Company vs company · Niagara County, NY · 2027 plan year

Wellcare vs Excellus Health Plan, Inc 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 New York, you can go back to Medigap later

New York requires Medigap companies to sell you a plan at any time of year, and your health does not change the price. So you can try Medicare Advantage and go back to Original Medicare with Medigap later.

Read about Medigap rights on Medicare.gov

Your yearly cost, side by side

Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.

How much care do you expect?

Ongoing specialist care

Medigap plan with Original Medicare

Plan G pays almost everything after the $292 yearly Part B deductible.

Specialist visits a year6Days in the hospital0

Brand-name drugs you fill each month1

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

AgeSex

Medigap Plan G price a month in Niagara County$264.8

New York Department of Financial Services, community rated Medicare Supplement premiums (in effect as of October 1, 2026) lists $265 to $601 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 $265 a month and Wellcare Value Script (PDP)

$8,606 a year

Premiums: $6,139
Medical costs: $292
Drugs: $2,175

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $6,431.

Wellcare Fidelis Assist (HMO-POS)

HMO-POS from Wellcare

$5,839 a year

Premiums: $2,514
Medical costs: $1,150
Drugs: $2,175

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $12,364.

Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)

HMO from Excellus Health Plan, Inc

$6,068 a year

Premiums: $2,514
Medical costs: $1,435
Drugs: $2,119

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $12,364.

With these settings, Wellcare Fidelis Assist (HMO-POS) costs about $229 less a year than Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO).

Tipping point for Wellcare Fidelis Assist (HMO-POS): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $3,917 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $9,850.

Tipping point for Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $3,973 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $9,850.

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.

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What 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
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$0
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$0
Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)
$5
Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)
$5

Specialist visit

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$50
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$50
Prior authorization
Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)
$35
Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)
$30

Lab tests

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$0-$50
Prior authorization
Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)
$0 copay
Prior authorization
Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)
$0 copay
Prior authorization

MRI or CT scan

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
0%-30%
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$0-$500
Prior authorization
Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)
$255
Prior authorization
Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)
$225
Prior authorization

Emergency room

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$115
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$115
Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)
$115
Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)
$115

Urgent care

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$40
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$35
Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)
$40
Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)
$40

Outpatient surgery

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$475
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$475
Prior authorization
Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)
$400
Prior authorization
Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)
$330
Prior authorization

Ground ambulance

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$320
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$340
Prior authorization
Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)
$250
Prior authorization
Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)
$275
Prior authorization

Hospital stay, 5 days

Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)
$2,400
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)
$2,400
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)
$2,025
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)
$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	Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)	Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)	Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)	Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)
Monthly premium	Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $265 + drug plan $37.30	$0 + Part B $209.50	$0 + Part B $209.50	$0 + Part B $209.50	$75.40 + Part B $209.50
Yearly limit on what you pay	You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest.	$9,850 in network	$9,850 in network; $14,800 in and out of network	$9,850 in network	$7,500 in network
Medical deductible	$292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible.	$430	$300	$0	$0
Primary doctor visit	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0 copay	$0 copay	$5 copay	$5 copay
Specialist visit	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$50 copayPrior authorization	$50 copayPrior authorization	$35 copay	$30 copay
Lab tests	$0, most Medicare-covered tests	$0-$50 copayPrior authorization	$0-$50 copayPrior authorization	$0 copayPrior authorization	$0 copayPrior authorization
MRI or CT scan	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	0%-30% coinsurancePrior authorization	$0-$500 copayPrior authorization	$255 copayPrior authorization	$225 copayPrior authorization
X-rays	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$50 copayPrior authorization	$50 copayPrior authorization	$55 copayPrior authorization	$55 copayPrior authorization
Emergency room	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$115 copay	$115 copay	$115 copay	$115 copay
Urgent care	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$40 copay	$35 copay	$40 copay	$40 copay
Outpatient hospital	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	0%-30% coinsurancePrior authorization	$0-$500 copay, 30% coinsurancePrior authorization	$400 copayPrior authorization	$330 copayPrior authorization
Surgery center	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$475 copayPrior authorization	$475 copayPrior authorization	$400 copayPrior authorization	$330 copayPrior authorization
Ground ambulance	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$320 copayPrior authorization	$340 copayPrior authorization	$250 copayPrior authorization	$275 copayPrior authorization
Hospital stay	$0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible	$600 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	$405 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization	$360 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 21-70; $0 per day for days 71-100Prior authorization	$0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-70; $0 per day for days 71-100Prior 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	$35 copayPrior authorization	$35 copayPrior authorization	20% coinsurance	20% coinsurance
Physical therapy	$0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$35 copayPrior authorization	$35 copayPrior authorization	$35 copayPrior authorization	$30 copayPrior authorization
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)	$700	$700	$700	$300
Drug tiers (one month, retail)	Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 39% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $11 copay	Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 37% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 1% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay	Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 37% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $0 copay	Preferred Generic: $5 copayGeneric: $15 copayPreferred Brand: 21% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 23% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance	Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 30% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 30% coinsurance

