HealthSpring vs. UnitedHealthcare Medigap: Rates Compared
If you're comparing Medicare Supplement plans, HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) and UnitedHealthcare are two of the most common names you'll run into. I pulled real Plan G and Plan N rates across 44 states to see how they actually compare on price - here's what I found.
Quick Answer
Medicare Supplement benefits are standardized - Plan G costs the same either way.
What differs is the premium, your discounts, rate changes, and service.
Across the 44 states compared, HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) priced lower on Plan G in 32/44 markets, and Plan N in 42/43.
UnitedHealthcare has a longer track record and offers a household discount for couples.
Compare both companies' actual Plan G or Plan N rates in your ZIP code.
Who Are These Two Companies?
Cigna's former Medicare business is owned by HCSC, a large U.S. insurer.
HCSC completed the acquisition March 19, 2025; plans are transitioning to HealthSpring.
If you still see "Cigna Medicare Supplement," that's expected.
Existing policyholders see no change.
UnitedHealthcare is backed by UnitedHealth Group, sold via AARP, requiring membership.
UnitedHealthcare has 45+ years of Medicare experience.
Nationwide Medigap Enrollment
No Medigap-specific figure was available for HealthSpring; HCSC grew to 4.3M post-Cigna.
Source: Mark Farrah Associates, 2025 Medicare Supplement market report.
That AARP relationship is a membership requirement, not added standardized benefits.
Which Company Is Usually Cheaper?
I pulled real rates for one ZIP per state (65-year-old, no discount) to compare state.
Plan G
Plan G is comprehensive, covering everything except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
Largest HealthSpring price differences
UnitedHealthcare was cheaper in
Plan N
Plan N trades a lower premium for small copays ($20 office, $50 ER); no excess charges.
Largest HealthSpring price differences - even wider than on Plan G
UnitedHealthcare was cheaper in
The one state in my sample where UnitedHealthcare's Plan N rate came in lower.
If your doctors bill above Medicare rates, Plan G's excess-charge coverage may matter more.
What My 44-State Rate Comparison Found
I found a much bigger price advantage for HealthSpring on Plan N than Plan G.
On Plan G, savings topped $25/mo in 24 of 44 states, $50/mo in 10.
Plan N was more consistent: savings topped $25/mo in 38 of 43 states, no state within $10.
Over a year, that's about $348 for Plan G and $636 for Plan N - my sample median.
About this comparison: Rates collected Aug. 2026, one ZIP per state, 65-year-old, no household discount.
These rates are a snapshot, not statewide averages.
Your premium can vary by ZIP, age, sex, tobacco status, discounts, and other factors.
Where Price May Not Be the Deciding Factor
In a few markets - Kentucky, South Carolina, Utah, Georgia, Oklahoma - rates were within $10.
In those states, discounts and service may matter more than the starting premium.
What About Future Rate Increases?
Today's cheaper carrier isn't guaranteed to stay cheapest.
Premiums typically rise, and I lack rate-increase data by state.
Historical rate changes are worth reviewing, but aren't a guarantee of future increases.
High-Deductible Plan G
Same coverage as Plan G, but you pay toward a $2,950 deductible first.
I don't yet have state-by-state HDG rates; ask for a direct quote if weighing this option.
Find Your State's Rates
See real HealthSpring vs. UnitedHealthcare Plan G and Plan N prices for your state
Methodology: I collected these rates in August 2026 for a 65-year-old applicant, one ZIP code per state, no household discount applied.
Your own quote will vary by age, gender, tobacco use, and ZIP code.
