Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance Review & Complaints: Health Insurance (2024)
Kaiser Permanente Medicare plans are among this major HMO's available health insurance option. The Kaiser Permanente Medicare service area includes nine states, with the majority of Kaiser members located in California. Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans vary by state as well as by county.
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Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about life insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as a life insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed life insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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One of the biggest names in HMO health plans, Kaiser Permanente is a California-based company serving eight states. They offer individual and group health insurance plans as well as Medicare Advantage.
In this Kaiser Permanente Medicare insurance review, we’ll look at the plans offered by Kaiser as well as how to get Kaiser Permanente Medicare quotes.
Before you decide to buy Kaiser Permanente Medicare insurance, make sure you have checked out all of your options. Compare rates from top companies right here. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code for free quotes.
About Kaiser Permanente
The roots of Kaiser Permanente are found in the creation of Industrial Indemnity in 1933, which was founded by Henry J. Kaiser to provide worker’s compensation insurance for his employees. The new insurance company partnered with a hospital also recently founded in Desert City, CA by Dr. Sidney Garfield. The partnership provided access to health care for workers on the California Aqueduct. By 1942 Permanente Health Plan was officially established, serving workers and their families.
Expansion came with the end of the Second World War, and the company added the name of one of its founders to become Kaiser Permanente. By 1977 the managed health care system was operating in six regions, but expansion slowed and eventually the company scaled back, withdrawing from Texas and North Carolina in the 90s.
Today the company operates in California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. They have around 12 million members with the vast majority of those located in California.
Kaiser operates as a consortium made up of three separate companies, forming a blend of for-profit and not for profits. The company’s headquarters is located in Oakland, CA. They are very active in group health insurance plans, but also sell individual plans and Medicare Advantage; all of their plans are HMO.
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What is Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage?
Kaiser Permanente Medicare coverage options vary depending on the state and even by county. For the purpose of this review, we used our usual sample area in Southern California to take a look at plans and rates.
In our sample area, Kaiser has only one Medicare Advantage plan available, which includes Part D prescription drug coverage.
The Senior Advantage plan is a $0 premium plan (you pay nothing but your usual Original Medicare premiums) with no deductible. Copays are $5 for primary care and $10 for specialists. Inpatient hospital stays with this plan have a copay of $100 a day for the first seven days.
The plan does not have a pharmacy deductible either, and Tier 1 drugs start at a $3 copay.
The plan includes basic dental and some hearing coverage, and there is the option to add on Advantage Plus, which increases those benefits for a monthly premium. It also adds on dental coverage and a fitness benefit.
As with all plans, the Senior Advantage is an HMO plan with no out of network coverage except in the event of an emergency; providers are limited to the Kaiser network.
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Supplement is not currently available.
What Are Kaiser Permanente Medicare Rates?
As already noted, the plan available by Kaiser does not have a premium beyond what you pay for Original Medicare Part A & B. If you wish to add on the Advantage Plus endorsement, the monthly cost is $16.
This is really affordable compared to the other options out there, and it includes low copays for office visits. Even the add-on for supplemental benefits is reasonably priced. As far as zero-premium plans go, it is quite basic, and we have seen some that include dental, hearing, and vision with no added premium. Overall, however, Kaiser is one of the least expensive options.
HMO plans usually have lower premiums than do PPO plans; keeping coverage within a limited network is what helps managed care companies keep the premiums lower.
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Claims Process
Ease of Filing a Claim (Online, Over the Phone, Mobile Apps)
Kaiser Permanente Medicare plans offer a straightforward claims process for their members. Since Kaiser operates as an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), all services are in-network, making it relatively easy to file claims.
Members can typically file claims directly with healthcare providers, and there is generally no need for insured individuals to be directly involved in claims filing or processing.
Average Claim Processing Time
Kaiser Permanente doesn’t provide specific information on their website regarding the average claim processing time. However, as an HMO, the company focuses on efficient and timely processing of claims for covered services. The exact processing time may vary depending on the specific circumstances and healthcare providers involved.
Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts
Based on available information, Kaiser Permanente generally receives positive feedback when it comes to claim resolutions and payouts. The company has low complaint volumes considering its size, and it consistently ranks well with consumer surveys.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings for various Kaiser locations are generally positive, with an A+ rating for the headquarters location and a low volume of complaints. Additionally, Medicare has awarded Kaiser Permanente high ratings for their plans.
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Digital and Technological Features of Kaiser Permanente Medicare
Mobile App Features and Functionality
Kaiser Permanente offers a mobile app that provides members with convenient access to various healthcare-related features and functionalities.
