Blue Shield Medi-Gap – Supplement Plans
These plans allow you to go to ANY Doctor or Hospital that accepts Medicare
Plans at a Glance
rev 1.2021
Summary of Benefits
Rev 1.2021
January 1, 2021 Rates
April 2021 Rates?
Paper Application 2021
but online is better
Plan Transfer Application
Be sure to add our agent # 8914 so that we can credit for helping you
Hints to complete the plan transfer application
No extra charge for us to assist you!
Already enrolled? Appoint us as your broker. No extra charge
A Medigap policy is private health insurance that helps supplement Original Medicare. This means it helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover (like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles). These are “gaps” in Medicare coverage.
If you have Original Medicare and a Medigap policy, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amounts for covered health care costs. Then your Medigap policy pays its share. A Medigap policy is different from a Medicare Advantage Plans – Part C (like an HMO or PPO) because those plans are ways to get Medicare benefits, (here’s a comparison of the differences) while a Medigap policy only supplements the costs of your Original Medicare benefits. Medicare.Gov Guide to Medigap *
Medicare Part A
(Hospital Insurance)
Medicare Part A Hospital coverage helps pay for care in hospitals as an inpatient,... skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health care (see publication # 10969) but not Long Term Care.
Most people get Part A automatically when they turn age 65 at no charge, since they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while they were working. You need to sign up close to your 65th birthday, even if you will not be retired by that time. (If you are getting Social Security benefits when you turn 65, your Medicare Hospital Benefits - Part A - start automatically.)
Here's a chart it's just a illustration and is NOT official that shows what Medicare pays, the gaps in Medicare and what you may get when you add a Medi Gap Plan or Medicare Advantage to cover those gaps.
Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B - Outpatient helps Pay For Doctors' services, outpatient hospital care, and some other medical services that Part A does not cover, such as the services of physical and occupational therapists, and some home health care see publication 10969, but not Long Term Care. Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary.
The chart below is a very brief summary. Check the actual Evidence of Coverage for the plan you want to enroll in, Medicare & You or actual Medicare documents.
Care Compare Video
Care Compare on Medicare.gov is a streamlined redesign of the 8 Medicare.gov compare tools.
Medicare Video - Physician Compare
Video on how to use Medicare Provider Finder
Our Webpage on What is it when your doctor Medicare agrees to Assignment?
Guide to Choosing a Hospital # 10181
Dental PPO Plan and Dental + Vision brochure and enrollment application
– Brochure and enrollment application, English
Dental/Duo Disclosures
– Dental PPO plan Disclosure
– Specialty Duo Dental Disclosure
– Specialty Duo Vision Disclosure
EOC
Blue Shield Plan G & Extra
Medicare Medi Gap Supplement
- Household Savings Program
- Welcome to Medicare Rate Savings
- Dental and Dental & Vision Plan savings
- Easy$PaySM online payment program
- Medicare Supplement Plan Transfer Application – be sure to put in our name as agent and email to us
- FAQs / Ask Us a Question
Plan G EXTRA
Blue Shield’s newest Medicare Supplement plan has all the benefits offered by regular Plan G
PLUS these Benefits
Highlights:
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) items benefits: including coverage for eligible OTC health and wellness products such as cold and allergy medicines, first-aid supplies, pain relievers, and more
- Physician consultation benefits: available by phone or video via computer or mobile app
- Hearing aid benefits: including an annual hearing test and savings on Vista brand mid-level and premium-level hearing aids
- Vision benefits: including coverage for the cost of eye exams, frames, eyeglass or contact lenses that are not traditionally covered by Original Medicare
See the summary of benefits in the module on below your right for more details.
