Category Archives: Plan G plus

Medigap Supplemental Plan G FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

Medigap Supplement Plan G FAQs

Navigating the world of Medigap plans can be overwhelming, especially with 25 Medigap Plan G

Medigap Supplemental Plan G FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered choices in the San Jose – Mountain View region alone. Plus a recent, major Plan Closure.  How does one determine which is the best choice for your situation? To help, we’ve compiled the top 5 questions from residents in Sunnyvale to Hollister.

Are All Plan G Medicare Medigap Plans the Same?

At first glance, all Medigap Plan G policies might appear identical since they are standardized by the federal government. This means the core benefits remain the same regardless of the insurance company you choose. However, there are differences worth noting, particularly in how these plans are priced and the level of customer service provided.

Do Some Medigap Plan G Policies Cover More Doctors Than Others?

Medigap Plan G policies do not typically vary in terms of the doctors they cover. Most Plan G policies are accepted by any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. However, it’s always wise to confirm with your preferred healthcare providers that they accept the specific insurance company’s Medigap policy.

Do Some Medigap Plan G Policies Cover More Services Than Others?

In terms of covered services, Medigap Plan G policies are uniform across all providers. They cover the same services, including Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance or copayments, the first three pints of blood for medical procedures, and more. Nevertheless, the difference lies in additional perks or services that some insurance companies might offer, such as fitness programs or discounts on vision care, which can vary.

Understanding Pricing: Community Pricing vs. Attained Age Pricing

According to Medicare.gov, only one of the 25 Medigap Plan G policies in the Santa Clara Valley has adopted Community Pricing, while most others use Attained Age Pricing. Here’s what these terms mean:

  • Community Pricing: The same monthly premium is charged to everyone, regardless of age.
  • Attained Age Pricing: Premiums are based on your current age and will increase as you get older.

Why Do Monthly Premium Costs Range So Widely?

Even though Plan G benefits are standardized for Part A and Part B medical services, the monthly premiums can vary significantly—from $100 to $188 in Santa Clara County. This difference is due to factors like the pricing method, the insurance company’s administrative costs, and additional benefits they may offer. [Read our sister article, The Buzz About Plan G and Plan G Extra, for more insights.]

Our Expertise in the Bay Area

We specialize in guiding Bay Area residents who prefer Original Medicare along with a Medigap Plan G. Particularly those who wish to retain their specialists at Sutter PAMF and Stanford Medicine. Our advisement service involves no additional premium or fees. For those who prefer an online enrollment without direct consultation, visit CaliforniaEnrollment.com.

Why Local Knowledge Matters

“We help you see what matters most between the Plan Gs, and discern what is ‘marketing fluff.’ An independent agent really makes a difference in explaining the nuances of these plans. Local is better.”

Need Immediate Assistance?

if you’re facing deadlines and need answers now, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. Do not overpay or miss an important deadline.

Schedule a Consult: (408) 252-7300 or schedule a phone meeting via our calendly app.

“We help you see “what matters” most between different Plan Gs, and discern what is ‘marketing fluff.’  An independent agent really makes a difference in explaining the nuances of these plans.  A local agent is better!.”

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The Buzz About Plan G and Plan G Extra

Choosing The Best Medigap Plan G

What’s all the Buzz about Plan G and its “medigap cousin,” Plan G Extra?  For persons turning 65 on or after January 1, 2020, Plan G replaces the hugely popular Plan F.  Early feedback is Plan G is just as popular as before, and now, in 2024 there are additional plans to consider,  the appropriately named “Plan G Extra” (or Plan G Plus or Plan G Inspire, which is being withdrawn from Blue Shield’s portfolio) the name varies according to the medicare supplement insurer who issues it).

“Breaking News:  The popular Blue Shield of California Plan G Inspire will be withdrawn from the market for new enrollments, effective 4/1/2024.”  Please use our Calendly app if you wish to schedule a discussion about this plan with one of our licensed agents.

Plan G Extra Benefits

Plan G Extra is a separate plan, distinct from the regular Plan G:  Think of it as constructed on a

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Plan G chassis or base plan, with some added benefits.  So what’s the Buzz About the Plan G “Extra” benefits?  First, the premium difference is minor.  Second, the additional benefits are for services not covered by Medicare, so these are truly “bonus” coverages e.g. Vision, Hearing
Aide, Gym services etc.  Request a Q&A phone session with one of our licensed sales agents, using Calendly.

We are a bay area family-owned insurance agency representing United Healthcare and Blue Shield of California medigap plans for 2024 and 2025.  There is no extra cost to using a local agent.  But if you want to enroll quickly without talking to an agent, go to CaliforniaEnrollment.com.

 

View Blue Shield Comparison of Plan G and Plan G Extra or Inspire

Blue Shield is one of the insurers who offer both Plan G and Plan G Extra (not every insurer offers both plans).  For FAQs on Plan G, including summary of benefits, pricing and required disclosures, phone us at 408-252-7300.  There’s no obligation to buy from this Not-For-Profit, Northern California-based insurer.  Read more about Blue Shield’s Not-For-Profit status and other Blue Shield savings below.

Blue Shield Savings

With Blue Shield, there are several opportunities to save on your monthly plan dues. One example, is the savings due to increased efficiencies from administering Medicare Supplement plans are passed on to the subscriber, not Wall Street.  Blue Shield’s Not-For-Profit status means savings for you!  Continue below to checkout the Buzz about Plan G and Plan G Extra:

Blue Shield Plan G and Plan G Extra plans

Finally, an interesting aspect of the Plan G “extra” plans is the “additional benefits” vary from insurer to insurer. In fact, many insurers do not even offer the “extra” version of Plan G. Research Tip: It costs nothing (“extra”) to hire an independent agent to explain the differences. The premium is the same with or without the agent. Moreover, the insurer compensates the agent for enrolling you.  So chat with an agent today or just self-enroll at CaliforniaEnrollment.com.

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San Jose, California

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“We do not offer every plan available in your area.  Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area.  Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.”