New Medigap Plan G Inspire in California

There is a new Medicare Supplement plan offered by Blue Shield of California called Medicare Supplement G Inspire. Medigap G Inspire joins the ranks of a series of new Medigap plans, such as G Extra and Innovative Plan G, that offer additional benefits to traditional Medigap Plans.

*NOTE Effective 4/1/2024, Blue Shield is closing Medicare Supplement Plan G Inspire to new enrollees.

In addition to offering hearing and vision benefits, like the plans named before, Medigap Plan G Inspire offers AAA roadside assistance. Yes, you read that right. A Medigap plan with roadside assistance. Stick around to learn more about this unique new Medicare insurance plan.

Learn more about California Medigap rules and regulations.

What is Medigap?

Before we get into the exact details of Medigap G Inspire, let’s have a quick recap. Medigap is the nickname for Medicare Supplemental insurance. It is designed to help you cover most of what Medicare does not, such as deductibles and co-insurance.

While Medicare Supplement coverage is quite effective at closing the gaps left by Medicare, especially Plan F and Plan G, very few plans include hearing and vision.

Blue Shield now adds to that list with Medigap G Inspire, which covers hearing, vision, and roadside assistance. As of now, it is only available in California.

However, California is not the only state offering these kinds of Innovative and Extra plans.

What does Medicare Supplement G Inspire cover?

Blue Shield’s Medigap G Inspire has the same exact coverage as Plan G Extra, plus an AAA Membership (American Automobile Association). *NOTE Effective 4/1/2024, Blue Shield is closing Medicare Supplement Plan G Inspire to new enrollees.

It includes:

• Classic AAA Membership – A one-year membership with 24/7 roadside assistance
• AAA Roadwise Driver – An online driving simulation designed to help sharpen driving skills and promote safe driving
• Educational Driving Resources – A variety of educational resources, including a dedicated website with information, resources, and advice for drivers
• AAA Roadwise Rx – A tool designed to record prescription and over-the-counter medications to identify potential side effects and interactions that can impact safe driving

Let’s review hearing and vision too:

• Routine eye exam: allowed every 12 months and you pay $0
• Glass Frames Allowance: every 24 months you have a $100 allowance
• Glass Lenses: can replace every 12 months and you pay $25
• Contacts: can replace every 12 months and you pay $25
• Hearing exam: allowed every 12 month and you pay $0
• Hearing aids: can replace every 12 months and you pay** 499 Vista 610 model and $799 for Vista 810 model

**At the time of original publication. These rates may be different at the time you read this article.

Medigap G Inspire Memberships and Discounts

Medigap G Inspire also offers Silver Sneakers, which is a gym membership highly sought after when it comes to Medicare Supplement plans.

Special Medicare Supplement Discounts are available, including New to Medicare Discount of $25, Medigap Household Discount of 7% and an Autopay Discount of $3.

Apart from that, both G Extra and G Inspire offer Over-the-Counter Benefits in Health and Wellness Products such as cold and allergy medicines, first-aid supplies, pain relievers, and more.

As of July 1, 2020, a standardized plan and an Extra plan are considered equal in benefits by the State of California. This means that if you have a standard G (or any other Medigap), you can switch to an Innovative, Extra or Inspire plan during the California Medigap Birthday Rule.

Dive into Our In-Depth Guide Covering the Medigap Birthday Rule in Each State.

*NOTE Effective 4/1/2024, Blue Shield is closing Medicare Supplement Plan G Inspire to new enrollees.

What’s next?

Want help selecting a Medigap plan? Give us a call at 800-930-7956 and we can price it out for you.

If you are ready to enroll, click here for the Blue Shield of California online application. In case you prefer the phone or have additional questions, just call 800-930-7956.