Company vs company · Mitchell County, KS · 2027 plan year
UnitedHealthcare vs Wellcare 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 Kansas, 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 Kansas 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
Kansas Insurance Department, Medicare Supplement shopper's guide lists $127 to $336 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 $127 a month and Blue MedicareRx Value (PDP)
$6,391 a year
- Premiums
- $4,219
- Medical costs
- $292
- Drugs
- $1,880
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $4,511.
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from UnitedHealthcare
$5,950 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $1,450
- Drugs
- $1,986
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $8,414.
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from Wellcare
$6,382 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $1,693
- Drugs
- $2,175
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,614.
With these settings, AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS) costs about $432 less a year than Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS).
Tipping point for AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $1,891 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $5,900.
Tipping point for Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $1,702 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $7,100.
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 KS-0001 (HMO-POS)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO)
$0
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$0
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS)
$0-$45
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO)
$0-$60
Prior authorizationWellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$40
Prior authorization
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO)
$0
Prior authorizationWellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO)
$0-$320
Prior authorizationWellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$0-$450
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS)
$130
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO)
$130
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$130
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO)
$0-$50
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$40
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS)
$0-$470
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO)
$0-$615
Prior authorizationWellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$300
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS)
$350
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO)
$350
Prior authorizationWellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$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 KS-0001 (HMO-POS)
$2,600
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO)
$2,660
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationWellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
$1,875
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 KS-0001 (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO) | Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $127 + drug plan $15.30 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $0 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $5,900 in network | $7,150 in network; $10,750 in and out of network | $7,100 in network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $1,000 | $120 |
| Primary doctor visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Specialist visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$45 copayPrior authorization | $0-$60 copayPrior authorization | $40 copayPrior authorization |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0-$50 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$320 copayPrior authorization | $0-$320 copayPrior authorization | $0-$450 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $30 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization | $50 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $130 copay | $130 copay | $130 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$50 copay | $0-$50 copay | $40 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$520 copayPrior authorization | $0-$665 copayPrior authorization | $0-$475 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$470 copayPrior authorization | $0-$615 copayPrior authorization | $300 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $350 copayPrior authorization | $350 copayPrior authorization | $325 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $520 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $665 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization | $375 per day for days 1-8; $0 per day for days 9-90Prior 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 21-60; $0 per day for days 61-100Prior authorization |
| Mental health visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization | $40 copayPrior authorization |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $45 copayPrior authorization | $60 copayPrior authorization | $40 copayPrior authorization |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Medical equipment | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 30% coinsurancePrior authorization | 30% 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 |
| Drug deductible (Part D) | $700 with Blue MedicareRx Value (PDP) | $685 | $685 | $700 |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $1 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 35% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 22% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 22% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 46% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 1% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay |
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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 Kansas, 12 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $264.50 a month. Half of them cost $59.30 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 Mitchell County
UnitedHealthcare
- 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 $4,450 to $7,150
- Star ratings 3.5 to 4
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $5,900
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx KS-MA2 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx KS-MA01 (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0002 (HMO-POS) · $55 a month · limit $4,450
Wellcare
- 1 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 $7,100 to $7,100
- Star ratings 2.5 to 2.5
- Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $7,100
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 KS-0001 (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 from UHC KS-0003 (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
Wellcare Simple (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 20 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, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO) | Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Comprehensive, up to $2,000 a year | Preventive only | Comprehensive, up to $1,000 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $200 allowance | No | No |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, up to $1,000 | No | Yes, up to $350 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | No | No | No |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Rides to care | No | No | No | No |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | Yes | No | No |
| Emergency care abroad | Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible | No | No | Yes |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | No | No |
What changed for 2027
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H2802-034-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $4,100 to $5,900
- Drug deductible up from $440 to $685
- Specialist visit: $0-$30 copay to $0-$45 copay
- Emergency care: $150 copay to $130 copay
- Urgent care: $0-$65 copay to $0-$50 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$260 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$325 copay to $0-$520 copay
- Ground ambulance: $290 copay to $350 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $325 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $520 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 down from $4,000 to $2,000
- Eyewear allowance down from $250 to $200
- OTC allowance removed
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
- Overall star rating down from 4 to 3.5
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H8768-024-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $4,900 to $7,150
- Medical deductible up from $0 to $1,000
- Drug deductible up from $520 to $685
- Specialist visit: $0-$40 copay to $0-$60 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$260 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$455 copay to $0-$665 copay
- Ground ambulance: $290 copay to $350 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $455 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $665 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
- Comprehensive dental removed
- Eyewear removed
- Hearing aids removed
- OTC allowance removed
- Fitness benefit removed
- Meals after a hospital stay removed
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
- Overall star rating up from 3.5 to 4
Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H6550-003-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $5,000 to $7,100
- Medical deductible up from $0 to $120
- Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
- Specialist visit: $25 copay to $40 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$280 copay to $0-$450 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$280 copay to $0-$475 copay
- Ground ambulance: $300 copay to $325 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $350 per day for days 1-8; $0 per day for days 9-90 to $375 per day for days 1-8; $0 per day for days 9-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-40; $0 per day for days 41-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-60; $0 per day for days 61-100
- Hearing aid allowance down from $1,000 to $350
- Eyewear removed
- OTC allowance removed
- Meals after a hospital stay removed
- Overall star rating down from 3 to 2.5
More 2027 plans in Mitchell County
- Aetna Medicare Value Plus (HMO), H2663-052 (page for Johnson County, KS)
- Aetna Medicare Eagle (HMO-POS), H2663-025 (page for Johnson County, KS)
- Aetna Medicare Signature Extra (HMO-POS), H2663-040 (page for Saline County, KS)
- Aetna Medicare Signature Classic (PPO), H1608-072 (page for Saline County, KS)
- Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO), H5521-747 (page for Saline County, KS)
County guide: 2027 plans in Mitchell CountyState guide: Kansas
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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 Kansas Insurance Department, Medicare Supplement shopper's guide, pulled 2026-10-13. They are for ZIP 67420. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0001 (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC KS-0003 (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices: Kansas Insurance Department, Medicare Supplement shopper's guide
- 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.