Company vs company · Kootenai County, ID · 2027 plan year
UnitedHealthcare 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.
Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Pinnie does not sell plans.
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.
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from UnitedHealthcare
$5,788 a year
- Premiums
- $2,682
- Medical costs
- $1,120
- Drugs
- $1,986
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,832.
True Blue Rx 36 (HMO)
HMO from Blue Cross of Idaho
$7,371 a year
- Premiums
- $3,462
- Medical costs
- $2,297
- Drugs
- $1,612
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,362.
With these settings, AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS) costs about $1,582 less a year than True Blue Rx 36 (HMO).
Tipping point for AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $2,923 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $7,150.
Tipping point for True Blue Rx 36 (HMO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $2,518 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
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$0
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
$0
True Blue Rx 36 (HMO)
$0
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS)
$0-$70
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$0-$55
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$40
True Blue Rx 36 (HMO)
$40
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$0
Prior authorizationTrue Blue Rx 36 (HMO)
$0
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$0-$200
Prior authorizationTrue Blue Rx 36 (HMO)
$0-$340
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS)
$100
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$130
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
$130
True Blue Rx 36 (HMO)
$130
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
Secure Blue Courage (PPO)
$50
True Blue Rx 36 (HMO)
$50
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS)
$0-$550
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$0-$450
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$0-$225
Prior authorizationTrue Blue Rx 36 (HMO)
$0-$250 or 20%
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS)
$100
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$350
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$275
Prior authorizationTrue Blue Rx 36 (HMO)
$320
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 ID-0008 (HMO-POS)
$2,600
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS)
$2,750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationSecure Blue Courage (PPO)
$1,750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationTrue Blue Rx 36 (HMO)
$2,125
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 ID-0008 (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS) | Secure Blue Courage (PPO) | True Blue Rx 36 (HMO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $212 + drug plan $5.30 | $14 + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $165 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $45 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 | $79 + 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 | $6,700 in network | $5,200 in network; $7,000 in and out of network | $5,900 in network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $0 | $0 | $900 |
| 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-$70 copayPrior authorization | $0-$55 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-$320 copayPrior authorization | $0-$320 copayPrior authorization | $0-$200 copayPrior authorization | $0-$340 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $5 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization | $15 copayPrior authorization | $25 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $100 copay | $130 copay | $130 copay | $130 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$50 copay | $0-$50 copay | $50 copay | $50 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$650 copayPrior authorization | $0-$550 copayPrior authorization | $0-$325 copayPrior authorization | $0-$500 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$550 copayPrior authorization | $0-$450 copayPrior authorization | $0-$225 copayPrior authorization | $0-$250 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $100 copayPrior authorization | $350 copayPrior authorization | $275 copayPrior authorization | $320 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $650 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization | $550 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 | $425 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 21-55; $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-$25 copayPrior authorization | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization | $0 copay | $35 copay |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $10 copayPrior authorization | $50 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 | 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) | $685 | No drug coverage | No drug coverage | $205 |
| 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: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 22% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | No drug coverage | No drug coverage | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $4 copayPreferred Brand: 22% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 26% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 31% coinsurance |
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 Kootenai 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 $6,700 to $7,150
- Star ratings 4 to 4
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS) · $14 a month · limit $7,150
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $6,700
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0006 (HMO-POS) · $64 a month · limit $6,700
Blue Cross of Idaho
- 5 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 $8,000
- Star ratings 3 to 3
- Secure Blue Courage (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $5,200
- True Blue Rx 36 (HMO) · $79 a month · limit $5,900
- True Blue Valor (HMO) · $34 a month · limit $3,000
- True West No Rx 3 (PPO) · $149 a month · limit $6,750
- True West Rx 4 (PPO) · $139 a month · limit $8,000
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
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (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
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (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
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
True Blue Rx 36 (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
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS) | Secure Blue Courage (PPO) | True Blue Rx 36 (HMO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Preventive only | Comprehensive, up to $1,500 a year | Comprehensive, up to $2,000 a year | Preventive only |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $200 allowance | Yes, $250 allowance | Yes, $100 allowance | Yes, $100 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, up to $700 | Yes, up to $1,000 | Yes, copays from $499 | Yes, copays from $499 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | No | $200 a year | 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 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | $165 a month | $45 a month | No |
What changed for 2027
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H4604-020-0
- Monthly premium up from $0 to $14
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,700 to $7,150
- Drug deductible up from $520 to $685
- Specialist visit: $0-$55 copay to $0-$70 copay
- Emergency care: $130 copay to $100 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$260 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$550 copay to $0-$650 copay
- Ground ambulance: $290 copay to $100 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $650 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
- OTC allowance removed
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H4604-019-0
- Part B giveback up from $90 to $165
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$260 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Ground ambulance: $290 copay to $350 copay
- 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 up from $120 to $200
- Eyewear allowance up from $200 to $250
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
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
True Blue Rx 36 (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H1350-036-0
- Monthly premium down from $94 to $79
- Drug deductible up from $130 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
More 2027 plans in Kootenai County
County guide: 2027 plans in Kootenai CountyState guide: Idaho
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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.
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC ID-0008 (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx ID-MA01 (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Secure Blue Courage (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- True Blue Rx 36 (HMO) 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.