Medicare Supplement plans in California are federally standardized plans, but they have one significant option for Medicare beneficiaries that most states do not: The California Birthday Rule. First, we’ll go over what the plans are, then we’ll explain more about the birthday rule
What is Medigap?
Let’s get down to basics for those of you doing your initial research. Medigap is the nickname for all Medicare Supplement plans. As you probably have learned by now, Original Medicare was never designed to be comprehensive coverage and requires you to pay deductibles, copays, coinsurance and extra days in the hospital. The purpose of Medigap is fill in some or all of the “gaps” not covered by Original Medicare. Those with the most comprehensive Medigap Plan F will not have to pay Medicare’s Part A and B deductibles, copays, excess doctor charges charges and coinsurance as well as receive an extra 365 days of hospital coverage.
California Medigap Plans
Like in most states, California offers the ten federally standardized Medigap Plans: A-N. The plans range from basic to full coverage. Here’s a chart to compare Medigap plans is available. Note: Not all insurance companies will offer all Medigap plans. The majority of all clients select either Medigap plan F or Medigap plan G as they cover the most benefits.
Learn More about Medigap Get a Medigap Quote
California Birthday Rule
If you live in CA and currently have a Medigap plan, you can use the California Medigap Birthday Rule to switch to any plan of of equal or lesser benefits during your birthday month. This means you do not have to answer medical questions to switch plans. Even if you don’t want to switch, it makes sense to compare your plan every year. Some plans, like Blue Shield’s CA Medigap have a Special Enrollment Period, which allows you to switch outside of your birthday month. See, California is a pretty special state.
Next Steps
Get instant Medigap quotes here. There is never a cost to work with Senior65.com. Since Medicare Pricing is regulated, no one can sell the same plan for less than we can. If you need help finding the right plan, call one of our licensed agents at 800-930-7956, and we can help guide and/or enroll you into the right plan for you.