ManhattanLife Medicare Supplement Plan Reviews in 2025

ManhattanLife Medicare Supplement Pros and Cons

Overview of ManhattanLife's Medigap Plans

ManhattanLife offers a selection of standardized Medicare supplement plans. All Medigap plans are guaranteed renewable, meaning your coverage can’t be dropped due to health conditions as long as you continue paying your premiums.

Let’s examine the specific plans available and their benefits.

*Plans C and F are only available to beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
*Plan N covers 100 percent of the Part B coinsurance, except for copayments of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission.*

It’s important to remember that Medicare supplement plans are standardized nationwide. This means a Plan G from ManhattanLife offers the same basic benefits as Plan G from any other insurance company. The difference lies in the premium costs, customer service, and any additional perks or discounts the company may offer.

For more information about how standardized Medigap plans work, see our complete guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Finding the Right ManhattanLife Medigap Plan for Your Needs

ManhattanLife offers five different Medicare Supplement plans, each designed to meet different health care needs and budget considerations. Finding the right plan requires understanding both your health care utilization patterns and financial constraints.

Basic Coverage for Essential Protection

Plan A offers the most basic coverage level, covering the Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance or copayments, blood (first three pints), and hospice care coinsurance or copayment. This plan may be suitable for beneficiaries who prioritize lower premiums and are willing to cover more costs out-of-pocket, including the Medicare Part A deductible.

Comprehensive Coverage With Plan F

For those eligible (beneficiaries who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020), ManhattanLife Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage available. This plan covers all out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare-approved services, including both Part A and Part B deductibles, excess charges, and foreign travel emergency coverage.

While Plan F has traditionally been popular due to its comprehensive coverage, our analysis found that increasing premiums have made it less cost-effective for many beneficiaries.

Maximum Value With Plan G

ManhattanLife Plan G has emerged as the most popular choice among Medicare Supplement plans. It provides the same comprehensive coverage as Plan F, except that you will remain responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible ($240 in 2025). For many beneficiaries, the premium savings compared to Plan F outweigh this single out-of-pocket expense.

Budget-Friendly Option With Plan N

If you want to balance coverage with affordability, ManhattanLife Plan N offers substantial coverage with cost-sharing features that help lower your monthly premium. With Plan N, you’ll pay up to $20 copays for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived if you’re admitted). Although these are relatively uncommon, you’ll also be responsible for any Part B excess charges.

We found that Plan N can be particularly cost-effective for beneficiaries who have several physician visits annually but don’t require frequent emergency care or specialty services where excess charges might apply.

Note: Not all providers charge Part B excess fees, but it’s worth checking if your preferred doctor does before choosing Plan N.

International Coverage for Travelers

ManhattanLife Plans C, F, G, and N include foreign travel emergency coverage for those who travel internationally. This benefit covers 80 percent of medically necessary emergency care received outside the U.S. during the first 60 days of each trip, after a $250 deductible, up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000.

Understanding ManhattanLife Medigap Plan Costs

Premium costs for ManhattanLife Medicare supplement plans vary based on several factors, including your age, gender, location, and the specific plan selected. Our analysis of ManhattanLife’s pricing structure revealed several important considerations for potential enrollees.

ManhattanLife uses an attained-age rating system for their Medicare Supplement policies. This means premiums start lower when you first enroll but increase as you age. This differs from issue-age-rated policies (which base premiums on your age when you first buy the policy) and community-rated policies (which charge the same premium to all policyholders regardless of age). Since premiums rise with age under attained-age policies, it’s wise to consider future affordability, not just initial cost.

We found their rates generally competitive when comparing ManhattanLife’s premiums with competitors, especially when factoring in available discounts. The insurer offers meaningful savings opportunities with their Spousal Discount (for married couples where both spouses have ManhattanLife Medigap policies) and Household Discount (for unmarried individuals who have lived together for at least a year), which range from 7 percent to 12 percent depending on the state.

Our research revealed that ManhattanLife’s Plan G and Plan N typically offer the best value for most beneficiaries, balancing comprehensive coverage with affordable premiums.

Based on our analysis of ManhattanLife’s premium data across multiple states, here are approximate monthly premium ranges for a 65-year-old nonsmoking individual:

*Only available to beneficiaries eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Note: Premiums shown are before any applicable discounts and can vary significantly by location, age, gender, and other factors.

Our comparison of premium data across states, including Texas, Ohio, and Arizona, confirmed substantial geographic variation. For example, premiums in Arizona were generally higher than those in Ohio for the same plans and demographic profiles.

