Best Medigap Plan G in California

Compare rates in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego � and get tips to find the lowest cost Plan G

How do you find the best Medigap Plan G in California? There are 20 different insurers offering Medigap plans in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. The difference between the lowest and highest cost is substantial. Find the best plan by asking the right questions. And by speaking to the right Medicare insurance advisors.

Here are a few facts about Medicare coverage and Medigap Plan G in California.

  • Nearly half of California Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in private Medicare Advantage plans.
  • Some 20 different insurers offer Medigap plans in California.
  • Nearly 600,000 people have Medigap coverage in California according to the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance (2024).
  • A woman turning age 65 in Los Angeles (Zip Code 90001) could pay as little as $155 per month for coverage � or as much as $258 monthly for Plan G coverage from another insurer.
  • In San Francisco, a male turning 65 could pay as little as $133 monthly � or as much as $221 for Medigap Plan G. That's almost $100 a month more for identical coverage from a different insurer.

Tips to Find the Best Medigap Plan G in California

Here are a few tips followed by a brief explanation of why each can help you become the best Medigap plan shopper.

  1. Know the names of insurance companies offering Medigap plans in California.
  2. Learn how long they have been selling Medigap plans.
  3. Request a history of Medigap rate increases.
  4. Find and speak with at least one local California Medicare agent or broker.
  5. Know the different discounts available for Medigap in California (listed below).

Which Insurers Offer Medigap Plan G in California?

The following are key insurers offering Medigap plans in California (as of July 2024). This list is subject to change. No single agent or broker will likely be appointed with each of the companies. When you speak with an agent or broker they'll recommend a company they want you to buy � it could be your best option. But only by asking what Medigap insurers they are appointed to sell will tell you which plans they've left out. Comparing plans is vital to getting the best outcome.

  • Aflac (Underwritten by Tier One Insurance Co)
  • Allstate Health Solutions
  • Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Continental Life Insurance Company (Aetna)
  • Health Net Life Insurance Company
  • Elips Life Insurance Company
  • Humana
  • Manhattanlife Insurance and Annuity Company
  • Physicians Life Insurance Company
  • United American Insurance Company
  • UnitedHealthcare (AARP)
  • United World Life Insurance

How Long Have They Been Selling Medigap in California?

This question applies to both 1) the insurance company and 2) the agent or broker you are speaking with.

Why the insurer matters: an insurer who just started selling Medigap may be offering low-ball pricing. If their experience doesn't meet expectations, they'll raise rates on you in future years. And at that time, switching insurers may be possible � or it may not be, and you'll find yourself paying much more.

Experience also matters when picking a Medicare agent or broker. It also matters when you dial a toll-free number on a mailing solicitation or a cable TV ad. The person on the other end of the phone will be insurance licensed, but years of experience can matter. Find out how long they've been selling Medigap.

Why Should You Ask for a History of Medigap Rate Increases?

What good is buying the cheapest Medigap policy today if in a few years you'll be paying much more? Especially if you can't switch at that time to a new insurer.

Medigap insurers can and will raise rates � usually not in your first year or two, but almost certainly after that. That's why it is important to ask for a history of Medigap policy rate increases specific to the company being recommended. A knowledgeable, experienced Medigap advisor should be more than able and willing to provide this.

How to Find a California Medicare Broker

Use the Association's free online directory. Type in your Zip Code � no other information is needed to see the listing. Read their descriptions and decide who you want to call or email.

What Discounts Are Available for Medigap in California?

According to the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance (AAMSI), insurance companies that offer Medigap plans in California may provide various types of discounts to policyholders. Some common discounts that may be available include:

  1. Household Discounts: Some insurance companies offer discounts to households where more than one person is enrolled in a Medigap plan with the same insurer. In California this can range from 0% to 12%. This can result in significant savings for families or couples who both have Medigap coverage.
  2. Non-Smoker Discounts: Certain insurers provide discounts to policyholders who do not smoke. This discount aims to incentivize healthy behaviors and reduce the risk profile of the insured individual.
  3. Payment Method Discounts: Some insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders who choose certain payment methods, such as setting up automatic payments. Discounts can also be obtained when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some allow credit card payments, which can earn you rebates or points.
  4. Healthy Lifestyle Discounts: In some cases, insurers may offer discounts to individuals who meet certain health criteria or participate in wellness programs. These discounts encourage policyholders to maintain a healthy lifestyle and engage in preventive care practices.
  5. Early Enrollment Discounts: Insurance companies may provide discounts to individuals who enroll in a Medigap plan at a younger age. Early enrollment can sometimes lead to lower premiums, especially if the policy uses attained-age rating where premiums increase as the insured individual ages.

Can You Change Medigap Plans in California?

According to the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance, in California you can change Medigap plans under certain circumstances.

One significant advantage in California is the "Birthday Rule." This rule allows individuals to switch their Medigap plans to a plan with the same or lesser benefits within 60 days following their birthday each year without undergoing medical underwriting. This means that if you are already enrolled in a Medigap plan and wish to change it, you have this annual window of opportunity to do so without being subject to health screenings or waiting periods.

Outside of the Birthday Rule period, changes to Medigap plans in California may be subject to health underwriting. You would need the approval of the insurance carrier for the new plan. Even if there are health history questions on the application form and you answer "yes" to any of them, it does not automatically result in a denial of coverage � it may be advisable to apply, as there is no application fee. Be sure that applying does not impact your existing coverage.

Medicare Insurance Information & Statistics Resources

Access relevant Medicare supplement insurance statistics � what plans people turning age 65 choose.

Check the Medicare Supplement Price Index � Plan G to see the lowest and highest premium rates for top-10 U.S. markets.

Compare Plan N Price Index rates � lowest and highest rates for top-10 U.S. cities.

Research ways to find the best Medicare insurance plan.