If you are shopping for a Medicare Supplement policy in the United States, you are likely doing it because you want fewer surprises, predictable medical costs, and access to doctors without constant paperwork battles. That is the promise most Medigap insurers make upfront.
The reality is that not every company lives up to that promise.
When people ask what the worst Medicare Supplement companies in the USA are, they are usually asking a practical question. They want to know which insurers create problems after enrollment, not just which ones have higher prices. Complaints tend to focus on claim denials, slow reimbursements, confusing billing practices, sharp premium increases, and poor customer service once the policy is active.
I am going to walk you through ten Medicare Supplement providers that consistently receive poor feedback from policyholders, consumer complaint databases, and state insurance departments. These are all legitimate companies that sell Medigap plans nationwide or in multiple states. The issue is not legality. The issue is performance, transparency, and how customers are treated after the sale.
10 Poorly Rated Medicare Supplement Companies In The United States
Below is a snapshot of the ten insurers most often associated with negative Medigap experiences. This table gives you a quick comparison before we break each one down in detail.
| Insurance Company | Known Issues Reported By Policyholders | Common Complaints |
| Aetna | Premium spikes after initial years | Billing errors, slow claims |
| UnitedHealthcare | Aggressive pricing changes | Call center frustration |
| Humana | Complex policy administration | Denied or delayed reimbursements |
| Mutual of Omaha | Rate instability over time | Inconsistent customer support |
| Cigna | Limited transparency on increases | Confusing explanations of benefits |
| Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield | Regional service quality gaps | Long claim processing |
| Bankers Fidelity | Limited customer service access | Payment delays |
| Washington National | Narrow operational focus | Poor issue resolution |
| Medico Insurance Company | Small-scale servicing challenges | Slow responses |
| Colonial Penn | Basic plan limitations | Restricted flexibility |
These companies sell standardized Medigap plans such as Plan G, Plan N, and in some cases legacy Plan F. The benefits are standardized by federal law, but how claims are handled, how premiums change, and how customers are treated varies widely.
Aetna Medicare Supplement Insurance
Aetna is one of the most recognizable names in American health insurance, and many people assume that size equals stability. In practice, Aetna’s Medicare Supplement policies often receive criticism for what happens after the first few years of coverage.
Many policyholders report that initial premiums are competitive, sometimes even attractive compared to smaller carriers. The problem appears later. Rate increases can be steep and frequent, especially as enrollees age. While premium adjustments are allowed, customers often say the increases were not clearly explained when they enrolled.
Common issues reported include:
- Unexpected annual premium jumps that outpace inflation
- Billing mistakes when switching payment methods
- Slow processing of crossover claims from Medicare Part A and Part B
For example, a retiree in Florida might start with a reasonably priced Plan G, only to see the monthly cost climb sharply within three to five years. By that point, switching providers can be difficult due to medical underwriting.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Plans
UnitedHealthcare is heavily associated with Medicare Advantage, but it also sells a large volume of Medigap policies. Despite its scale and resources, it consistently appears in consumer complaints related to Medicare Supplement coverage.
One of the most common frustrations involves customer service. Policyholders often describe long wait times, multiple transfers, and inconsistent answers when calling about claims or premium questions. This becomes particularly stressful for seniors dealing with medical bills.
Other recurring concerns include:
- Complicated explanation of benefits statements
- Delays in secondary payments after Medicare pays its portion
- Confusion caused by overlapping UnitedHealthcare branding
A real-world scenario often looks like this: Medicare approves and pays its share, but the remaining balance is not promptly covered by the supplement. The policyholder is then caught between the provider’s billing office and UnitedHealthcare’s service center.
Humana Medicare Supplement Insurance
Humana has a strong presence in Medicare-related products, but its Medicare Supplement offerings frequently draw criticism for administrative complexity.
While the coverage itself meets federal standards, policyholders often complain about how long it takes to resolve routine issues. Something as simple as a claim correction can require multiple calls and follow-ups.
Reported problems include:
- Claims marked as pending without explanation
- Difficulty reaching a knowledgeable representative
- Inconsistent handling of out-of-network provider claims
Humana customers sometimes report that their doctors accept Medicare without issue, yet Humana’s supplemental payment arrives weeks later. For retirees on fixed incomes, even short delays can create financial stress.
Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement Policies
Mutual of Omaha is widely known for Medicare Supplement insurance and has been in the market for decades. Despite this reputation, it often receives negative feedback related to pricing patterns.
Many customers say the company uses a strategy where initial rates are competitive, followed by regular and noticeable increases. While this is not unique to Mutual of Omaha, the frequency and size of adjustments tend to attract attention.
Typical complaints include:
- Premium increases occurring almost every year
- Limited explanation for rate changes
- Difficulty switching plans internally without cost increases
For example, a policyholder in Texas may enroll at age 65 with a low premium, only to find that by age 72 the policy is significantly more expensive than comparable options from other carriers.
Cigna Medicare Supplement Coverage
Cigna’s Medicare Supplement plans are often criticized for lack of clarity rather than outright denial of benefits. Policyholders frequently say they struggle to understand how and when payments are processed.
