Company vs company · Polk County, OR · 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.
Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Pinnie does not sell plans.
In most states, including Oregon, 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 Oregon 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. Oregon’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
We have no Medigap Plan G price for a 65-year-old woman in Polk County. Enter the monthly price from your quote, or check Medigap prices for ZIP 97338 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 Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from UnitedHealthcare
$6,045 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $1,545
- Drugs
- $1,986
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,214.
Wellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from Wellcare
$6,807 a year
- Premiums
- $3,048
- Medical costs
- $1,584
- Drugs
- $2,175
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $10,948.
With these settings, AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS) costs about $762 less a year than Wellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS).
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 Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS)
$0
Wellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS)
$0
Wellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO)
$0
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS)
$0-$55
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS)
$0-$70
Prior authorizationWellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS)
$25
Prior authorizationWellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO)
$30
Prior authorization
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationWellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
Prior authorizationWellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO)
$0-$50
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorizationWellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS)
$0-$500
Prior authorizationWellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO)
$0-$500
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS)
$130
AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS)
$130
Wellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS)
$115
Wellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO)
$130
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
Wellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS)
$40
Wellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO)
$40
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS)
$0-$500
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS)
$0-$635
Prior authorizationWellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS)
$300
Prior authorizationWellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO)
$350
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS)
$370
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS)
$350
Prior authorizationWellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS)
$310
Prior authorizationWellcare Premium Enhanced Open (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 Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS)
$2,750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS)
$2,740
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationWellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS)
$2,400
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationWellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO)
$2,375
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 Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS) | Wellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS) | Wellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G at the price of your quote + drug plan $5.30 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $44.50 + Part B $209.50 | $76.60 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $6,700 in network | $7,150 in network | $7,900 in network | $7,000 in network; $10,700 in and out of network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $0 | $150 | $250 |
| 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-$55 copayPrior authorization | $0-$70 copayPrior authorization | $25 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0-$50 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-$500 copayPrior authorization | $0-$500 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $30 copayPrior authorization | $30 copayPrior authorization | $50 copayPrior authorization | $50 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 | $40 copay | $40 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$550 copayPrior authorization | $0-$685 copayPrior authorization | $0-$500 copay, 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | $0-$500 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$500 copayPrior authorization | $0-$635 copayPrior authorization | $300 copayPrior authorization | $350 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $370 copayPrior authorization | $350 copayPrior authorization | $310 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 | $685 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization | $600 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization | $475 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 21-60; $0 per day for days 61-100Prior 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 | $25 copayPrior authorization | $25 copayPrior authorization |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $55 copayPrior authorization | $70 copayPrior authorization | $25 copayPrior authorization | $30 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 | 30% 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 Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | $685 | $685 | $700 | $700 |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 46% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $11 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 22% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $8 copayPreferred Brand: 19% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance | Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 42% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 1% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay | Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 48% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 1% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% 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 Oregon, 8 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $184.20 a month. Half of them cost $23.35 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 Polk County
UnitedHealthcare
- 5 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 4 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $6,700 to $7,150
- Star ratings 3.5 to 4
- AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $6,700
- AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC OR-0001 (PPO) · $94 a month · limit $6,700
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC OR-0002 (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx OR-MA01 (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
Wellcare
- 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 $6,500 to $9,250
- Star ratings 3 to 3
- Wellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS) · $44.50 a month · limit $7,900
- Wellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO) · $76.60 a month · limit $7,000
- Wellcare Low Premium Open (PPO) · $29 a month · limit $9,250
- Wellcare Premium Ultra Open (PPO) · $206 a month · limit $6,500
- Wellcare Patriot Giveback Open (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $6,750
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 Essentials from UHC OR-7 (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 Extras from UHC OR-6 (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
Wellcare Low Premium (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
Wellcare Premium Enhanced Open (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 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 Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS) | Wellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS) | Wellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Not covered | Comprehensive, up to $1,250 a year | Preventive only | Preventive only |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | Yes, $150 allowance | No | Yes, $100 allowance | Yes, $100 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | Yes, up to $700 | No | Yes, up to $500 | Yes, up to $350 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | No | $100 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 | No | No | No |
What changed for 2027
AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan with SAR · New for 2027
No change found in the fields we track.
AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H3805-041-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,700 to $7,150
- Drug deductible up from $440 to $685
- Specialist visit: $0-$55 copay to $0-$70 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$260 copay to $0-$320 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$550 copay to $0-$685 copay
- Ground ambulance: $290 copay to $350 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $685 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 down from $2,000 to $1,250
- Yearly OTC allowance down from $180 to $100
- Eyewear removed
- Hearing aids removed
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
Wellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS)
Consolidated Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H6815-038-0
- Monthly premium up from $35 to $44
- Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-60; $0 per day for days 61-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-60; $0 per day for days 61-100
Wellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO)
Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H5439-019-0
- Monthly premium up from $59 to $77
- Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
- Emergency care: $115 copay to $130 copay
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-60; $0 per day for days 61-100 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 $500 to $350
More 2027 plans in Polk County
- Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Value (HMO-POS), H9003-009 (page for Clark County, WA)
- Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Standard (HMO-POS), H9003-006 (page for Clark County, WA)
- Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced (HMO-POS), H9003-001 (page for Clark County, WA)
- ATRIO Choice Rx (PPO), H7006-007 (page for Marion County, OR)
- DEVOTED GIVEBACK 028 OR (HMO), H2923-028 (page for Multnomah County, OR)
- DEVOTED CHOICE PREMIUM 002 OR (PPO), H7199-002 (page for Multnomah County, OR)
- DEVOTED CORE 001 OR (HMO), H2923-001 (page for Multnomah County, OR)
- DEVOTED PREMIUM 005 OR (HMO), H2923-005 (page for Multnomah County, OR)
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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 Polk County, OR. So the Original Medicare total needs your own Medigap quote. You can look up prices for ZIP 97338 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC OR-7 (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC OR-6 (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Wellcare Low Premium (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Wellcare Premium Enhanced Open (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices for ZIP 97338 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.