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Blue Shield Medigap Medicare Supplement Plans are designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. These plans are standardized and regulated by the government, meaning that all insurance companies offering them must provide the same benefits.
There are 10 different Medigap plans, labeled A through N, with each plan offering a unique set of benefits. Plan A is the most basic, offering the fewest benefits, while Plan F is the most comprehensive.
Medigap plans can be purchased by anyone enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, regardless of health status. This is a key advantage of Medigap plans, as they offer more comprehensive coverage than Original Medicare.
Medigap Plans
Medigap Plans offer a range of benefits to help cover costs not covered by Original Medicare. These plans are identified by letters, with each letter representing a different set of benefits.
Plan A is a basic benefit option that covers some of the costs not covered by Original Medicare. It's a good starting point for those who want a simple plan with minimal extra costs.
Plan G is a comprehensive plan option that covers more of the costs not covered by Original Medicare. It includes benefits like skilled nursing coinsurance and Part A deductible coverage.
Here are some key benefits of Plan G Plus, a more innovative plan option:
Some Medigap plans, like Plan G Plus, also offer additional benefits like 24/7 nurseline coverage and routine hearing exams. These benefits can be a great value for those who want extra peace of mind.
If you're looking for a budget-conscious option, consider a plan like High Deductible Plan G Plus. This plan offers many of the same benefits as Plan G Plus, but with a lower premium cost.
Enrollment and Eligibility
To enroll in a Blue Shield Medigap Medicare Supplement Plan, you can explore your options online or reach out to a Blue Shield Medicare Adviser. They're available to help you find the right plan for your needs and budget.
You can get a quote and enroll online, which is a quick and easy process. Simply explore plans in your area to find the one that fits your needs.
If you're not comfortable enrolling online, you can also enroll by phone or get help from an agent. Alternatively, you can enroll by mail if that's more convenient for you.
Here are the different ways to enroll in a Blue Shield Medigap Medicare Supplement Plan:
- Get a Quote and Enroll Online
- Enroll by Phone
- Get Help from an Agent
- Enroll by Mail
To be eligible for a Blue Shield Medigap Medicare Supplement Plan, you'll need to meet certain requirements. You can learn if you qualify by getting the quick facts on eligibility from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana.
Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a co-payment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to a $50 co-payment for emergency room visits that do not result in an inpatient admission.
Plan Information
Blue Shield Medigap Medicare Supplement Plans offer a range of options to help cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare. Each plan is identified by a letter, such as Plan A, Plan G, or Plan N.
Plan A covers basic benefits, including Part A coinsurance and hospital costs. You can find more information about Plan A and other options by using the Plan Finder tool.
The Plan Finder tool is a helpful resource that allows you to compare different plans, including their premium costs and copay amounts. By using this tool, you can get a personalized recommendation based on your care needs.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans cover different costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as Part A deductible and Part B excess charges. Plan G, for example, covers Part A deductible, Part B excess charges, and skilled nursing coinsurance.
Here's a summary of some of the key benefits covered by different plans:
These plans can provide peace of mind and financial protection, but it's essential to carefully review the benefits and costs of each plan to determine which one is right for you.
Even Greater Value
If you enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plus Plan, you'll get all the benefits of Blue Medicare Supplement Insurance℠ Plans, plus three more benefits. These extra benefits make the Plus Plan a great value for those who want extra peace of mind.
One of the ways you can save money on your premium is by taking advantage of a premium discount. You may qualify for a discount if you're eligible, and this will be applied to your next bill. Your premium will be discounted as long as you stay in your plan.
To qualify for a premium discount, you'll need to meet certain criteria. For example, if you enrolled in a BCBSMT Medicare Supplement policy issued with an effective date on or after May 1, 2022, and you reside with a spouse or domestic partner, you may qualify for a 10% premium discount.
Here are the different types of premium discounts you could qualify for:
- Spousal/partner Discount: 10% premium discount
- Continue with Blue℠ Discount: 7% premium discount
- Blue Family Discount℠: 12% premium discount (if you meet the criteria for both Spousal/Partner and Continue with Blue discounts)
Services and Coverage
Blue Shield Medigap Medicare Supplement plans offer a range of services and coverage to help you stay healthy and financially secure.
Plan G Extra and Plan F Extra include vision coverage for costs not traditionally covered by Original Medicare, such as eye exams, frames, eyeglass lenses, or contact lenses.
Plan G Extra and Plan F Extra also cover dental services, including crowns, bridges, and dentures, with no waiting period or annual limits.
