New Medigap Plan G Extra in California

Blue Shield of California is the first insurance provider to offer Medicare Supplement Plan G Extra. This new plan was the answer for those people who wanted the popular Medigap Innovative F Extra plan but could not purchase it because they joined Medicare after January 1, 2020.

This plan has all the benefits offered by regular Plan G but includes extra benefits such as vision, hearing aid, physician consultation, over-the-counter items benefits, SilverSneaker Gym, and NurseHelp 24/7 benefits. Update 1): July 2023 Blue Shield has added up to 20 combined no-cost in-network chiropractic/acupuncture visits to G Extra.

Update 2) Since we published this article, Blue Shield added another G plan in some California counties called Medigap G Inspire which is identical to Plan G Extra but includes free AAA roadside assistance. You can compare all three Blue Shield Medigap Plan G’s and get instant pricing here.

Blue Shield has also expanded its line of plans with additional benefits to Illinois, BCBSIL Plan G “Plus.”

What benefits does Blue Shield Medigap Plan G Extra offer?

Plan G Extra offers the same benefits as Plan G but also includes the following:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) items benefits: $100 quarterly coverage for eligible OTC health and wellness products such as cold and allergy medicines, first-aid supplies, pain relievers, and more.
• Physician consultation benefits: available by phone or video via computer or mobile app.
• Hearing aid benefits: including an annual hearing test and savings on Vista brand mid-level and premium-level hearing aids.
• Vision benefits: including coverage for the cost of eye exams, frames, eyeglasses, or contact lenses that are not traditionally covered by Original Medicare.
• Acupuncture/Chiropractic benefits: Blue Shield of California Plan G Inspire or Medigap Plan G Extra, You pay $0 for up to 20 visits per calendar year for both services combined. Acupuncture and chiropractic services benefits are administered by American Specialty Health Plans of California, Inc. (ASH Plans). The benefits covered under this plan must be received from ASH Participating Providers

G Extra Savings:

Blue Shield offers a few “extra” savings when you apply for their new Medigap G Extra:

• “Welcome to Medicare” rate savings of $25 a month for those new to Medicare for the first 12 months.
• $3 each month for the first six months on dental rates if you enroll in a dental plan at the same time you enroll in a Blue Shield Medicare Supplement plan.
• $3 each month by paying monthly dues through Easy$Pay using automatic checking or savings account debits.
• 7% each for Household Savings Program when you and another member of your household enroll in the same plan type.

When will my Medigap Plan G Extra start?

Your plan can start as early as the first of the month following the date your submitted Blue Shield Medigap application.

Can I Switch to Medigap G Extra?

Yes. 

• Birthday Rule: If you currently have any Plan F or Plan G in California, you can switch to G Extra using the CA Birthday Rule.
• Special Enrollment Period: If you qualify for a Special Election Period (SEP) you can switch to Medigap G Extra. Click here to learn more about Medicare SEPs.
• Blue Shield Special Promotion: Blue Shield of California occasionally offers its own special election period called “the underwriting holiday” which allows anyone with a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan with any insurance provider to switch to one of their Medigap plans.  Click here to see if the Blue Shield Underwriting Holiday is going on now!

Other G Extra Options

There is currently one other provider in California that offers Plan G with hearing and vision benefits. We are talking about HealthNet’s Innovative G. You can compare both G Extra and Innovative G here. HealthNet also includes chiropractic/acupuncture coverage.

You can also check  Blue Shield New Medigap G Inspire, which has similar coverage to G Extra but adds one additional benefit: Roadside Coverage from AAA.

If you are curious about other states that also offer Innovative and Extra plans, you can also check them out.

Apply for Blue Shield Medigap G Extra Here or give us a call here at Senior65.com and we can help you enroll over the phone at no cost to you. There is never a charge or hidden fee to work with Senior65.com.  Since Medicare Insurance prices are regulated, no one can sell you the same plan for less than we can. We can help you compare prices and enroll.