How We Score and Rank Carriers
Our recommendations are based on a four-factor scoring model that evaluates carriers on more than just price. Here's exactly how it works.
Why not just compare price?
The cheapest Medicare Supplement plan today might not be the best value over 5, 10, or 20 years. Some carriers offer low introductory rates to attract customers, then impose large rate increases once you're locked in. Others have shaky finances that could affect their ability to pay claims long-term.
That's why we score carriers on four factors — giving you a complete picture of value, not just a snapshot of today's price.
The four scoring factors
Premium Price
30%We compare the carrier's premium for the selected plan, age, and gender against all other carriers in the same state. Lower premiums score higher, but we weight this at only 30% because the cheapest plan today isn't always the best value long-term.
Data source: State insurance department rate filings and carrier quoting data
Financial Strength
30%We use AM Best financial strength ratings — the industry standard for assessing an insurance company's ability to meet its ongoing obligations. Carriers rated A+ or higher score the highest. We consider both the current rating and any recent rating changes.
Data source: AM Best Company ratings database
Rate Stability
25%We analyze the carrier's historical rate filing data from the NAIC SERFF system, looking at the frequency and magnitude of rate increases over the past 3–5 years. Carriers with moderate, predictable increases score higher than those with large, erratic jumps — even if the latter has a lower current premium.
Data source: NAIC SERFF Filing Access system (state-level rate filings)
Market Presence
15%We evaluate how established the carrier is in Medicare Supplement in your specific state, considering market share, years of operation, and geographic coverage. Carriers with a strong local presence tend to have more competitive rates and better service for members in that state.
Data source: CMS enrollment data and state insurance department records
How we calculate scores
Each carrier receives a score from 0–100 on each factor. The scores are then combined using the weights above to produce a final composite score. Carriers are ranked by this composite score within each plan letter and state.
When you adjust your priorities (e.g., "I care most about low premiums" vs. "I care most about rate stability"), we shift the weights accordingly while keeping the underlying factor scores the same.
Data freshness
Rate data: Updated quarterly as new filings are processed through the SERFF system.
Financial ratings: Updated whenever AM Best issues a new rating or rating change.
Market data: Updated annually from CMS enrollment reports.
Plan benefits: Updated annually when CMS publishes new deductible and coinsurance amounts (typically in late November for the following year).
Limitations
Our scoring model is one tool to help you make an informed decision. It does not account for every factor that might matter to you — such as customer service experience, claims processing speed, or provider-specific coverage details. We encourage you to use our recommendations as a starting point, then verify details directly with the carrier or a licensed insurance agent.
See the methodology in action
Enter your state and preferences to see personalized, scored carrier recommendations.