Best Medicare Supplement Plans in California
Regarding California’s best Medicare Supplement plans, Cigna has the best rates. Plan G offers excellent value at $146.18 per month for a 65-year-old male in Alameda County, while Plan N is competitively priced at $127.29 for a 65-year-old female in Los Angeles County.
These plans come with household discounts, fast underwriting, low monthly premiums, and high customer satisfaction rates.
Did you know?
Around 27.2% of California’s Medicare beneficiaries are currently enrolled in Medicare Supplements. The number of Californians benefiting from Medicare Supplement plans is a staggering 1,107,211, and this figure is projected to rise as more individuals explore alternative options to Medicare alone or Medicare Advantage plans.
-
Best Plan G: Cigna
Plan G: $146.18 per month (average)
Plan Highlights:
More than 45,490 individuals in California are enrolled in Medigap Plan G. It offers coverage for out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Additionally, it provides benefits for hospital stays, emergency care, lab tests, preventive screenings, and even foreign travel.
-
Best Plan N: Cigna
Plan N: $127.29 per month (average)
Plan Highlights:
Medigap Plan N offers lower premiums than Plan G, partly due to its office visit and ER copays. However, it still provides exceptional value and benefits.
To find the best Medicare Supplement plan in California, we focused on financially viable options only from companies with proven long-term stability.
New companies may not offer lower rates, and these lesser-known insurers may increase prices more often. Therefore, choosing trusted brands is best to avoid extra expenses and potential complications.
Best Plan G Rates: Cigna
65: $146.18
70: $177.85
76: $222.88
68: $164.44
72: $192.37
75: $216.39
Medigap Plan G in California offers a wide range of benefits. These include coverage for Part B excess charges, Medicare Part A deductible, Foreign travel emergency care,and Part B coinsurance.
One of the significant advantages is that you are not required to get referrals (like a Medicare Advantage plan requires), and there are no network limitations on your choice of providers.
You can select any medical provider who participates in the Original Medicare network.
In addition to their Medicare Supplement plans, Cigna also offers separate stand-alone policies for cancer, dental, vision, and even a fitness program called Silver&Fit.
Best Plan N Rates: Cigna
65: $127.29
72: $167.50
75: $188.41
67: $137.67
70: $154.86
74: $181.17
Cigna’s Medigap Plan N offers the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Original Medicare. You’ll have a $25 copay for office visits and $50 for ER visits. Additionally, you have the flexibility to include dental and vision insurance.
- Original Medicare Part A and B coinsurance
- Part A deductible
- Emergency care
- Lower out-of-pocket expenses overall
Is Plan G Cheaper Than Plan F?
Yes, Plan G is usually cheaper than Plan F because it does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible.
What's the Best Medicare Supplement Company in California?
The overall best Medigap provider in California is Cigna.
Cigna’s Medigap plans are popular due to their lower costs in California. However, the best Medicare Supplement company varies depending on the specific plan letter you’re considering.
For example, one company may offer lower costs for Plan N while another may provide a better price for Plan G. It’s also worth noting that each company has its strengths and weaknesses depending on its plan options.
Company | Market Share | Plan G Cost | Plan N Cost | Cost by County | Financial Strength |
Cigna Health Group | 35.64% | $146.18 | $106.25 | Contra Costa | A |
United Health Care | 25.6% | $154.96 | $130.96 | Orange | A+ |
Mutual of Omaha | 5.2% | $157.38 | $123.55 | San Bernardino | A+ |
Continental Life Insurance Company of Aetna | 8.4% | $176.35 | $126.53 | Ventura | A |
California has ten standardized Medigap plans, all with the same coverage regardless of which company you choose. Furthermore, there may also be a high deductible Medigap option in some areas.
Also, most plans have no networks, so you can visit any provider that accepts Original Medicare. To make selecting an insurance company easier, compare their costs and policyholder satisfaction ratings.
How Much Does a Medigap Plan Cost in California?
Premiums for a California Medicare Supplement plan can cost as little as $62 or as high as $179, depending on your age and the level of coverage you choose.
Medigap Plan | Monthly Cost | Cost by County | Enrollment in California | ||
Plan F | $179.47 | San Diego | 59% | ||
Plan G | $146.18 | Imperial | 19% | ||
Plan N | $106.25 | Riverside | 11% | ||
High Deductible G | $57.58 | Inyo | 2% | ||
Plan A | $113.04 | Santa Barbara | 0.42% | ||
Plan K | $53.52 | Tulare | -1% | ||
How Does The Medigap Birthday Rule Work in California?
The California Medigap Birthday Rule is a state-specific regulation allowing beneficiaries to switch Medigap plans annually. This rule permits policyholders to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits within 30 days of their birthday each year without undergoing medical underwriting.
This means they cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to their health status. It provides an opportunity for policyholders to adjust their coverage to suit their evolving needs better.
Pro tip:
- In California, tobacco rates do not apply during Open Enrollment or in guaranteed issue situations.
- Losing Medicaid in California gives an individual a guaranteed issue right for a Medigap plan.
Final Verdict
Having spent years in the industry and assisting numerous individuals in finding coverage, we think Cigna is an excellent option. Our clients who opt for Cigna tend to remain loyal for an extended period due to their exceptional quality.
When it comes to value and fast enrollment, Cigna surpasses all competitors. Additionally, they boast an exceptional track record of promptly processing and paying claims.
Selecting the appropriate Medicare plan is a choice that warrants careful consideration. With the aid of Policy Guide, you gain access to the wisdom and proficiency of skilled agents who can assist you in comparing various health plans, prices, and policies.
This ensures that you make an educated decision. Allow us to guide you through this process so that your chosen plan aligns perfectly with your needs.
Article Sources: Cigna Plan Comparison Chart | Medigap Cost | When to Apply | CA Medigap Guide | CA AHIP