Best California Medigap Medicare Supplement Plans
Table of Contents
What Are Medigap Plans?
A Medicare Supplement plan can help you pay some out-of-pocket costs in Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare). In this article, you'll learn what Medigap plans in California cost, which plans are available, when and how to enroll (without underwriting), what gaps they cover, and how you can get premiums and discounts on all Medicare plans where you live.
What You Need to Know
- Medicare supplemental insurance policies in California are offered by private insurance companies and are designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
- Supplemental insurance policies are standardized, meaning each plan letter offers the same basic benefits regardless of the insurer.
- Medicare supplemental insurance is available to California residents at age 65 and over who have enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
- All supplemental plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B copayments and/or coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
- All but two supplements cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- Supplemental insurance policies do not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- Policies are available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N.
- Medicare SELECT plans require enrollees to use a local California provider network.
- Some insurers offer a household discount when both you and your spouse have a policy.
Do You Need a Supplement in California?
Although Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers most of your major healthcare costs, you are responsible for about 20% of all medically necessary healthcare services you use. These expenses come in the form of deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, and they can add up quickly.
When you use Medicare-approved healthcare services, Medicare requires you to pay a deductible and/or a copayment or coinsurance. If you are hospitalized in California, these costs will be considerable. For example, the Part A deductible is $1,600 per benefit period. And you pay 20% of all Part B medical costs.
That's what Medigap coverage is used for. These supplemental insurance policies, also known as Medigap, help you pay your out-of-pocket costs. They help fill the cost gap, which effectively creates a Medicare out-of-pocket maximum.
RELATED: Do I Really Need Supplemental Insurance with Medicare?
Is a Medicare Supplement Right for You?
Yes, if you:
- Expect the need for frequent healthcare services now and/or in the future and want to limit your deductibles and co-pays.
- Can afford the monthly premiums of Medicare Supplement insurance and don't qualify for Medicaid.
- Want the freedom to choose your doctors and other Medicare providers without network restrictions.
- Need nationwide coverage and/or travel abroad and need coverage for emergency care.
- Are in your initial enrollment period and have guaranteed issue rights to join a plan regardless of your health condition.
- Don’t want a Medicare Advantage plan and the hassle of referrals and pre-authorization to receive services.
No, if you:
- Don’t expect the need for frequent healthcare now or in the future.
- Missed your Medigap open enrollment period and can't pass medical underwriting to get the Medigap policy you want.
- Want a Medicare Advantage plan with low or no monthly premiums.
- Have Medicaid, VA, retiree benefits, or other coverage options that will pay for most of your Medicare out-of-pocket expenses.
- Prefer an all-in-one HMO or PPO plan that includes a Part D prescription drug plan, SilverSneakers, and routine care for dental, vision, and hearing.
- Can adhere to the rules and restrictions of a Medicare Advantage.
What Do Medicare Supplements Cover?
All Medicare supplemental insurance companies in California are required to follow both federal and state laws designed to protect you. Insurers must offer the standardized Medicare Plans identified by letters A through N.
What this means is a Plan F policy from Aetna Medicare has exactly the same coverage as a Plan F from Mutual of Omaha, AARP Medicare, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This is what makes Medigap plans easier to compare vs. an HMO or PPO style plan through Medicare Advantage.
Medicare supplemental insurance policies may include the following benefits:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up
- Part A inpatient deductible
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Skilled nursing facility care and hospice care coinsurance
- Part B deductible
- Part B coinsurance or copayment
- Part B excess charges
- The first three pints of blood
- Foreign travel emergency services
- Out-of-pocket limits
By looking at the chart below you can easily make Medigap plan comparisons.
The F and G plan types are available with a high-deductible option. If you choose this option, this means you pay all Medicare-covered out-of-pocket costs up to the annual deductible amount before your Medigap plan pays anything.
Related: How a High-Deductible Medigap Plan Works
Insurers can choose the plans they offer in California, however, state laws may affect which ones they can offer. For more information, or to file a complaint, visit the California Department of Insurance website at http://www.insurance.ca.gov/.
Top 3 Medigap Plans Sold in California
Medicare Supplement Insurance is additional coverage sold by private insurance companies. Each lettered plan is designed to cover different Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) out-of-pocket costs.
The best-selling Medicare Supplements in California are Plans F, G, N. Their comprehensive coverage is what makes them the best-sellers. Enrolling in one of these three plans is how most California seniors ensure they are covered and won't be strapped with excessive medical bills.
Plan F has the most complete coverage. It covers all deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. It is not available to anyone who qualified for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Plan G covers all deductibles, copays, and coinsurance except the Part B deductible. It has the best coverage you can get if you qualify for Medicare this year. If you're evaluating Medicare Plan G pros and cons vs. Plan F, consider that G costs less F, even when you factor in the Part B deductible Plan G does not cover.
Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible or Medicare excess charges. Plus, beneficiaries have a small copayment on some doctor visits and emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission.
- 10 Best California Medigap Plan F
- 10 Best California Medigap Plan G
- 10 Best California Medigap Plan N
Also See: Medicare Plan N vs Plan G: Which Supplement is Best for You?
Looking for a different plan? Ask us for free quotes on the best Medicare Supplement Plans in your location.