Alabama ZIP 36104
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $205.24 vs. HealthSpring $175.22 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $360/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $163.76 vs. HealthSpring $131.96 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $382/yr)
Alaska ZIP 99501
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $206.80 vs. HealthSpring $233.37 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $319/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $179.44 vs. HealthSpring $161.85 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $211/yr)
Arizona ZIP 85001
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $227.81 vs. HealthSpring $238.64 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $130/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $183.74 vs. HealthSpring $170.58 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $158/yr)
Arkansas ZIP 72201
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $217.86 vs. HealthSpring $169.61 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $579/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $169.83 vs. HealthSpring $134.92 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $419/yr)
California ZIP 95814
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $195.28 vs. HealthSpring $203.04 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $93/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $165.20 vs. HealthSpring $152.05 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $158/yr)
Colorado ZIP 80202
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $230.80 vs. HealthSpring $214.89 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $191/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $199.60 vs. HealthSpring $127.30 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $868/yr)
Connecticut ZIP 06103
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $333.00 vs. HealthSpring $297.75 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $423/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $247.00 vs. HealthSpring $194.39 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $631/yr)
Delaware ZIP 19901
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $208.90 vs. HealthSpring $184.27 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $296/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $171.85 - no comparable HealthSpring rate in this sample
Florida ZIP 32301
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $271.44 vs. HealthSpring $225.34 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $553/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $232.10 vs. HealthSpring $167.45 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $776/yr)
Georgia ZIP 30303
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $223.00 vs. HealthSpring $227.84 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $58/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $198.25 vs. HealthSpring $147.73 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $606/yr)
Hawaii ZIP 96813
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $199.60 vs. HealthSpring $228.74 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $350/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $132.72 vs. HealthSpring $151.03 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $220/yr)
Idaho ZIP 83702
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $261.09 - no comparable HealthSpring rate in this sample
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $199.95 - no comparable HealthSpring rate in this sample
Illinois ZIP 62701
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $217.75 vs. HealthSpring $230.83 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $157/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $202.65 vs. HealthSpring $152.54 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $601/yr)
Indiana ZIP 46204
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $219.27 vs. HealthSpring $160.07 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $710/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $204.33 vs. HealthSpring $102.58 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $1,221/yr)
Iowa ZIP 50309
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $197.37 vs. HealthSpring $154.33 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $516/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $178.53 vs. HealthSpring $116.92 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $739/yr)
Kansas ZIP 66603
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $230.57 vs. HealthSpring $190.06 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $486/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $216.05 vs. HealthSpring $127.03 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $1,068/yr)
Kentucky ZIP 40601
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $167.69 vs. HealthSpring $166.96 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $9/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $149.59 vs. HealthSpring $113.26 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $436/yr)
Louisiana ZIP 70802
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $199.14 vs. HealthSpring $230.22 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $373/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $171.39 vs. HealthSpring $153.15 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $219/yr)
Maine ZIP 04330
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $315.50 vs. HealthSpring $243.55 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $863/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $237.50 vs. HealthSpring $179.65 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $694/yr)
Maryland ZIP 21401
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $255.87 vs. HealthSpring $240.61 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $183/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $212.56 vs. HealthSpring $160.13 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $629/yr)
Massachusetts separate state system
Massachusetts uses its own state-specific Medigap system rather than the standard lettered plans, so it isn't included in this comparison.
Michigan ZIP 48933
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $198.08 vs. HealthSpring $207.29 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $111/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $174.59 vs. HealthSpring $143.33 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $375/yr)
Minnesota separate state system
Minnesota uses its own state-specific Medigap system rather than the standard lettered plans, so it isn't included in this comparison.
Mississippi ZIP 39201
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $223.24 vs. HealthSpring $198.47 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $297/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $198.99 vs. HealthSpring $136.02 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $756/yr)
Missouri ZIP 65101
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $206.55 vs. HealthSpring $166.36 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $482/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $179.81 vs. HealthSpring $137.66 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $506/yr)
Montana ZIP 59601
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $230.32 vs. HealthSpring $174.37 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $671/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $200.72 vs. HealthSpring $122.28 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $941/yr)
Nebraska ZIP 68508
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $244.13 vs. HealthSpring $189.58 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $655/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $225.22 vs. HealthSpring $129.88 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $1,144/yr)
