Anthem Blue Cross CA Medicare Supplement Plan F is a comprehensive plan that covers 100% of Medicare-approved expenses after the initial Medicare coverage.
This plan is one of the most popular Medicare supplement plans available, and for good reason - it offers a wide range of benefits that can help protect you from unexpected medical expenses.
Plan F is also known as the "Cadillac" of Medicare supplement plans, due to its comprehensive coverage and low out-of-pocket costs.
With Plan F, you'll have access to a network of over 90% of doctors and hospitals in California, making it easy to find care when you need it.
Benefits and Extras
Your Anthem Blue Cross CA Medicare Supplement plan comes with some fantastic benefits and extras that can enhance your overall health and wellness experience.
The SilverSneakers fitness program is one of the perks you'll enjoy, offering a fitness membership that can be used at participating gyms and fitness centers.
With ScriptSave/WellRx, you'll have access to prescription savings, which can help you save money on your medications.
SpecialOffers discounts on vitamins and weight loss programs are also available, providing you with additional ways to support your health and wellness goals.
Here are some of the valuable extras you can look forward to with your Anthem Blue Cross CA Medicare Supplement plan:
- SilverSneakers fitness membership
- ScriptSave/WellRx prescription savings program
- SpecialOffers discounts on vitamins and weight loss programs
Cost and Enrollment
You can enroll in Anthem Blue Cross CA Medicare Supplement Plan F at any time if you already have Original Medicare Part A and Part B. The best time to enroll is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, starting the first month you have Medicare Part B and you’re 65 or older.
During this time, you cannot be denied coverage even if you have pre-existing health problems. If you enroll later, you may be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
The average premium for Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F in 2023 was roughly $186.49 per month, or $2,237.88 per year. This cost can increase over time due to inflation and other factors.
Here is a breakdown of the average cost of Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F by age:
The Average Cost of Medigap by Age
The average cost of Medigap Plan F varies significantly with age.
For beneficiaries at age 66, the average monthly cost of Plan F is $153.29, while for those at age 97, it's $480.33 per month.
A chart showing the average cost of Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F by age reveals some interesting trends. Here's a breakdown:
It's clear that the cost of Medigap Plan F increases significantly with age, with the largest jump occurring between the ages of 78 and 79.
Enrollment Timeline
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan at any time if you already have Original Medicare Part A and Part B.
The best time to enroll is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, starting the first month you have Medicare Part B and you’re 65 or older.
You cannot be denied coverage during this time, even if you have pre-existing health problems.
If you enroll later, you may be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
You also can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, starting three months before you turn 65, and ending three months after the month you turn 65.
It's essential to note that enrolling during these periods can provide more flexibility and protection.
Insurance and Coverage
Medicare Supplement Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Plan F has the broadest coverage of Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs, helping to cover Medicare deductibles, some copayments, and coinsurance.
You pay your monthly premium for Plan F, which can be a worthwhile investment for those who want comprehensive coverage.
Plan F is not available to new Medicare beneficiaries starting on January 1, 2020, but existing beneficiaries can still enroll if it's available in their area.
The average cost of Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F can differ based on plan selection, insurance carrier, location, pricing model, and more.
A licensed insurance agent can help you compare Medigap plan options available where you live so that you can find a plan that works for your health coverage and budget needs.
Plan F is a popular choice, but the right plan for you may not be the most popular one - it's the one that provides the benefits that meet your needs, with a monthly premium that works with your budget.
You can also go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients with a Medicare Supplement plan, giving you peace of mind knowing that your benefits are guaranteed as long as you pay your premiums.
Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross offers Medicare Supplement Plan F in certain areas, which covers everything found under Plan G plus the Medicare Part B deductible.
Plan F is the only Medigap plan to provide coverage in all Medigap benefits areas.
Federal law mandates that Plan F is not available to anyone who first became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
If you became eligible for Medicare before 2020, you may still be able to enroll in Plan F.
Plan Comparison
Medigap Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage of any Medigap plan.
Plan F and Plan G are two popular options, with Plan G offering almost as many benefits as Plan F. Plan G, however, has a lower premium compared to Plan F.
Medigap Plan F covers the deductible for Medicare Part B, which can be a significant cost savings for some individuals.
Standard-Deductible vs. High-Deductible
The main difference between standard-deductible and high-deductible Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before the plan coverage kicks in. High-deductible Plan F has an annual deductible of $2,700 in 2023.
You'll have to spend $2,700 on covered services before the plan coverage starts. This higher deductible comes with a lower premium, which was $69.13 per month in 2023, or $830 per year.
Compare Plans
Medigap Plan F and Plan G are two popular options for those looking for comprehensive coverage. Medigap Plan F offers the most comprehensive coverage of any Medigap plan.
Plan G, on the other hand, offers almost as many benefits as Plan F. It's a great option for those who want to save money on premiums.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F is standardized by the federal government, which means the 9 basic benefits will be the same, no matter where you live or what Medicare Supplement Insurance company you buy it from.
Here are the 9 basic benefits of Plan F:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (100% coverage)
- Medicare Part B coinsurance and copayments (100% coverage)
- Medicare Part A deductible (100% coverage)
- Medicare Part A deductible (100% coverage)
- Medicare Part B excess charges (100% coverage)
- Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance and copayments (100% coverage)
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance (100% coverage)
- First three pints of blood used for a transfusion (100% coverage)
- Foreign travel emergency care (100% coverage)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is medicare supplement plan F?
Medicare Supplement Plan F covers most out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part A and Part B, providing comprehensive coverage for eligible beneficiaries. However, it's no longer available for those turning 65 in 2020 or later, with Plan G being a suitable alternative.
Why was Medicare Supplement Plan F discontinued?
Medicare Supplement Plan F was discontinued due to CMS's goal of eliminating plans with no out-of-pocket cost sharing. The main difference between Plan F and Plan G is the annual deductible, which was $185 as of 2019.
Sources
- https://www.anthem.com/ca/medicare/medicare-supplement-plans-medigap
- https://www.anthem.com/medicare/medicare-supplement-plans-medigap
- https://www.medicare.org/articles/medicare-supplement-medigap-plan-f/
- https://www.helpadvisor.com/medicare/anthem-blue-cross-blue-shield
- https://www.medicaresupplement.com/articles/average-cost-of-medicare-supplement-plan-f/
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