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By Suzanne Blake
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A specific Medicare Advantage plan has sparked confusion online after a new deductible took effect this year.
Why It Matters
The Cigna True Choice Plus PPO Medicare Advantage plan is one of many available to millions of seniors who opt for the privatized version of traditional Medicare.
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However, as premiums and deductibles increase, some Medicare Advantage recipients find themselves cash-strapped and unable to afford necessities.
What To Know
Since the beginning of 2025, patients have complained about Cigna's new Medicare Advantage $500 deductible.
For the True Choice Plus Medicare PPO plan, the deductible is now $500, excluding insulin furnished through an item of durable medical equipment. That's compared to a $0 deductible in 2024.
The actual monthly premium increase for the Cigna plan was minimal, but now patients must meet that yearly deductible to obtain the same health coverage.
Newsweek reached out to Cigna via email for comment.
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What People Are Saying
Smile Insurance Group CEO Chris Fong told Newsweek: "This trend is more common in PPO plans compared to HMO plans. Previously, deductibles were typically applied only to out-of-network services in PPO plans. However, with the recent shift to include in-network services, we can only speculate that this change is influenced by the Inflation Reduction Act. Additionally, we anticipate more significant changes in 2026 with the removal of value-based benefits unless we see a change by the Trump administration."
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "As providers have struggled to bring in more profits on Medicare Advantage plans, we've seen some dramatic revisions to plans from when they first started...We're sadly going to see more of these increases in the years to come.
"Insurance providers are off-loading more of the up-front costs of care on their customers as they face higher costs in virtually every area of medical care. It's more important than ever for individuals who are signed up for Medicare Advantage to take a more active role in understanding changes to their plans and how they'll need to manage them within their current budgets."
Kevin Thompson, a finance expert and the founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek: "While the exact year-over-year increase remains unclear, some customers report their deductibles rising to $500 for their specific plans. The primary reason for this increase is the rising cost of health care, combined with inflationary pressures and insurers adjusting to higher medical expenses.
"As a result, patients will face higher out-of-pocket costs before their coverage takes effect. Over time, the overall cost of care will continue to rise, with premiums likely increasing on the back end as well."
Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek: "This is a classic case of 'the devil's in the details' that's catching many retirees off guard...Cigna kept their monthly premium increase modest. They just slipped in this $500 deductible. It's like getting a great deal on a car lease but finding out there's a hefty down payment you weren't expecting."
What Happens Next
While deductible changes are more likely to affect those on PPO plans, patients should look into which services count toward their deductible or not.
"Don't panic, but do the math," Ryan said. "For some seniors, paying this deductible might still be cheaper than switching plans."
For those who are frequent health care users, the deductible could be met relatively quickly.
After the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped prices for several Medicare-covered drugs and lowered the percentage of income spent on Medicare premiums, insurers have figured out other ways to push the higher cost burden to patients.
"This isn't just about Cigna. We're likely seeing the start of a trend where Medicare Advantage plans shift more costs to consumers while keeping premiums artificially low to attract enrollment," Ryan said. "The real story here isn't just about a $500 deductible. It's about how the entire Medicare Advantage landscape is evolving. And it's not in favor of the consumer."
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