Nevada ZIP 89701
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $240.01 vs. HealthSpring $202.30 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $453/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $197.47 vs. HealthSpring $149.73 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $573/yr)
New Hampshire ZIP 03301
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $219.75 vs. HealthSpring $243.82 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $289/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $204.25 vs. HealthSpring $174.71 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $354/yr)
New Jersey ZIP 08608
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $243.92 vs. HealthSpring $214.14 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $357/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $208.72 vs. HealthSpring $136.04 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $872/yr)
New Mexico ZIP 87501
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $187.75 vs. HealthSpring $133.41 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $652/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $157.63 vs. HealthSpring $96.27 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $736/yr)
New York ZIP 12207
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $334.25 - no comparable HealthSpring rate in this sample
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $277.25 - no comparable HealthSpring rate in this sample
North Carolina ZIP 27601
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $186.79 vs. HealthSpring $171.92 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $178/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $176.73 vs. HealthSpring $125.50 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $615/yr)
North Dakota ZIP 58501
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $279.91 vs. HealthSpring $166.68 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $1,359/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $205.49 vs. HealthSpring $108.95 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $1,158/yr)
Ohio ZIP 43215
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $204.79 vs. HealthSpring $154.71 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $601/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $180.84 vs. HealthSpring $111.88 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $828/yr)
Oklahoma ZIP 73102
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $227.81 vs. HealthSpring $232.97 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $62/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $197.47 vs. HealthSpring $163.14 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $412/yr)
Oregon ZIP 97301
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $246.01 - no comparable HealthSpring rate in this sample
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $193.07 - no comparable HealthSpring rate in this sample
Pennsylvania ZIP 17101
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $209.67 vs. HealthSpring $180.72 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $347/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $178.71 vs. HealthSpring $119.78 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $707/yr)
Rhode Island ZIP 02903
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $199.30 vs. HealthSpring $132.66 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $800/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $155.99 vs. HealthSpring $85.54 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $845/yr)
South Carolina ZIP 29201
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $201.28 vs. HealthSpring $203.61 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $28/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $174.59 vs. HealthSpring $144.91 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $356/yr)
South Dakota ZIP 57501
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $198.05 vs. HealthSpring $169.12 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $347/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $170.75 vs. HealthSpring $108.96 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $741/yr)
Tennessee ZIP 37219
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $188.01 vs. HealthSpring $176.96 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $133/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $171.39 vs. HealthSpring $126.29 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $541/yr)
Texas ZIP 78701
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $230.71 vs. HealthSpring $170.00 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $729/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $197.77 vs. HealthSpring $114.57 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $998/yr)
Utah ZIP 84111
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $228.88 vs. HealthSpring $231.29 - UnitedHealthcare is cheaper (about $29/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $182.06 vs. HealthSpring $145.02 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $444/yr)
Vermont ZIP 05602
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $334.75 vs. HealthSpring $216.26 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $1,422/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $287.75 vs. HealthSpring $183.56 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $1,250/yr)
Virginia ZIP 23219
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $193.65 vs. HealthSpring $162.92 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $369/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $166.36 vs. HealthSpring $121.70 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $536/yr)
Washington ZIP 98501
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $324.25 vs. HealthSpring $280.60 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $524/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $265.25 vs. HealthSpring $204.29 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $732/yr)
West Virginia ZIP 25301
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $212.72 vs. HealthSpring $187.95 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $297/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $193.20 vs. HealthSpring $129.13 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $769/yr)
Wisconsin separate state system
Wisconsin uses its own state-specific Medigap system rather than the standard lettered plans, so it isn't included in this comparison.
Wyoming ZIP 82001
PLAN G UnitedHealthcare $227.36 vs. HealthSpring $191.25 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $433/yr)
PLAN N UnitedHealthcare $211.50 vs. HealthSpring $125.20 - HealthSpring is cheaper (about $1,036/yr)
Which Has Better Financial Strength?
Both are backed by large insurers.
HCSC (HealthSpring's parent) carries an AM Best A rating and insures 26M+ members.
UnitedHealth Group was downgraded by AM Best from A+ to A in Aug. 2025.
Both now share the same rating.
Which Has Better Customer Service?
Customer service is hard to compare.
HealthSpring is mid-transition from Cigna, which may matter for service continuity.
Complaint stats vary by entity, state, metric, and period.
Discounts and Extras
HealthSpring
- Household discount
- Annual-pay discount
- AutoPay discount
- Online enrollment discount
- Discounts can stack up to ~25% - varies by state
UnitedHealthcare
- Household discount (around 7%)
- AutoPay discount
- Fitness/wellness reimbursement in some areas
- 24/7 nurse helpline, online account tools
- Requires an active AARP membership to enroll
Does the discount change it? My averages: $199 HealthSpring vs. $226 UHC, discounted to ~$210.
This is an illustration, not a quote; eligibility varies.
