Medicare is a federal health insurance program that pays most of the health care costs for people who are 65 or older. It will also pay for health care for some people under age 65 who have disabilities.
You can buy Medicare supplement insurance to help pay some of your out-of-pocket costs that Medicare won’t pay. Because it helps cover some of the “gaps” in Medicare coverage, Medicare supplement insurance is often called Medigap insurance.
Medicare Supplement plans in California can vary in cost depending on the company, plan, and zip code. Generally, California Medigap rules are the same as all other states. In this context, we’ll discuss the different options Californians have with Medicare and the state-specific guidelines you should know.
California Medicare Supplement Insurance Costs
This depends on the level of benefits you want. If you want the most benefits with the lowest premium, then a high-deductible plan might be your best option. They cost between $30-$45 a month.
If you don’t want a high-deductible, then a standard plan will cost around $100 a month. The average Plan G in California costs between $95-$160 per month. While costs vary among insurers, the benefits don’t change.
That’s why it’s crucial to compare the same letter plan across multiple carriers. There are many different factors that can impact your rates.
Best Medicare Plans in California
Depending on where you live there are several options to choose from. Below is a list of the top metros in California .
When Can You Enroll in Medigap?
The enrollment periods for Medicare and Medigap policies in California are not the same. Medicare enrollment doesn’t include a Medigap policy. You’ll need to buy your Medigap policy separately.
There are two times you can add a Medicare Supplement plan to your Medicare coverage:
Medigap Open Enrollment Period: Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a six-month period starting the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This is the best time to enroll because you’ll have the most options and the best prices. During this period, you can sign up for any California Medigap policy regardless of your health history.
Outside Open Enrollment Period: You can buy a Medicare Supplement plan anytime you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. Insurance companies can deny coverage or charge you more based on any health problems you have when you apply outside of your Open Enrollment Period.
The exception is if you have a guaranteed issue right because you lost health coverage in certain circumstances. If you have a guaranteed issue right, Medigap providers in California can’t charge you more or limit your policy choices based on your health. You’ll need to show the insurance company proof that you lost health coverage to get a guaranteed issue.
About California
California, a western U.S. state, stretches from the Mexican border along the Pacific for nearly 900 miles. Its terrain includes cliff-lined beaches, redwood forest, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Central Valley farmland and the Mojave Desert. The city of Los Angeles is the seat of the Hollywood entertainment industry. Hilly San Francisco is known for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and cable cars.
Medicare Resources in California
Want to know more about Medicare and Medigap policies in California? The state offers several agencies and programs to help you better understand your healthcare options.
California Department of Insurance: The California Department of Insurance provides resources for seniors enrolling in Medicare.
CA Department of Medicaid: Low-income residents can turn to this program for help paying for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays.
Covered California: Covered California is the health insurance marketplace in the U.S. state of California established under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
California State Page: Information about different types of services and programs in the state of California.
Next Steps
If you’re nearing 65 or recently enrolled in Medicare, it’s a good idea to sign up for a Medigap policy as soon as possible. Start by researching the different Medicare Supplement plans and looking at insurance providers in Texas that offer the plan you want. Be sure to compare how each insurance company rates the plan when you’re comparing costs.