Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health provider offering Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) plans. Currently, Medigap Plan G is the most popular choice in the state of California. Blue Shield offers two additional plan G’s that also include additional benefits: Medigap G Extra and G Inspire*.
*NOTE Effective 4/1/2024, Blue Shield is closing Medicare Supplement Plan G Inspire to new enrollees.
What are Blue Shield Extra Benefits?
Blue Shield Plan G Extra has the exact same core benefits and network as standard Plan G. They also include vision, hearing, gym, and over-the-counter benefits. The Medigap G Inspire (which is no longer available to new members) is identical to Blue Shield G Extra except it also includes a AAA automotive club.
Blue Shield Extra plans usually cost the same or only slightly more than traditional Plan G. In some cases, Medigap G Extra can cost less than standard G. Since G Extra is a relatively new Medicare Supplement plan, it has a pool of younger members, which allows the plan to be priced more aggressively in search of even more members.
Blue Shield Medigap Plan G, G Extra, & G Inspire Compared
Let’s check out the full comparison between Medigap G, G Extra and G Inspire. Extra Benefits are subject to change. Please confirm before enrolling.
| Medigap Plan G | Medigap Plan G Extra | Medigap Plan G Inspire* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated Cost** | As low as $106 | As low as $120 | No longer Available |
| Enrollment | Enroll in Plan G | Enroll in Plan G Extra | No Longer Available |
| Doctor Network | All Doctors that accept Medicare | All Doctors that accept Medicare | All Doctors that accept Medicare |
| Part A Hospital Benefit Period Deductible | You pay $0 | You pay $0 | You pay $0 |
| Hospital days Coinsurance | You pay $0 | You pay $0 | You pay $0 |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | You pay $0 | You pay $0 | You pay $0 |
| First 3 Pints of Blood | You pay $0 | You pay $0 | You pay $0 |
| Part B Annual Deductible | You pay $240 | You pay $240 | You pay $240 |
| Part B Copays/Coinsurance | You pay $0 after Part B deductible | You pay $0 after Part B deductible | You pay $0 after Part B deductible |
| Part B Excess Charges | You pay $0 after Part B deductible | You pay $0 after Part B deductible | You pay $0 after Part B deductible |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | You pay 20% | You pay 20% | You pay 20% |
| Vision | |||
| Routine Eye Exam (every 12 months) | Not included | You pay $20 | You pay $20 |
| Glass Frames (every 24 months) | Not included | $100 Allowance | $100 Allowance |
| Glass Lenses (every 12 months) | Not included | You pay $25 | You pay $25 |
| Contacts (every 12 months) | Not included | You pay $25 | You pay $25 |
| Hearing | |||
| Hearing Exam (every 12 months) | Not included | You pay $0 | You pay $0 |
| Hearing Aids (every 12 months) | Not included | $499-$799 discount on Vista Models | $499-$799 discount on Vista Models |
| Other Benefits | |||
| Gym | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New to Medicare Discount per month for 12 months | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Household Discount | 7% | 7% | 7% |
| Autopay Discount | $3 | $3 | $3 |
| Over-the-Counter Benefits | No | Health and Wellness Products | Health and Wellness Products |
| American Automobile Association Membership | No | No | Yes |
| Enrollment | Enroll in Plan G | Enroll in Plan G Extra | No Longer Available |
* Plan G Inspire is no longer available for new enrollment. **Estimated costs assume age 65 and new to Medicare discount. Your price may be higher. Contact Senior65.com at 800-930-7956 to get your personalized pricing.
We can take some conclusions from the chart above:
- Standard Blue Shield Medigap G offers additional gym membership using the Silver Sneakers program
- Medigap G Extra and G Inspire offer the same benefits as Standard G (including the gym) but add great hearing, vision, and over-the-counter Benefits.
- Medigap G Inspire is identical to G Extra, but also comes with an AAA membership (but unfortunately is no longer available).
- If you think you might use the additional benefits, we recommend you go for G Extra.
Extra Benefits are subject to change. Please confirm before enrolling.