan
$6,904 a year
- Premiums
- $3,234
- Medical costs
- $1,645
- Drugs
- $2,025
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $10,384.
With these settings, AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO) costs about $1,987 less a year than Align SecureChoice (PPO).
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
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO)
$0
Align SecureChoice (PPO)
$0 copay
Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$0 copay
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO)
$0-$45
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO)
$0-$70
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice (PPO)
$50
Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$45
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO)
$0
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO)
$0
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice (PPO)
$10
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$10
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO)
$0-$210
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO)
$0-$320
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice (PPO)
$0-$375
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$0-$375
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO)
$130
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO)
$130
Align SecureChoice (PPO)
$115
Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$130
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO)
$0-$50
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO)
$0-$50
Align SecureChoice (PPO)
$0-$50
Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$0-$45
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO)
$0-$500
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO)
$0-$450
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice (PPO)
$0-$400
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$0-$350
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO)
$350
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO)
$290
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice (PPO)
$350
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$325
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO)
$2,750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO)
$2,200
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice (PPO)
$2,000
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAlign SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
$1,800
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO) | Align SecureChoice (PPO) | Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G at the price of your quote + drug plan $10.30 | $24.60 + Part B $209.50 | $52 + Part B $209.50 | $60 + Part B $209.50 | $100 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $7,150 in network; $10,750 in and out of network | $7,150 in network; $10,750 in and out of network | $7,150 in network; $10,150 in and out of network | $6,500 in network; $9,500 in and out of network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $1,000 | $1,000 | $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-$70 copayPrior authorization | $50 copay | $45 copay |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $10 copayPrior authorization | $10 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$210 copayPrior authorization | $0-$320 copayPrior authorization | $0-$375 copayPrior authorization | $0-$375 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $30 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization | $20 copayPrior authorization | $20 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $130 copay | $130 copay | $115 copay | $130 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$50 copay | $0-$50 copay | $0-$50 copay | $0-$45 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$550 copayPrior authorization | $0-$550 copayPrior authorization | $0-$400 copayPrior authorization | $0-$350 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$500 copayPrior authorization | $0-$450 copayPrior authorization | $0-$400 copayPrior authorization | $0-$350 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $350 copayPrior authorization | $290 copayPrior authorization | $350 copayPrior authorization | $325 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $550 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization | $500 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization | $450 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; $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-$15 copayPrior authorization | $50 copay | $45 copay |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $40 copayPrior authorization | $70 copayPrior authorization | $35 copay | $50 copay |
| 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 | 30% 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 AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC (PDP) | $700 | $685 | $500 | $350 |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 18% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 38% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | No drug coverage | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $9 copayPreferred Brand: 19% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $8 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 30% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 27% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $8 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 30% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 29% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay |
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 North Dakota, 9 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $222.90 a month. Half of them cost $33.30 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, 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 Cass County
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 $5,900 to $7,150
- Star ratings 4.5 to 4.5
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO) · $24.60 a month · limit $7,150
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO) · $52 a month · limit $7,150
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx FG-MA01 (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $5,900
Align powered by Sanford Health 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 $6,500 to $7,150
- Star ratings 4 to 4
- Align SecureChoice (PPO) · $60 a month · limit $7,150
- Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO) · $100 a month · limit $6,500
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
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (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 FG-0002 (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
Align SecureChoice (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 13 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Home health, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Align SecureChoice Gold (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 13 services
Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Home health, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO) | Align SecureChoice (PPO) | Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Comprehensive, up to $2,500 a year | Preventive only | Preventive only | Comprehensive, up to $500 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $350 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance | Yes, $100 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, up to $700 | Yes, up to $700 | Yes, copays from $499 | Yes, copays from $499 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | $780 a year | No | $200 a year | $340 a year |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | No | 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 | No | No | No | No |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | No | No | No |
What changed for 2027
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H2001-118-0
- Monthly premium down from $42 to $25
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,500 to $7,150
- Medical deductible up from $0 to $1,000
- Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$150 copay to $0-$210 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$495 copay to $0-$550 copay
- Ground ambulance: $290 copay to $350 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $495 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 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
- Dental maximum up from $1,250 to $2,500
- Yearly OTC allowance up from $340 to $780
- Eyewear allowance up from $300 to $350
- Meals after a hospital stay removed
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H2001-119-0
- Monthly premium up from $38 to $52
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,700 to $7,150
- Medical deductible up from $0 to $1,000
- Drug deductible up from $600 to $685
- Specialist visit: $0-$50 copay to $0-$70 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$170 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$525 copay to $0-$550 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $525 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $550 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
- Meals after a hospital stay removed
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
Align SecureChoice (PPO)
New Plan · New for 2027
No change found in the fields we track.
Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO)
New Plan · New for 2027
No change found in the fields we track.
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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 Cass County, ND. So the Original Medicare total needs your own Medigap quote. You can look up prices for ZIP 58079 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0001 (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC FG-0002 (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Align SecureChoice (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Align SecureChoice Gold (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices for ZIP 58079 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.