April 2020 Changes
Summary of changes on Blue Shield Site
Rate schedule effective 4/1/2020
Rate schedule effective 1/1/2020
Rate schedule effective 10/1/19
Rate schedule ending 9/30/2019
2010 Standardized Closed Plans (closed 9/30/2019)
1990 Standardized Closed Plans (closed 5/31/2010)
1990 Standardized Closed Plans (closed 12/31/2005)
Sample Rate Change Letter * With Speciality duo * Speciality Duo ONLY *
Evidence of Coverage
Plan A, Jan. 2018 (PDF)
Plan F Extra, Oct. 2018 (PDF)
Plan G, Jan. 2018 (PDF)
Plan G Extra, Jan. 2020 (PDF)
Plan N, Jan. 2018 (PDF)
(Email us if the links require a password)
Evidences of Coverage for Open Plans
Get complete descriptions of our open Medicare Supplement plans.
Plan A, Jan. 2018 (PDF)
Plan F Extra, Oct. 2018 (PDF)
Plan G, Jan. 2018 (PDF)
Plan N, Jan. 2018 (PDF)
Evidences of Coverage for 2010 Standardized Closed Plans (closed 9/30/2019)
Get complete descriptions of our closed Medicare Supplement plans effective 10/1/2019.
Plan C, Jan. 2018 (PDF)
Plan D, Jan. 2018 (PDF)
Plan F, Jan. 2018 (PDF)
High Deductible Plan F, Jan. 2019 (PDF)
Plan K, Jan. 2019 (PDF)
Evidences of Coverage for Standardized and Pre-Standardized Closed Plans (closed prior to 5/31/2010)
Get complete descriptions of our closed Medicare Supplement plans.
Plan A (pre June 2010) (PDF)
Plan B (pre June 2010) (PDF)
Plan C (pre June 2010) (PDF)
Plan D (pre June 2010) (PDF)
Plan F (pre June 2010) (PDF)
Plan G (pre June 2010) (PDF)
Plan J (pre June 2010) (PDF)
Plan K (pre June 2010) (PDF)
Plan H Standard (PDF)
Plan H Plus Rx (PDF)
Plan I Standard (PDF)
Plan I Plus Rx (PDF)
Coronet Major Medicare (PDF)
Coronet Senior Standard (PDF)
Coronet Senior Plus Rx (PDF)
Golden Coronet Senior Standard (PDF)
Golden Coronet Senior Plus Rx (PDF)
Preferred Senior (PDF)
Closed plan rate sheets
2010 Standardized Closed Plans (closed 5/31/2010) (PDF)
1990 Standardized Closed Plans (closed 5/31/2010) (PDF)
1990 Standardized Closed Plans (closed 12/31/2005) (PDF)
Resources & Links
Member Services 800.766.4466
- Medicare Provider Finder (Any MD that takes Medicare works on this plan)
- Blue Shield guaranteed.acceptance.guide.
- Silver Sneakers.com
- Blue Shield CA .com – Explanation
- Blue Shield Financial Strength
- Medicare Supplement Plan Transfer Application – be sure to put in our name as agent and email [email protected] to us
Blue Shield Medi Gap Forms
Summary of Benefits Effective 1.1.2020
Medicare Supplement Plan Rate sheets
Medicare Supplement Plan Transfer Application – Helpful tips, be sure to put in our name as agent and email to us Appoint us as your Broker – No Extra Charge
Medi Gap Plan Replacement Form
Email [email protected] or call us 310.519.1335
Child & Related Pages – Site Map
Here’s our research on Attained Age vs Community Rating and the fact that CA only has attained Age.
It’s in archive.org so might take a while to load
If I don’t have a Medi Gap plan, how much would I pay for an angio gram?
This website says a Fair Price is $3k https://www.newchoicehealth.com/places/california/los-angeles/ct-scan/ct-angiography-chest
Medicare might discount that…
So you would pay 20% or $600
I have Medi Gap Plan F Extra and Blue Shield Rx Plus for Part D
I don’t know if I should keep what I have or if there are better options.