Enrolling in a ManhattanLife Medicare Supplement Plan

The enrollment process for ManhattanLife Medicare supplement plans is relatively straightforward, but timing can significantly impact eligibility and costs. Here’s what you need to know about securing coverage:

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period

The best time to enroll in a ManhattanLife Medicare supplement plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This six-month window begins the first day of the month in which you’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning:

• You cannot be denied coverage based on health conditions.
• You cannot be charged higher premiums due to health status.
• You won’t face waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.

Enrollment Outside Open Enrollment

If you apply for a ManhattanLife Medicare supplement plan outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you’ll likely have to answer health questions and undergo medical underwriting. One advantage noted with ManhattanLife is their somewhat relaxed underwriting standards compared to some competitors, potentially making them more accessible to those with health conditions.

Switching to ManhattanLife From Another Carrier

If you already have a Medicare supplement plan with another insurance company, you can apply to switch to ManhattanLife. However, unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right under specific circumstances, you’ll likely face medical underwriting.

According to Medicare.gov,3 situations that might qualify you for guaranteed issue rights outside your initial enrollment period include losing other certain types of health coverage or moving out of your current plan’s service area.

Application Process

To apply for a ManhattanLife Medicare supplement plan:

1. Contact ManhattanLife directly or work with a licensed Medicare insurance agent.
2. Complete an application with personal information and Medicare details.
3. Answer health questions (if outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period).
4. Choose your payment method and frequency.
5. Submit your application and wait for approval.

When comparing ManhattanLife plans with those of competitors, working with a Medicare insurance broker can be helpful because they can help you evaluate your choices in terms of benefits, costs, and company stability.

If you’re considering switching Medigap plans, make sure you don’t cancel your current policy until your new one is approved.

Comparing ManhattanLife to Other Medigap Providers

When evaluating Medicare supplement options, it’s important to consider how ManhattanLife stacks up against other major providers. Our comparative analysis revealed several notable distinctions in terms of plan offerings, pricing strategies, and additional benefits.

ManhattanLife vs. Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha offers a broader selection of Medigap plans than ManhattanLife, including high-deductible versions of Plans F and G. While both companies maintain strong financial ratings, Mutual of Omaha typically earns slightly higher marks from rating agencies. Regarding discounts, Mutual of Omaha offers household discounts of up to 12 percent compared to ManhattanLife’s 7 percent to 12 percent range, which varies by state.

One area where ManhattanLife potentially has an edge is in their underwriting flexibility. For applicants outside the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, ManhattanLife’s relaxed underwriting approach may make coverage more accessible for those with pre-existing conditions.

ManhattanLife vs. Aetna

When comparing ManhattanLife to Aetna, we found that Aetna generally offers more robust digital tools and resources for policy management. Both companies offer similar plan selections, although Aetna has wider geographic availability.

Our analysis revealed varied results in terms of pricing, depending on location and demographic factors. While ManhattanLife sometimes offered more competitive rates for Plan G, Aetna had better pricing for Plan N in many markets. Both companies offer household discounts, although specific discount percentages vary by state.

ManhattanLife vs. Humana

Humana has broader nationwide availability and more extensive plan options than ManhattanLife. While ManhattanLife offers five Medigap plans, Humana provides up to eight in some areas, giving consumers more choices to fit their specific needs.

A key difference we identified is in supplemental benefits. Humana includes value-added features like SilverSneakers fitness membership with many of their Medigap policies, while ManhattanLife offers separate dental, vision, and hearing plans with their own additional premiums.

Additional Benefits

While ManhattanLife’s Medicare supplement plans primarily focus on filling the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, the company offers additional insurance products that can complement your health care coverage strategy.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage

ManhattanLife offers stand-alone dental, vision, and hearing plans that can be purchased with a Medicare supplement policy. Since Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental care, vision services, or hearing aids, these plans can address significant gaps in your health care coverage.

The dental coverage includes preventive services such as semi-annual exams, cleanings, and X-rays, as well as basic services such as fillings and extractions. Coverage for these services typically starts at 60 percent in the first year and increases to 80 percent by the third year of enrollment. Major services like crowns, dentures, and root canals are 70 percent covered starting in the second year, increasing to 80 percent in year three (except in Ohio).

The vision insurance covers basic eye exams and eye refractions, with coverage for glasses and contacts available after a six-month waiting period. Hearing coverage includes the cost of exams and hearing aid supplies, although new hearing aids and repairs are subject to a 12-month waiting period.

A notable advantage of ManhattanLife’s dental, vision, and hearing plans is the absence of provider networks. Beneficiaries can visit any provider and receive reimbursement based on their benefit level, providing flexibility in choosing health care providers.

Household Discount Program

ManhattanLife offers meaningful premium savings through their household discount programs. The Spousal Discount applies to married beneficiaries who live with a spouse who is also enrolled in a ManhattanLife Medigap plan. Additionally, their Household Discount extends savings to nonmarried individuals who have lived with another person who is at least 60 years old for a year or more.