Issues commonly reported include:
- Confusing billing statements
- Delayed reimbursements for Part B coinsurance
- Limited communication about premium adjustments
Many customers describe feeling unsure whether a claim has been processed correctly. This uncertainty often leads to repeated calls and unnecessary stress, especially when medical providers begin sending reminder bills.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap Plans
Anthem operates under the Blue Cross Blue Shield umbrella and offers Medicare Supplement plans in several states. Because Anthem is regionally structured, service quality varies widely depending on location.
In some states, policyholders report acceptable experiences. In others, complaints are frequent and consistent.
Reported issues include:
- Long wait times for claim resolution
- Inconsistent handling of identical claims
- Difficulty navigating regional customer service departments
For example, a beneficiary in California might have a very different experience than someone in Ohio, even though the coverage is standardized. This inconsistency makes Anthem a risky choice for people who value predictability.
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Bankers Fidelity Medicare Supplement Insurance
Bankers Fidelity is a smaller insurer compared to national giants, and its Medicare Supplement policies often receive criticism related to limited infrastructure.
Policyholders frequently report difficulty reaching customer service and long delays in claim payments.
Common complaints include:
- Limited customer service hours
- Delayed checks instead of electronic payments
- Slow coordination with Medicare systems
In practical terms, this can mean waiting weeks for reimbursement while medical providers continue to send statements. For older adults who prefer quick resolution, this can be exhausting.
Washington National Medicare Supplement Plans
Washington National, a subsidiary of a larger insurance group, offers Medicare Supplement coverage but has a narrower operational focus. This can create issues when policyholders need support beyond routine claims.
Reported concerns include:
- Poor handling of appeals
- Slow response to billing disputes
- Limited online account management tools
For instance, if a claim is processed incorrectly, customers often say it takes multiple attempts to get the issue reviewed. This lack of responsiveness is a common theme in negative feedback.
Medico Insurance Company Medigap Coverage
Medico Insurance Company sells Medicare Supplement plans primarily in select states. While some customers report neutral experiences, negative reviews often highlight slow service.
Frequent complaints include:
- Long response times for written inquiries
- Delayed updates on claim status
- Minimal proactive communication
Smaller insurers can sometimes provide personalized service, but in Medico’s case, many policyholders say the experience feels understaffed rather than attentive.
Colonial Penn Medicare Supplement Insurance
Colonial Penn is known for simplified insurance products, and its Medicare Supplement plans are often marketed for ease of enrollment. The trade-off, according to many policyholders, is limited flexibility.
Common concerns include:
- Basic plan options with fewer customer service features
- Limited support for complex billing situations
- Slower claim follow-up compared to competitors
Colonial Penn policies may suit people with very straightforward medical needs, but those requiring frequent specialist care often report frustration.
Conclusion
Choosing a Medicare Supplement policy is not just about the name on the card or the price in the first year. It is about how the company behaves when you actually need it. The worst Medicare Supplement companies in the USA tend to share the same patterns: rising premiums without clear explanation, slow or confusing claims handling, and customer service that becomes difficult to reach when problems arise.
Every company listed here is legitimate and regulated, but legitimacy does not guarantee a smooth experience. If you are evaluating Medigap options, pay close attention to complaint trends, rate history, and how easy it is to get real help after enrollment. A slightly higher premium with consistent service can often cost less in stress and time than a cheaper policy that creates ongoing problems.
Taking the time to understand these patterns now can help you avoid frustration later, when switching plans may no longer be easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if a Medicare Supplement company has a history of complaints before enrolling?
I usually start by reviewing complaint ratios published by state insurance departments, since they show how many complaints a company receives relative to its size. This gives a clearer picture than online reviews alone. You can also look at how often complaints involve claim delays or billing issues, which tend to matter more than sales-related concerns.
Why do some Medicare Supplement premiums increase faster than others?
Premium growth often depends on how a company prices risk over time. Some insurers attract new enrollees with low starting rates, then raise prices as the policyholder group ages. Others spread risk more evenly, which results in slower but steadier increases. Understanding the pricing model can help avoid surprises later.
Can switching Medicare Supplement companies solve ongoing claim problems?
In some cases, yes, but timing matters. If you are within your Medigap open enrollment period or have guaranteed issue rights, switching can be straightforward. Outside those windows, medical underwriting may apply, and preexisting conditions could affect approval. That is why many people tolerate poor service longer than they want to.
Are smaller Medicare Supplement insurers always worse than large national companies?
Not necessarily. Smaller companies can sometimes offer more personal service. Problems tend to arise when a carrier lacks enough staff or systems to handle claims efficiently. Size alone is not the issue; operational support and responsiveness are what make the difference.
What questions should I ask before choosing a Medicare Supplement provider?
I focus on practical questions rather than marketing claims. Ask how often premiums have increased in the past five years, how long claim processing typically takes after Medicare pays, and whether customer service is handled in-house or outsourced. Clear answers to these points often reveal more than brochures ever will.