First of, we can lose our license to sell Medicare Advantage plans, if say “this is the best plan.” https://medicare.healthreformquotes.com/mapd/regulations/best-plan/
So, watch this video and follow the links and we’ll look at the options and the pros and cons.
https://steveshorr.com/intro/set-a-meeting/
Summary of benefits Matrix
Rate Chart Medi Gap
https://medicare.healthreformquotes.com/part-d-rx/blue-cross/
https://medicare.healthreformquotes.com/mapd/65-plus
https://medicare.healthreformquotes.com/part-d-rx/blue-shield/
I’m having medically necessary treatment for varicose veins.
How much would Medicare pay?
How much would a Medi Gap plan pay?
First, we need to find out what the procedure costs, retail.
Then what Medicare allows.
What the billing codes are.
Is the procedure really medically necessary? https://individuals.healthreformquotes.com/appeal-grievances/medical-necessity/
FYI Clinical Bulletin for Varicose Veins https://www.blueshieldca.com/bsca/bsc/public/common/PortalComponents/provider/StreamDocumentServlet?fileName=PRV_TX_Varicose_Venous_Insufficiency.pdf
Vein stripping and ligation takes about 60 to 90 minutes to perform and sometimes requires general anesthesia. Recovery time is also lengthy, usually involving two to four weeks depending on how many veins were stripped and where they were located.
Vein stripping surgery costs between $1,500 and $3,000. This cost may not include additional fees charged by the hospital or surgical center, which can increase the cost exponentially.
Another varicose vein-removing surgery is called ambulatory phlebectomy. During this procedure, your doctor makes tiny cuts in the skin to remove small varicose veins; usually those that are closest to the surface. The in-office procedure is done with local anesthesia and is considered much less invasive than vein stripping and ligation.
Ambulatory phlebectomy may cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per leg depending on the extent and number of veins removed. https://www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com/other-procedures/varicose-vein/
Medicare does cover the medical treatment of varicose veins that cause symptoms and have ultrasound characteristics of chronic venous insufficiency. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16872-chronic-venous-insufficiency-cvi
A physician office visit and diagnostic ultrasound are needed to determine the medical necessity of vein treatments. Patients are encouraged to try non-medical treatment options such as exercise, weight-loss, and compression stockings (20-30mmHg) prior to medical vein procedures. As varicose vein symptoms become more severe, the likelihood that Medicare will cover the cost of treatment increases dramatically. https://vanishlegveins.com/does-medicare-cover-varicose-vein-treatments/
ICD Codes https://www.angiodynamics.com/img/documents/2020-Venacure-EVLT-Reimbursement-Guide-USVIMS17Rev01-276375.pdf
https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Monitoring-Programs/Medicare-FFS-Compliance-Programs/Recovery-Audit-Program/Approved-RAC-Topics-Items/0145-Endovenous-Radiofrequency-Ablation-ERFA-and-Endovenous-Laser-Treatment-EVLT-for-Lower-Extremity-Varicose-Vein
Sorry, but this question is really beyond my pay grade.
President Obama on when human rights begin..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOTfnz11kBk
Underwriting Holiday
Memo Rec’d from Blue Shield (11.2.2020)
For a limited time, Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in a Blue Shield of California Medicare Supplement plan without answering health questions or obtaining underwriting approval.
Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plan members from Blue Shield or other carriers switching to a Blue Shield Medicare Supplement plan are eligible to apply.
This opportunity includes applications received November 2, 2020 at 12 a.m. through February 28, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. with effective dates of December 1, 2020 through April 1, 2021. Must be a California resident.
So, would now be a good time to switch from Hi F with a $2,300 deductible to Plan F with no deductible, I turned 65 prior to January 2020 or Plan G with only a $203 deductible?
Yes. However, I don’t necessarily think it makes economic sense. How much extra will you pay in premiums compared to eliminating around $2k of deductible.
