Bankers Life Medicare Supplement Plan Review in Florida
Choosing the right Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan is important for managing healthcare costs, but not all providers offer the same value.
While some companies have built strong reputations in the Medigap space, Bankers Life has struggled to gain consumer trust. Originally focused on life insurance, Bankers Life is not a major player in the Medigap market and is mostly known for aggressive direct-to-consumer sales tactics rather than competitive pricing or customer support.
Unlike top Medigap providers such as Florida Blue, Mutual of Omaha, and Aetna, Bankers Life’s plans often come with significantly higher premiums - without offering any additional benefits.
With limited plan availability, no Medicare Advantage options, and a history of high-pressure marketing, Bankers Life raises concerns about long-term affordability and service quality.
In the sections ahead, we’ll break down:
- Bankers Life's Florida Medigap plans
- Premium comparison to Florida Blue
- Pros and cons of Bankers Life
- Better Medigap options for Florida Medicare beneficiaries
- Why Florida Blue is our #1 pick
Let's start with Bankers Life's Medigap plan offerings.
Which Medigap Plans Does Bankers Life Offer in Florida?
Bankers Life offers several standardized Medicare Supplement plans in Florida, including Plan G, Plan N, High Deductible Plan G, Plan A, and Plan F (available only to those eligible for Medicare before 2020). For most new Medicare beneficiaries, the decision typically comes down to Plan G, Plan N, or High Deductible Plan G.
Plan G
Plan G provides the most comprehensive coverage available to new Medicare beneficiaries. It pays nearly all Medicare-approved out-of-pocket costs except the annual Part B deductible. It also covers Part B excess charges and foreign travel emergency benefits.
Best for: People who want predictable medical costs and the highest level of coverage.
Plan N
Plan N offers coverage similar to Plan G but lowers premiums by requiring small copays (up to $20 for office visits and $50 for emergency room visits) and by not covering Part B excess charges.
Best for: Healthy beneficiaries who want lower premiums and don't mind occasional copays.
High Deductible Plan G
High Deductible Plan G provides the same benefits as Plan G after you satisfy the annual deductible ($2,950 in 2026). Until then, Original Medicare pays its share and you are responsible for eligible out-of-pocket costs that count toward the deductible.
Best for: People looking for the lowest monthly premiums who can comfortably handle higher out-of-pocket costs if medical expenses arise.
Bankers Life Medigap Premiums in Florida:
Bnakers Life’s Medigap premiums in Florida are significantly higher than those of competitors like Florida Blue, Mutual of Omaha, and Aetna.
While all Medigap plans provide the same standardized benefits, Bankers Life charges substantially more without offering any extra advantages.
Premium Comparison: Bankers Life vs. Competitors
The table below shows a side-by-side comparison of Bankers Life's pricing vs. competitor rates for popular Medigap plans.
Premium Summary:
When comparing Medigap plan premiums between Bankers Life and its competitors, it's clear that Bankers Life tends to have higher premiums for both Plan G and Plan N across all age groups.
For example, the annual premium for Plan G is about $943 more at age 65 and $1,143 more at age 70 when compared to competitors.
Similarly, Plan N shows a premium difference of $889 more annually for a 65-year-old and $999 more at age 70.
Bankers Life does not offer additional benefits or coverage enhancements that justify the premium differences, making their plans less cost-effective when compared to competitors.
For individuals looking to save money while still receiving comprehensive coverage, it may be worth considering the more competitively priced options available elsewhere.
{{find-1="/blog-component-assets"}}
Pros and Cons of Bankers Life Medicare Supplement Plans
While Bankers Life has been in business for decades, its Medigap plans come with significant downsides compared to competitors.
Below is a clear breakdown of the pros and cons of choosing Bnakers Life for a Medigap policy.
Pros of Bankers Life Medicare Supplement Plans
- Established Company – Bankers Life has been offering Medicare Supplement since 1965 and has a long history in the insurance industry. However, its expertise is primarily in life insurance, not Medicare Supplement.
- Guaranteed Renewable Policies – As with all Medigap plans, policies cannot be canceled due to health reasons as long as premiums are paid.
- Nationwide Coverage – Bankers Life Medigap policies allow enrollees to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, with no network restrictions.
Cons of Bankers Life Medicare Supplement Plans
- Very High Premiums – Compared to major Medigap providers like Florida Blue, Mutual of Omaha, and Aetna, Bankers Life charges significantly more for the same standardized coverage. Premiums increase at a faster rate than competitors, often making them one of the most expensive options over time.
- Aggressive Sales Tactics – Unlike most reputable Medigap providers, Bankers Life sells policies directly to consumers rather than through independent agents. This means policyholders do not receive unbiased guidance, and many report experiencing high-pressure sales tactics via direct mail and cold calls.
- No Medicare Advantage Option – Bankers Life exclusively offers Medigap policies, meaning there are no Medicare Advantage plans available. While Medigap is often the best choice for many, some prefer the option of a Medicare Advantage plan with additional benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage—which Bankers Life does not provide.
Are There Better Medicare Supplement Companies in Florida?
While Bankers Life offers standardized Medicare Supplement coverage, it is not usually among our top recommendations for Florida beneficiaries.
Because Medigap benefits are federally standardized, the biggest differences between insurance companies are:
- Monthly premiums
- Rate increase history
- Financial strength
- Available discounts
- Customer service
For many Florida residents, carriers such as Florida Blue often provide stronger overall value, depending on age and location.
Rather than choosing a company based on advertising or brand recognition, we recommend comparing quotes from several insurers offering the exact same Medigap plan.
Bottom Line
Bankers Life is a legitimate Medicare Supplement carrier that offers the same standardized Medicare benefits as every other insurer. However, we generally recommend comparing it against several competitors before enrolling.
In many areas of Florida, other companies offer comparable coverage at lower premiums or with a stronger history of rate stability. Since Medigap benefits are identical for the same plan letter, comparing prices and company history can often save hundreds of dollars over time.
FAQs
Bankers Life has faced legal issues regarding its Medicare Supplement policies. In 2013, a class action lawsuit in Oregon alleged elder abuse, fraud, and negligence due to delayed claims and premium increases without added benefits.
Colonial Penn and Bankers Life are separate companies but share the same parent, CNO Financial Group. Bankers Life targets middle-income retirees with Medicare Supplement insurance, life insurance, annuities, and long-term care insurance. Colonial Penn specializes in guaranteed acceptance life insurance for seniors. Though they operate independently, they occasionally collaborate on marketing.
In 2022, Bankers Life had over 202,000 Medicare Supplement policyholders and paid $387 million in claims, a decrease from 285,269 policyholders in 2019. The decline may stem from increased competition, lawsuits, and the loss of consumer trust.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) costs in Florida vary based on factors like plan type, age, gender, smoking status, and location. Popular plans include Plan G ($213.64/month average), Plan F ($279/month, available only for those eligible before 2020), and Plan N ($180/month average). Premiums tend to increase with age and may be higher for smokers and males, with costs also differing by county.
Many seniors are switching from Medicare Advantage (MA) to Medigap due to MA's high out-of-pocket costs, limited provider networks, and frequent prior authorization delays. Medigap offers greater freedom with nationwide coverage, no referral requirements, and more predictable benefits. It’s also a better option for frequent travelers and those seeking stable, hassle-free healthcare with fewer restrictions.
Or enter your zip code to shop online