The discount ranges from 7 percent to 12 percent, depending on the state, representing significant potential savings over the life of the policy. This discount structure is competitive with or better than many other Medicare supplement providers, making ManhattanLife particularly attractive for couples or those with eligible household members.

Evaluating ManhattanLife's Customer Service Experience

The quality of customer service can significantly impact your satisfaction with a Medicare supplement provider. Our assessment of ManhattanLife’s customer service drew on multiple sources, including company information, industry ratings, and consumer feedback.

ManhattanLife has earned a positive reputation for service reliability. The Better Business Bureau has awarded the company an A+ rating, which reflects confidence in their business practices and complaint resolution processes.

Unlike larger insurers with extensive branch networks, such as UnitedHealthcare, ManhattanLife primarily provides customer support through telephone channels rather than in-person offices. This might be a drawback for beneficiaries who prefer face-to-face interactions.

When evaluating a Medicare supplement provider, it’s essential to consider the quality of service during the application process and the company’s reputation for claims handling. Since Medicare is the primary claims processor for services covered by Original Medicare (with Medigap coverage automatically processing secondarily), the claims experience is generally consistent across companies. However, billing issues can occasionally arise, and in these situations, responsive customer service becomes particularly valuable.

For those who prefer digital account management, ManhattanLife’s online tools, while functional, are less robust than those offered by larger insurers. This may be a consideration for beneficiaries who prioritize digital interaction with their insurance provider.

ManhattanLife Medicare Supplement Service Area

ManhattanLife offers Medicare supplement plans in most states, although specific plan availability varies by location. Before considering a ManhattanLife Medigap policy, verifying that your desired plan is available in your state is essential.

Some Medicare supplement providers maintain strict provider networks, but ManhattanLife, like all Medigap carriers, allows beneficiaries to use any health care provider that accepts Medicare. This nationwide acceptance provides significant flexibility when seeking care at home or while traveling domestically.

This flexibility is particularly valuable for those who divide their time between multiple residences (such as “snowbirds” who spend winters in warmer climates), as there’s no need to worry about whether your supplemental coverage is in effect in different locations.

Assessing ManhattanLife's Financial Stability

Financial stability is critical when selecting a Medicare supplement provider, as you’re potentially entering a relationship that could last decades. Our evaluation of ManhattanLife’s financial foundation revealed several important insights.

ManhattanLife insurance has demonstrated remarkable longevity, having been in business since 1850. This extensive history suggests fundamental business stability. The company operates under the Manhattan Life Group, which includes Western United Life Insurance, Central United Life Insurance Company, and Family Life Insurance Company.

A.M. Best, a leading insurance rating agency, has assigned ManhattanLife a B++ (Good) rating. While not the highest possible rating, this indicates the company maintains adequate financial reserves to meet policyholder obligations. A.M. Best has been rating ManhattanLife since 1976, consistently finding the company financially sound.

For context, many larger insurers carry A or A+ ratings, suggesting somewhat stronger financial positions. However, ManhattanLife’s positive rating, combined with their long history in the market, provides reasonable assurance of stability for prospective policyholders.

Methodology

To evaluate ManhattanLife’s Medicare Supplement Insurance, we employed a systematic methodology focusing on multiple dimensions of the company’s offerings:

• Plan Analysis: We examined the full range of ManhattanLife Medicare supplement plans, comparing their benefits against standardized Medicare guidelines and identifying any unique features or limitations.
• Premium Research: We gathered premium data across multiple states and demographic profiles to understand ManhattanLife’s pricing structure relative to industry averages and competitors. We analyzed costs for 65-year-old and 75-year-old males and females in multiple ZIP codes.
• Discount Evaluation: We investigated ManhattanLife’s discount programs, including  household and spousal discounts, measuring potential savings against similar programs from competitors.
• Financial Stability Assessment: We reviewed ManhattanLife’s A.M. Best rating and company history to evaluate their financial stability and likelihood of long-term market participation.
• Customer Experience Analysis: We examined Better Business Bureau ratings and available customer feedback to assess satisfaction levels with ManhattanLife’s services.
• Supplemental Benefits Review: We evaluated ManhattanLife’s additional insurance offerings, particularly their dental, vision, and hearing plans, to understand how they complement their Medicare supplement products.
• Market Position Research: We assessed ManhattanLife’s position within the broader Medicare supplement market, including their company history, corporate structure, and relative competitive advantages.

Our analysis emphasized factors most relevant to Medicare beneficiaries, particularly coverage comprehensiveness, premium affordability, company stability, and customer service quality.