The app typically allows members to view their health plan information, find doctors and facilities, schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, and even access telehealth services. It serves as a valuable tool for managing healthcare needs on the go.
Online Account Management Capabilities
Kaiser Permanente provides robust online account management capabilities through their website. Members can log in to their accounts to review their coverage, access plan documents, view claims history, make payments, and communicate with customer support. The online portal offers a user-friendly interface for managing healthcare-related tasks and information.
Digital Tools and Resources
In addition to the mobile app and online account management, Kaiser Permanente offers various digital tools and resources to assist members in managing their health and wellness. These may include health assessment tools, educational resources, personalized health plans, and access to telehealth services.
These digital resources aim to empower members to make informed healthcare decisions and stay engaged in their well-being. Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to providing digital and technological features enhances the overall member experience, offering convenience, accessibility, and support in managing their healthcare journey.
What Are Kaiser Permanente Ratings and Consumer Reviews?
There are a number of Better Business Bureau (BBB) files for various Kaiser locations, but the file for the headquarters location has an A+ rating with a total of 49 complaints on file. Other complaints are scattered throughout the local BBB files, but we saw a very low volume of complaints overall considering the size of this company.
Each of Kaiser’s state branches has its own record with the National Committee for Quality Assistance. In most states, they have earned the highest rating – 5 out of 5, with 4.5 out of 5 in Georgia and part of Washington. These are impressive scores that are not often seen.
Kaiser also earned a 5 out of 5-star rating from Medicare for their 2020 plans, with the exception of the Northwest region where it earned 4.5 stars. 5 stars is the highest rating and not an accomplishment we see very often. They appear to consistently rank well with consumer surveys.
Consumer Affairs, a common site for insurance company complaints, has a total of 923 reviews of the company. Of the 161 reviews submitted in the past year, 122 were one-star ratings and 22 were five-star, with the rest in between. The complaints are mainly focused on poor customer service and denial of claims. Considering the number of members Kaiser has, this is not a high complaint volume.
Kaiser Permanente Medicare: What’s the Bottom Line?
Kaiser gets high marks for its Medicare Advantage plans from the top rating services, and their complaint volume is not high for a huge company. They do not have much to choose from in terms of plans, and some may find the limitations of an HMO network problematic, but if such things would work for you, Kaiser is a good bet. Kaiser Permanente Medicare enrollment is easy and information readily available online.
Affordable Kaiser Permanente Medicare insurance may be available to you, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shop around. Make sure you have the best plan at the best price by entering your ZIP code below to compare rates now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance?
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance is a health insurance plan offered by Kaiser Permanente specifically designed for individuals who are eligible for Medicare, a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities.
How does Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance work?
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance operates as a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Medicare Part C. It provides Medicare beneficiaries with an alternative way to receive their Medicare benefits by offering comprehensive coverage through a private health insurance plan. The plan typically includes Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Medicare Part B (medical insurance), and often additional benefits like prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) and extra services not covered by Original Medicare.
What services does Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance cover?
Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance generally covers a wide range of healthcare services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, preventive care, emergency care, prescription drugs, and more. The specific services covered may vary depending on the specific plan and location, so it’s important to review the plan details or contact Kaiser Permanente for more information.
How can I enroll in Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance?
To enroll in Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance, you must first be eligible for Medicare. You can typically join a Kaiser Permanente Medicare plan during the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts three months before your 65th birthday month and lasts for a total of seven months. You can also join during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Additionally, there may be other enrollment periods for specific circumstances, such as the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for qualifying life events. To enroll, you can contact Kaiser Permanente directly or visit their website.
How can I find out if my doctors and hospitals are included in the Kaiser Permanente Medicare network?
Kaiser Permanente has a network of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. To determine if your specific doctors and hospitals are included in the network, you can use Kaiser Permanente’s online provider directory or contact their customer service. It’s important to ensure that your preferred healthcare providers are in-network to receive the highest level of coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Are there any complaints or reviews about Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance?
Complaints and reviews about insurance companies can vary, and it’s important to consider individual experiences. To find specific feedback about Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance, you can visit various online review platforms, check consumer advocacy websites, or contact your state’s department of insurance. These sources can provide insights into the experiences of others and help you make an informed decision about the plan.
How can I file a complaint or resolve an issue with Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance?
If you have a complaint or need to resolve an issue with Kaiser Permanente Medicare Insurance, it’s recommended to first contact their customer service department. They can provide guidance on the appropriate steps to take and assist in addressing your concerns. If the issue remains unresolved, you may consider filing a complaint with your state’s department of insurance or contacting Medicare directly for further assistance.
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Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about life insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as a life insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed life insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.