The bottom line: HealthSpring Medicare Part D plans get below-average government quality ratings and the worst member experience rating among major insurers in 2027. HealthSpring’s premiums are on the low end, but you might pay more for your drugs at the pharmacy than with some competitors. Most members face a $700 deductible on every drug tier. (Cigna plans became HealthSpring in 2026 because Cigna sold its Medicare business.) Jump to: Full Review
HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) Medicare Part D pros and cons
Pros
- Low premiums: HealthSpring’s Part D plans have the second-lowest average premium among companies we reviewed.
- Low-cost generics: After the deductible, HealthSpring charges relatively low copays or coinsurance on generic medications.
Cons
- Low quality ratings: HealthSpring gets below-average government quality ratings, and its members are more likely to leave their plan than any other major insurer.
- Poor member experience: HealthSpring’s 1.5 out of 5 member experience rating is the lowest of any major insurer, with members reporting difficulty getting prescriptions.
- Limited $0-deductible options: HealthSpring’s nationwide plan charges a $700 deductible on all drug tiers. Its high-end Extra Rx plan with $0-deductible tiers is only available in four states and Puerto Rico.
Compare against other providers
» More options in our roundup of the best Medicare Part D plans
Compare against other providers
» More options in our roundup of the best Medicare Part D plans
Our full review
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NerdWallet star rating for HealthSpring Medicare Part D
HealthSpring’s prescription drug plans earned 3.4 out of 5 stars from NerdWallet. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account premiums, out-of-pocket costs, government quality ratings, customer complaints and more.
Based on these ratings, HealthSpring is among NerdWallet’s best Medicare Part D plans in 2027.
Why NerdWallet star ratings differ from CMS star ratings
NerdWallet star ratings go beyond Medicare star ratings developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Our data-driven, consumer-first scoring rubric factors in cost and customer complaints in addition to government quality data. This makes NerdWallet star ratings a more practical tool for seniors looking to find the best overall value.
Government quality ratings for HealthSpring Part D
Average CMS rating, weighted by enrollment: 2.5 stars
HealthSpring prescription drug plans are rated below the industry average, receiving an average rating of 2.5 out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2027, weighted by enrollment. For comparison, the average weighted CMS star rating for all plans is 3.21 stars.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) maintains its own database of star ratings. Medicare Part D plans are rated on 13 quality measures. (You can find definitions for each of these factors in the CMS Star Ratings Technical Notes.)
These ratings use a 5-point scale where 5 is the best and 1 is the worst. The agency bases its ratings on drug plans’ quality of service and customer experiences, and ratings are updated annually.
You can find a plan’s rating with Medicare's plan finding tool.
HealthSpring Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
HealthSpring's 2027 Medicare prescription drug plans are as follows:
HealthSpring Assurance Rx: With premiums starting at $9.30 per month, HealthSpring Assurance Rx is one of the more affordable Part D plans on the market. But it’s not the best for people who take a lot of drugs, because it charges a $700 deductible on all drug tiers and offers very few $0-copay options. In some areas, it has no $0-copay options and charges a coinsurance on all drug tiers.
HealthSpring Extra Rx: This plan is only available in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Puerto Rico. Compared to HealthSpring’s other plan, it does a better job of minimizing out-of-pocket costs, with no deductible on generics and low copays and coinsurance. Premiums are generally high (over $100 per month), but in Puerto Rico it costs just $12.90.
Medicare beneficiaries with Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) can purchase a Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. Part D plans are sold by private insurance companies. The costs and coverage can vary significantly, so it’s important to compare options.
More than 1.2 million Medicare beneficiaries have HealthSpring Part D plans as of October 2026.
More Nerdy Perspective
Are HealthSpring Rx PDPs good Medicare Part D plans?
HealthSpring falls in the middle of the competition in 2027. The company has one of the lowest average premiums, but both premiums and out-of-pocket costs vary widely depending on where you live. It’s worth pricing out a plan using your ZIP code and medications to see how much it might cost you.
That said, HealthSpring’s quality ratings have been suffering for two years, and this year its member experience rating has fallen to the bottom of the pack for 2027. Cost may be your priority, but quality is worth considering. HealthSpring members rate their plan poorly, report difficulty getting needed prescriptions and are more likely to leave than members of other major insurers.
The best Medicare Part D plan for you is one that covers your prescription drugs at an affordable out-of-pocket cost. It’s important to check the plan’s formulary for your medications before making a decision.
HealthSpring falls in the middle of the competition in 2027. The company has one of the lowest average premiums, but both premiums and out-of-pocket costs vary widely depending on where you live. It’s worth pricing out a plan using your ZIP code and medications to see how much it might cost you.
That said, HealthSpring’s quality ratings have been suffering for two years, and this year its member experience rating has fallen to the bottom of the pack for 2027. Cost may be your priority, but quality is worth considering. HealthSpring members rate their plan poorly, report difficulty getting needed prescriptions and are more likely to leave than members of other major insurers.
The best Medicare Part D plan for you is one that covers your prescription drugs at an affordable out-of-pocket cost. It’s important to check the plan’s formulary for your medications before making a decision.
Elizabeth Aldrichlead writer covering MedicareHow much does HealthSpring Medicare Part D cost?
The average HealthSpring Part D premium is $30.40 per month, weighted by enrollment, according to NerdWallet analysis of 2027 CMS data.
Monthly premiums for HealthSpring Medicare Part D plans range from $9.30 to $164.70.