See the chart below to compare rates, multiple the difference by 12 months and see. https://medicare.healthreformquotes.com/medi-gap/blue-shield/#comment-25522
Click on our quote engine to compare pricing https://www.quotit.net/eproIFP/webPages/infoentry/InfoEntryZip.asp?covTypeID=ES&InsuranceTypeId=G&license_no=0596610
See our page on MLR Medical Loss Ratio – the Insurance Companies pay out 80% of premiums and keep 20% for profit and administration. Is it worth it to trade dollars? https://individuals.healthreformquotes.com/aca/medical-loss-ratio-mrl/
Here’s a comparison with Metal Levels for under 65 plans https://individuals.healthreformquotes.com/aca/metal-levels/
Steve’s Video on taking a lower deductible – even when you know you will have big claims next year – Metal Level under 65 plans https://youtu.be/9B_zcZHIHCo
January 2021 Rate Chart —
https://www.blueshieldca.com/bsca/bsc/public/broker/PortalComponents/StreamDocumentServlet?fileName=2021_MedicareSupplement_OpenPlanRateSheets_EN.pdf
I’ll be updating in the body of the web page above
Do you know if there will be any increases on our current Blue Shield supplemental plan [Hi F] next year?
See our other page with FAQ’s on Hi F rate changes
Medi Gap rate and benefit changes do not coincide with Part D Rx or Medicare Advantage AEP of October 15th through December 7th with an effective date of January 1st.
The rates change when Blue Shield “gets to it.” Traditionally it seems in April. Here’s an older rate chart. The main change in rates would be getting older, as opposed to rate changes, inflation or Medical Loss Ratio.
Here’s what seems to be the most current rate chart.
One can get quotes here
I have blue shield plan F extra medigap and live in California. I’d like to know exactly what vision benefits I qualify for, specifically what are the glasses + frames benefits. Thanks
Here’s the Vision Benefits in Plan F Extra
Get more detail in the Summary of Benefits page 11 or even more in the EOC Evidence of Coverage
Here’s the form to Appoint us as your broker, no extra charge.
I have Plan N and would like to get an Issue Age plan, rather than having the rates go up every year, based on attained age. Are those plans available in CA?
Gosh, the only time I come across the terms “issue age” or “attained age” is when doing Continuing Education classes or reading official government brochures, like the Guide to choosing a Medi Gap Policy
I’m not aware of any issue or entry age plans in CA where the rates don’t increase because of age. Here’s our quote engine for the plans we do offer in CA.
More detail from CA Health Care Advocates
https://cahealthadvocates.org/medigap/medigap-premiums/
Our webpage on Community Rating – which as far as I know, isn’t in CA either.
State of CA Department of Insurance Comparison Tool
https://interactive.web.insurance.ca.gov/apex_extprd/f?p=111:31:::NO:::
ALL plans are attained Age!
Methodology: AA
http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/9-compare-prem/long-term-care-rate-methodology.cfm
Learn more about social determinants of health
More FAQ’s on “Extra” Plans
We’re in Plan F now.
What’s the difference between F and G extra?
We tried to get F Extra and were turned down
Please review our webpage above and our webpage on Plan F Extra. The main difference in Extra or Innovative is the Hearing Aids, Vision, Teledoc, Over the Counter Medications and Help, I can’t get up. See the link above for the summary of benefits for more detail.
Right now, Blue Shield is having a “special” and you can get into their Extra Plans, from any other Medi Gap carrier. Email us for details.
Next year, under the Birthday rule, Extra and Innovative will be considered the same and not better. So, one would be able to switch.
Why are Medi Gap companies offered more benefits?
One reason is a new buzz word, Social Determinants of Health. Click on the link and check it out.
View more FAQ’s here
https://medicare.healthreformquotes.com/medi-gap/plans-a-f-g-n/plan-f-medi-gap-covers-deductibles-and-20-missing-from-part-a-hospital-b-doctor-visits/#comments
My wife is disabled with a brain tumor. She has plan High F. She collects SSDI and qualified for Medicare after two years of disability. She is also on Medi Cal.
We currently pay $412.30 for Part F and the Duo Package (dental and vision), plus $86.40 for the PDP.