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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 New York, 9 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $37.30 to $238.30 a month. Half of them cost $169.30 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.
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 Niagara County

Wellcare

6 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
6 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
Yearly limits from $9,850 to $9,850
Star ratings 3 to 3

Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $9,850
Wellcare Simple Open (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $9,850
Wellcare Giveback Open (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $9,850
Wellcare Fidelis Assist (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $9,850
Wellcare Assist Open (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $9,850
Wellcare Fidelis Patriot Simple (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $9,850

Excellus Health Plan, Inc

5 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
2 with a $0 premium; 1 pay back part of your Part B premium
Yearly limits from $6,000 to $9,850
Star ratings 4 to 4

Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $9,850
Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS) · $75.40 a month · limit $7,500
Univera SeniorChoice Secure (HMO-POS) · $104.70 a month · limit $6,000
Univera SeniorChoice Value Plus (HMO-POS) · $93.30 a month · limit $6,700
Univera Medicare Freedom (HMO-POS) · $0 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

Wellcare Fidelis 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

Wellcare Simple 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

Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)

HMO

You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
No referral needed to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 13 services

Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Surgery center, Ambulance, Physical therapy, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs

Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)

HMO-POS

You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
No referral needed to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 13 services

Extra benefits

Extra benefit	Original Medicare	Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)	Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)	Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)	Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)
Dental	No	Preventive only	Preventive only	Comprehensive, up to $500 a year	Comprehensive, up to $500 a year
Eye exam	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Glasses or contacts	No	No	No	No	No
Hearing aids	No	No	Yes, up to $750	Yes, copays from $299	Yes, copays from $299
Over-the-counter allowance	No	No	No	No	No
Fitness benefit	No	No	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	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Part B premium giveback	No	No	No	No	No

What changed for 2027

Wellcare Fidelis Simple (HMO-POS)

Consolidated Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H4868-019-0

In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
Medical deductible up from $150 to $430
Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
Specialist visit: $25 copay to $50 copay
Outpatient hospital: $0 copay, 30% coinsurance to 0%-30% coinsurance
Ground ambulance: $340 copay to $320 copay
Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-70; $0 per day for days 71-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-70; $0 per day for days 71-100
Eyewear removed
Hearing aids removed
Fitness benefit removed

Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)

Renewal Plan with SAR · 2026 plan H2775-106-0

In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $9,250 to $9,850
Medical deductible up from $250 to $300
Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
Specialist visit: $30 copay to $50 copay
Ground ambulance: $350 copay to $340 copay
Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-70; $0 per day for days 71-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-70; $0 per day for days 71-100
Eyewear removed
Fitness benefit removed

Univera SeniorChoice Basic (HMO)

Consolidated Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H3351-017-0

In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $8,500 to $9,850
Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
Specialist visit: $30 copay to $35 copay
Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $200 copay to $255 copay
Outpatient hospital: $375 copay to $400 copay
Inpatient hospital: $390 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $405 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 $1,000 to $500
Eyewear removed
OTC allowance removed

Univera SeniorChoice Advanced (HMO-POS)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H3351-019-0

Monthly premium up from $51 to $75
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 $1,000 to $500
Eyewear removed
OTC allowance removed

More 2027 plans in Niagara County

County guide: 2027 plans in Niagara County State guide: New York

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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 New York Department of Financial Services, community rated Medicare Supplement premiums (in effect as of October 1, 2026), pulled 2026-10-13. They are for the price area that includes ZIP 14094. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.

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.

See all comparisons

Wellcare vs Excellus Health Plan, Inc Medicare Advantage plans

Your yearly cost, side by side

What you pay each time you get care

A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch

The two companies in Niagara County

Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization

Extra benefits

What changed for 2027

More 2027 plans in Niagara County

Questions about your choice? Text us.

Sources and method

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