HealthSpring Assurance Rx has a notably lower premium, on average. But HealthSpring Extra Rx waives the deductible on certain drugs and may have lower out-of-pocket costs for brand-name drugs. Below is a breakdown of the costs for each plan.
HealthSpring Medicare Part D premiums and deductibles
Here are the 2027 premiums and deductibles for HealthSpring's stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans:
Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
HealthSpring Assurance Rx | Monthly premiums:
Annual deductible: $700. |
HealthSpring Extra Rx | Monthly premiums:
Annual deductible: $700. |
» If you have concerns about affording Medicare Part D, look into Medicare Extra Help.
Out-of-pocket costs
What you pay for deductibles and copays can vary depending on where your medication falls on the plan’s formulary. A formulary is the plan's list of covered drugs, organized by tiers. Having $0-deductible and $0-copay options can help you minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
Each HealthSpring plan takes a different approach to these $0 options in 2027, and it can vary by location. Here's what you might pay for prescription drugs at some common price points:
HealthSpring Assurance Rx
Deductible
$700 on all tiers.
Average out-of-pocket cost*
$0.32 for Tier 1 (preferred generics).
$3.85 for Tier 2 (generics).
$46.46 for Tier 3 (preferred brands).
HealthSpring Extra Rx
Deductible
$0 on Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs, $700 on all other tiers.
Average out-of-pocket cost*
$0 for Tier 1 (preferred generics).
$2 for Tier 2 (generics).
$36.40 for Tier 3 (preferred brands).
*After deductible is met, based on a $50 retail price for Tier 2 and $200 for Tier 3.
Cost-sharing requirements for higher tiers can quickly get more expensive. As a result, it’s important to check where your medications and pharmacies fall on each plan’s formulary.
Coinsurance vs. copay requirements
You’ll want to check whether you’ll pay a copay or coinsurance for your medications. Copays are set dollar amounts, so it’s easy to know what you’ll pay. Coinsurance is a percentage of the price for your medications, so coinsurance requirements can be less predictable and more expensive.
Both of HealthSpring’s Part D plans have coinsurance for Tiers 3-5. The HealthSpring Assurance Rx plan may have copays or coinsurance for Tiers 1-2 depending on your location, while the HealthSpring Extra Rx plan has copays for Tiers 1-2.
You can enter your medications and pharmacy information on HealthSpring's website to see which drugs are covered and review your estimated costs with different plan options.
» MORE: How much does Medicare Part D cost?
HealthSpring Medicare Part D service area
Stand-alone HealthSpring Medicare prescription drug plans are available in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
The HealthSpring Assurance Rx plan is available in all of the company’s markets, but the HealthSpring Extra Rx plan is only available in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Puerto Rico.
About HealthSpring (formerly Cigna)
HealthSpring is the new brand name for Cigna Medicare plans as of 2026. The name change comes after Cigna sold its Medicare business to Health Care Service Corp. (HCSC) in March 2025.
HCSC also sells Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Its headquarters are in Chicago.
Read the NerdWallet reviews of these other HealthSpring Medicare offerings:
Compare Medicare Part D companies
Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Part D companies. These insurers offer plans in most states, but specifics may vary depending on your location.
Find the right Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
The interactive tool on Medicare.gov can help you find a Medicare Part D plan that covers your prescriptions. It also helps you compare costs among Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans available to you.
Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing plans:
Check the formulary: Make sure the medicines you currently take are covered. Talk to your health care providers about what medications to look for. You might also want to check for possible alternatives and/or drugs you think you might need in the future.
Look for plan changes: Formularies (lists of covered drugs) change frequently. Your insurer should send you a Notice of Plan Change when the formulary changes. Read that document carefully.
Check the pharmacy network: Most Medicare Part D plans have networks of lower-cost pharmacies. Check to see if the plan's pharmacies are convenient for you. Also, compare prices for using mail order.
You can switch plans during Medicare's open enrollment period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Changes go into effect on the following Jan. 1.
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
- Monthly premiums are lower than average.
- Government quality and member experience ratings are below average.
- Only one plan available in most states, and it has no $0-deductible drug tiers.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.NerdWallet analysis of CMS data. 2027 Star Ratings Data Tables. Accessed Oct 16, 2026.
- 2.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. PDP Plan Directory. Accessed Oct 16, 2026.
- 3.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CY2027 Landscape (202609). Accessed Oct 16, 2026.
- 4.HealthSpring. Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D). Accessed Oct 16, 2026.
Medicare Part D plan review methodology
NerdWallet’s Medicare Part D reviews are based on:
Ratings data from CMS.
Pricing.
Out-of-pocket costs.
Formulary tiers.
Member experience.
Complaint data.
We calculate each health insurance company’s rating on a curved 5-point scale. NerdWallet's editorial team reviewed five Medicare Part D insurance companies. We chose companies based on high enrollment and online search volume. Together, these companies cover 87% of stand-alone commercial Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Our research includes at least four major insurers in every state.
These reviews are a guide. We encourage you to shop around and compare several plans.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for Medicare Part D.
Compare Medicare Part D Plans
Insurance company | NerdWallet rating | Average monthly premium | Average Part D deductible | Out-of-pocket costs | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL | |||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 5.0/5 | $46.77 | $636.31 | Lower than average | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
BEST FOR LOW PREMIUMS | |||||
 (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 4.0/5 | $7.78 | $700 | Higher than average | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |
BEST FOR NON-PREFERRED DRUGS | |||||
(855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet | 3.4/5 | $30.40 | $700 | Average | (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 M-F 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM ETSpeak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.orgon NerdWallet |