Any suggestions?
Please let us know what of 7 qualifications QMB etc. you have for Medi-Cal.
How are you dealing with the rules of
dual coverage Medicare &
dual coverage Medi Cal and
dual coverage in general?
Are you using Medi Cal MD’s?
Are you paying the Hi F deductible $2,340? or is that getting reimbursed?
Who is paying the Hi F premium?
Change to a Medi Gap plan with lower deductible under birthday rule?
Since you have Share of Cost Medi Cal, do you have to go to Medi Cal MD’s for the portion you pay?
See CA Health Care Advocates on Medi Gap & Medi Cal
If you drop your Medi Gap plan as it looks like you will have full scope medi cal, due to your tax loss – magi Income
There are guaranteed issue rules to let you get a Medi Gap plan, if you lose full scope Medi Cal
What are the different ways I can pay my Medi Gap Premium?
Billing options
Once you have enrolled in a Blue Shield Medicare Supplement plan, you have several options for plan dues payment.
1. Easy$Pay – Pay your plan dues with Blue Shield’s quick and convenient Easy$PaySM program, an automatic electronic transfer on the 1st or 15th of the month from your checking or savings account. There’s no check to write and no postage to pay. A record of your payment is included on your bank statement. Remember, if you choose this option, you can save $3 off your dues each month. Easy$Pay authorization instructions are included in the application within this enrollment kit.
2. Quarterly billing – Blue Shield will bill you once every three months.
3. Monthly billing – Blue Shield will send you a bill each month.
With Options 2 and 3, the bill will tell you the date your payment is due.
The dues you pay or the benefits you receive may change during the year. In either case, Blue Shield will always let you know at least 60 days in advance
Source – Summary of Benefits
I smoke or use tobacco just a little bit and am turning 65 next month. Do I have to pay extra?
Nope. The rate chart say you don’t have to pay the tobacco surcharge if you are eligible for guaranteed issue, which you are as you’ve turned 65 and just got Parts A & B, situation # 1.
Appoint us as your broker
https://www.blueshieldca.com/bsca/bsc/public/broker/PortalComponents/StreamDocumentServlet?fileName=A44674-FF.pdf
Looks like Plans C and F are better than the others, but I’d like your opinion.
Here’s the summary chart that you are talking about. Yes, C & F have the most coverage.
Here’s the chart for 2020 for new people turning 65, Plan G will have the richest benefits. Those who are already 65 can still keep or get F
how much do they cost ??
There are three ways to find out the costs.
1 would be to visit our Blue Shield Affiliate Website, https://bsca.destinationrx.com/plancompare/2019/consumer/type3/Compare/Home?uHash=QXIFMDAOhenJAg7z&FirstName=STEVEN&LastName=SHORR
gets the costs and enroll online.
2 Use our quote engine and get quotes from Blue Cross or Blue Shield at the same time
https://www.quotit.net/eproIFP/webPages/infoentry/InfoEntryZip.asp?covTypeID=ES&InsuranceTypeId=G&license_no=0596610
3 Use the table in the rate chart above
Your in Los Angeles and not in one of the excluded zip codes so here’s the chart
Is having a Medigap plan required ?
What happens if you don’t have one?
Medi Gap plans are not “required.”
They are a good idea if you don’t want to be on the hook for the 20% out of hospital Part B that doesn’t have a stop loss or out of pocket maximum.
See the brochure https://www.blueshieldca.com/bsca/bsc/public/broker/PortalComponents/StreamDocumentServlet?fileName=MSP14541-PR-DS.pdf
and you will see what Medicare Pays and what plan F or C plays
We also suggest you review the Medicare and You Booklet
https://www.medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/10050-Medicare-and-You.pdf#page=7
Please also note the $25/month new to Medicare discount on page 3 and the $3/month discount for automatic withdrawl.
Medi gap plans allow you to use any doctor or hospital that accepts medicare