State Availability
| Company | Available | Not Available |
|---|---|---|
| HealthSpring | 48 states + DC | Massachusetts, New York |
| UnitedHealthcare | 47 states + DC | Massachusetts, Minnesota, Wisconsin |
Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin use their own state-specific Medigap systems rather than the standard lettered plans.
Will My Doctor Accept HealthSpring or UnitedHealthcare Medigap?
With Medigap, you don't have a carrier-specific provider network.
If a provider accepts Medicare, the policy coordinates with Medicare per its benefits.
Can You Switch Between HealthSpring and UnitedHealthcare Later?
Don't assume you can switch later if the other becomes cheaper.
Outside Open Enrollment or guaranteed-issue, switching can mean medical underwriting.
If today's cheapest carrier raises rates, switching isn't always guaranteed.
Does One Company Pay Claims Better Than the Other?
For Medigap claims, Medicare generally processes the covered service first.
The Medigap policy then pays according to its standardized benefits.
Since both pay the same standardized benefits, a lower premium doesn't mean a lower payout.
Should You Choose the Cheapest Medigap Company?
Usually price matters a lot, but cheapest isn't automatically best.
I'd weigh premium, discounts, rate history, strength, service, and switching ability.
Which Would I Choose?
- Compare your ZIP code rates, HealthSpring vs. UnitedHealthcare.
- Know what it buys: not extra benefits, just history, discount, extras.
- Gap is $50+/month: hard to justify $600+/year extra for history and extras.
- Gap is $5-10/month: I'd consider UnitedHealthcare more seriously.
Consider HealthSpring if:
- Your ZIP code quote is meaningfully lower
- You're fine with the Cigna-to-HealthSpring rebrand
- You want to stack multiple discounts
- You live in Minnesota or Wisconsin
- You need Plan B (Pennsylvania) or Plans C/D (New Jersey)
Consider UnitedHealthcare if:
- UHC's rate is close
- You're already an AARP member
- You're married and the discount narrows the gap
- You want Plan K, L, or M
- 45+ years of Medicare experience matters more than price
How to Enroll
Your best window is the 6-month Open Enrollment Period, starting the month you're 65+ and on Part B.
During this period, insurers can't use medical underwriting to deny coverage or charge more.
Outside it, that protection goes away.
Both offer a 30-day free look period - cancel within 30 days for a full refund.
Bottom Line
HealthSpring priced lower in 32/44 Plan G and 42/43 Plan N markets.
UnitedHealthcare was more competitive in several Plan G markets.
Neither is automatically the better choice everywhere.
Compare rates and discounts in your ZIP code, especially when the two premiums are close.
FAQ
In many states, yes. HealthSpring often prices Plan G lower than UnitedHealthcare, sometimes saving beneficiaries several hundred to over $1,000 per year. Because Medigap benefits are standardized, the difference comes down to premium, discounts, and rate history - not coverage.
No. Medicare Supplement plans are federally standardized. A Plan G from HealthSpring covers the exact same medical expenses as a Plan G from UnitedHealthcare. The only differences are price, customer service experience, financial ratings, and available discounts.
Yes. HealthSpring is backed by Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), one of the largest health insurers in the United States and parent to several Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. The company carries an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, indicating strong financial stability.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest Medicare Supplement carrier in the country and carries an A+ (Superior) AM Best rating. Some of the higher pricing reflects brand recognition, long-standing Medicare experience, and strong customer service infrastructure. However, the coverage itself is identical to other carriers offering the same plan letter.
UnitedHealthcare generally receives stronger customer service ratings and has a lower complaint ratio compared to many competitors. HealthSpring’s service ratings are solid but have been impacted somewhat during the transition from Cigna to HCSC. For beneficiaries who prioritize service metrics above cost, UnitedHealthcare may have an edge.
For over 15 years, Matt Kiggins has been the senior editor at Simple Advisor, giving detailed advice on Medicare, life insurance, and dental coverage to thousands of clients in more than forty states. His demonstrated expertise in assisting people with their health plan selection is remarkable — it’s evident that he stands out among competitors as the go-to source for knowledge and support.
Matt holds a resident 2–15 Florida Health & Life (Including Annuities & Variable Contracts) Agent License in Florida, his state license number is P116762 (Issued 10/1/2007).
Matt Kiggins is the producer appointed to oversee the content written on SimpleAdvisor.com.
Every agent representing PG holds a state-issued producer license for the states they serve.
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