In 2023 Blue Shield of California (BSCA) is offering a limited-time promotion, called the “Underwriting Holiday” which allows nearly everyone to enroll in a Medigap Plan G Extra or Plan G Inspire without underwriting. This special offer ends Dec 31st, 2023. The Underwriting Holiday means any Medicare beneficiary currently enrolled in a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan with another carrier, or beneficiaries not enrolled in ANY plan, can join Blue Shield’s Medigap plan G Extra (or Inspire) without having to answer any medical questions. Most Medicare Eligible individuals can now confidently switch from their existing plan or enroll in Medigap for the first time, regardless of any ongoing medical issues.
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Read more about the Blue Shield of California 2023 Underwriting Holiday Rules
When is the BSCA Medicare Supplement Underwriting Holiday?
Blue Shield of CA’s Medigap underwriting holiday enrollment window runs from October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 and must have a 1/1/2024 coverage start date. You must select a Medigap Plan G Extra or Medigap Plan G Inspire.
New deadline for BSCA’s Medigap Underwriting Holiday is December 31, 2023
Who is eligible for the BSCA Medigap Underwriting Holiday?
According to Blue Shield, anyone NEW to Blue Shield of California, even if they have never had a Medigap plan before or are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can enroll in a Medigap plan without answering any medical history questions.
This means if you are a Medigap Plan F member from a different insurance provider or just someone with Medicare who never signed up for a Medigap plan, you can switch or join a Blue Shield Medigap Plan during the underwriting holiday. Basically, only those who are current Blue Shield Medicare members are exempt from this promotion.
Which Blue Shield Medigap plans are eligible for enrollment?
Those applying under the “Underwriting Holiday” may enroll in Plan G Extra and G Inspire. If you want to switch to another BSCA Medicare Supplement plan, your medical history may be checked.
How Much Does Blue Shield Medigap Cost?
Get an instant Blue Shield Medigap G Extra/Inspire quote here. You will see pricing in less than 30 seconds, without having to enter personal contact information.
Can BSCA members switch to Plan G during the holiday?
Unfortunately, no. Current Blue Shield Medigap or Blue Shield Medicare Advantage members who want to switch to Plan G Extra or Inspire would have to answer medical questions.
If you currently have a Blue Shield of CA Medigap plan, you can always switch to Medigap Plan G during the California Birthday Rule. Delve into Our Ultimate Guide for the Medigap Birthday Rule in Each State.
Apply for Blue Shield Medigap Using the Underwriting Holiday
Are Medicare Advantage members allowed to use this promotion?
This depends! If you are a current Blue Shield of California Medicare Advantage member, you are NOT eligible for the underwriting holiday. However, if you are enrolled in another insurance provider’s Medicare Advantage plan, you ARE eligible for the Medigap underwriting holiday if you have a qualifying event.
What are the benefits of Medigap Plan G Extra/Inspire?
Medigap Plan G is currently Senior65.com’s most popular plan. Here are some of the many benefits covered by Medigap Plan G:
- Same nationwide network of doctors and hospitals as Original Medicare
- Extends hospital days an extra 365 days
- Covers Medicare’s Skilled Nursing Facility fees
- Emergency foreign travel care up to $50,000
- Covers the costs of the first 3 pints of blood for a transfusion
Plan G Extra offers all the above but also includes vision, hearing benefits, Gym, and a budget of $400 for over-the-counter health supplies. Blue Shield Plan G Inspire is exactly the same as Medigap Plan G Extra but also includes a AAA membership (not available in all counties).
Are there any Blue Shield of CA Medigap discounts?
Yes! Blue Shield of CA offers Medigap discounts. Here are some of the discounts offered to members (subject to change):
- New to Medicare Discount: $25 a month for one year
- Household Discount: 7% combined monthly discount when you and your spouse are enrolled in the same plan
- Autopay Discount: $3 a month
Does BSCA Medigap Underwriting Holiday include drug coverage?
No, it does not. Medigap does not offer prescription coverage (Medicare Part D). This is true of any Medigap provider, not just Blue Shield of CA.
Here is what you need to do in the following scenarios:
- Switching from another Medigap provider: Keep your current drug plan
- Switching from another Medicare Advantage provider: Enroll in a Medicare drug plan
- New to Medicare: Enroll in a Medicare drug plan
- Leaving your employer insurance: Enroll in a Medicare drug plan
Next Steps
If you are ready to take advantage of Blue Shield of California’s underwriting holiday you will want to get a Blue Shield Plan G Medigap Quote. If you have any questions, you can call one of our licensed agents at 800-930-7956.