Services
We've got you covered with vision services that go beyond what Original Medicare provides. Plan G Extra and Plan F Extra include vision coverage for costs like eye exams, frames, eyeglass lenses, or contact lenses.
You'll get routine eye exams with an allowance toward eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Dental Coverage
Blue Medicare Supplement Plus plans offer coverage for preventive and restorative dental care. To learn more, call 1-877-384-9297(TTY 711) or click below.
Medicare and Advantage
Medicare Advantage is provided by private insurance companies, like Blue Cross NC. It covers the same types of care as Medicare Parts A and B but lowers your share of the costs when you use doctors and hospitals that are part of the plan's network.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies, not the government. This means they can have different rules and costs than Original Medicare.
If you choose Medicare Advantage, you'll still have Medicare coverage, but you'll get it through a private insurance company. This can be a good option if you want to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Blue Shield Information
Blue Shield offers a variety of plan options that may help cover some of the costs not covered by Original Medicare, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
You can expect to pay plan premiums as low as $36.50 per month.
One of the benefits of Blue Shield is the ability to switch plans at any time if your needs or budget change.
Blue Shield also offers additional benefits, such as hearing aid benefits and a gym membership allowance through FitOn Health.
Here are some key benefits of Blue Shield plans:
- Plan premiums as low as $36.50
- Ability to switch plans at any time if your needs or budget change
- Hearing aid benefits
- Gym membership allowance through FitOn Health
Blue Rx
Blue Rx is a pharmacy program that offers discounted prescription medications to members of Blue Shield health plans.
The program is designed to help members save money on their prescription medications by negotiating lower prices with pharmacies.
With Blue Rx, members can fill their prescriptions at participating pharmacies across the country.
Members can also use the Blue Shield website to find participating pharmacies near them.
Blue Rx offers a wide range of prescription medications, including brand-name and generic options.
Members can choose to receive their medications by mail or at a participating pharmacy.
Mail-order prescriptions are filled and shipped directly to members' homes.
Blue Shield covers a wide range of prescription medications, including those for chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma.
Members can also use the Blue Shield website to track their prescription history and refill medications online.
Blue Supplement
Blue Shield offers a variety of Blue Medicare Supplement plans that can help cover costs not covered by Original Medicare.
You can choose from different plan options, which may include deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
Plan premiums as low as $36.50 make it an affordable option for many.
Blue Shield Medicare Supplement plans give you the flexibility to switch plans at any time if your needs or budget change.
With a Blue Shield Medicare Supplement plan, you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare, giving you more freedom to choose your healthcare providers.
You can also access benefits like vision and hearing aid, which can be a big help in maintaining your overall health.
Blue Shield of California ranks #1 in market share for individual Medicare Supplement plans in California in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Here are some benefits you can expect from a Blue Shield Medicare Supplement plan:
- Plan premiums as low as $36.50
- Ability to switch plans at any time if your needs or budget change
- Hearing aid benefits
- Gym membership allowance through FitOn Health
Get Free Information
You can get free Medicare information from Blue Shield of California. They offer a range of plans, including HMO, HMO D-SNP, PPO, and PDP plans.
Blue Shield of California has a Medicare contract, which is a requirement for offering Medicare plans. This contract is subject to renewal, so enrollment is dependent on contract renewal.
To get started, you can visit Blue Shield of California's website or contact them directly for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside to Medigap?
Medigap plans, including Plan G, have some downsides: high monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Part B premiums and prescription drugs
What is the difference between a Medigap plan and a supplemental plan?
A Medigap plan and a supplemental plan are often used interchangeably, but technically, Medigap is the official term for these plans, which help cover Medicare's out-of-pocket costs.
What Medigap plan is most popular?
Plan G is the most popular Medigap policy, covering nearly 5.3 million people in 2023. It accounts for 39% of all policyholders, making it a top choice for many.
What is the highest rated Medicare Supplement company?
According to Investopedia's research, AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the highest rated Medicare Supplement company, known for excellent customer satisfaction and affordable prices.
Sources
- https://www.blueshieldca.com/en/medicare/medicare-plan-types/medicare-supplement-plans
- https://www.blueshieldca.com/en/medicare/shop-medicare-plans/get-started/medicare-supplement-ca
- https://www.senior65.com/blue-shield/plan-g-extra-inspire
- https://www.bluecrossnc.com/shop-plans/medicare
- https://bcbsmt.com/medicare/shop-plans/medicare-supplement
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