Top 10 Plan F in California
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan available in California. Here are the 10 best Plan F policies available in California based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan G in California
Medicare Supplement Plan G is rapidly gaining popularity with California seniors. With Plan F no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is the new gold standard. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan G policies available in California based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan N in California
Medicare Supplement Plan N is similar to Plan D, but covers Medicare Part B coinsurance costs differently. Due to its lower cost and good coverage, it's catching the attention of many California seniors. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan N policies available in California based on our reviews (click for details):
Cost of Medicare Supplements in California
The official Medicare website has a Medicare Supplement plan finder tool that shows you the cost of supplemental Medicare insurance in California. But it's just a range. What the tool does not give you is the exact premium, rate increase history, rating scores, and household discounts.
Our FREE Medicare Supplement Plan Rate Quote Service is the best way to get the exact monthly premium for all carriers, household discounts, AM Best ratings, Medicare Supplement rate increase history, and more.
The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison
MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.
Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!
If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
How to Choose the Best Medicare Supplement For You
Everyone on Medicare has different needs. Your age, gender, California zip code, use of medical services, providers, emergency care, supplies, and durable medical equipment are all factors you need to consider. That's because all of these things play a role in your plan options.
When "Best" Means "Most Coverage Available"
If you are signing up for Medicare with chronic health issues, or if you have done a good job saving for your retirement, most experts agree that Plan G is the best option in California. It offers the most coverage you can buy if you're getting your Medicare benefits in 2023.
When "Best" Means "Good Coverage and Monthly Savings"
If you are signing up for Medicare in excellent health, or if you need good coverage but can't handle the cost of Plan G, Plan N is a good option. Plan N offers comprehensive inpatient coverage for hospital stays, while also covering most medical care expenses.
When "Best" Means "Lowest Cost Coverage"
Not everyone in California can afford or needs the comprehensive coverage provided by Plans F, G, and N. When the amount of your monthly premium is a concern, ask your insurance agent to give you advice about Plan K and High Deductible Plan G (HDG). These are the two lowest-cost plans available.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance Eligibility
You can apply for supplemental Medicare insurance in California during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Your OEP is a six-month window of time that begins at age 65 when you enroll in Medicare Part B.
Federal law guarantees your right to buy insurance during your OEP. This Medigap protection will allow you to choose the Medicare Supplement plan that best suits your needs, regardless of your health history or chronic health conditions.
It is more difficult to get Medicare supplemental insurance after your Medigap open enrollment period is finished. It's one of the disadvantages of Medigap plans.
An insurance company may ask you questions about your health and charge you higher premiums. They might also reject your application because of your past health. A six-month waiting period may be offered by the carrier before coverage starts.
NOTE: If You take early retirement, Medicare eligibility does not change. Unless you have Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the Medicare eligibility age is 65.
California Enrollment Process for Medicare Supplements
California Medigap plan enrollees require the assistance of a licensed insurance agent. Before you can apply, you need to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You can do this through the Social Security Administration website, or by calling them directly at 800-772-1213.
If you don't have an insurance agent, we recommend HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Call them at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711). They work with all major California plans. There's no obligation.
Another option is your local SHIP. The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries. California's SHIP is available by phone (1-800-434-0222) or through their website.
Adding a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
In the past, Medicare Supplements sold in California were allowed to add extra benefits, including prescription drug coverage. This is no longer the case.
The only way to get coverage on prescriptions with a Medigap policy now is to get a California Medicare Part D plan. In most areas of California, basic prescription drug plans start at less than $20 per month.
California Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage
It's natural to compare the best Medigap insurance with other health insurance plans, like Medicare Advantage. On the surface, Medicare Advantage plans appear to cost less. And, in some cases, they do save money. However, the out-of-pocket expenses in most California Medicare Advantage plans are as much or more than Original Medicare.
Original Medicare does not have an out-of-pocket maximum. However, all health insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage plans are required to set an annual out-of-pocket limit, up to the annual limit set by CMS. A Medigap plan's coverage creates an out-of-pocket limit for Original Medicare.
Can I Get a Policy If I'm On Medicaid in California?
It is not legal for a health insurance company or insurance agents licensed in California to sell individuals a Medigap policy if you have Medicaid benefits.
If you can't afford a Medigap plan or the co-insurance costs in Medicare Advantage policies, there is a third option. Many areas of California have access to dual-eligible Medicare Special Needs Plans (D-SNP). If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a California Special Needs Plan plan might be your best option.
What About Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefits?
We all need routine dental care and dental restoration work as we age, but it's not covered by Original Medicare or a Medigap plan. For coverage, you'll need a stand-alone California dental insurance policy.
Next Steps
The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison
MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.
Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!
If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It's different for everyone who applies. Monthly premiums on California Medigap plans are based on your age, gender, zip code, tobacco use, and more. Use our Free Medigap Quote Service to find the lowest price Plan G and discounts in your area.
You have many options in California. Here are some of the best:
- AARP
- Globe Life
- Blue Shield of California
- United American
- Anthem Blue Cross
Citations & References
medicare.gov- Costs of Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 2, 2023
- What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 2, 2023
- Find a Medigap policy that works for you, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 3, 2023
- How to compare Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 3, 2023
- How Original Medicare works, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 3, 2023
- Your Medicare coverage choices, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 5, 2023
- The United States Social Security Administration https://www.ssa.gov/
- Medicare Benefits | SSA https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/
The Medicare insurance plans and Medicare Supplement companies on this page originate from CMS Data Files. Content is maintained by David Bynon, and was last updated on .