• Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medi gap, is private insurance that helps pay some of your share of out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. You generally need Medicare Part A and Part B before you can buy a Medigap policy. Medicare.gov explains Medigap basics here.
• This page is your starting point for California Medigap choices. From here, you can compare Plan G, review Blue Shield and other carrier options, learn when health questions may apply, and understand California-specific rules like community rating and the birthday rule.

Start Here

What Does Medigap Add to Medicare A and B?

• Original Medicare gives you broad access to doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare, but it does not pay every cost. A Medi gap plan can help reduce your exposure to Medicare deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. It is different from Medicare Advantage: Medi gap works with Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage is a separate way to receive Medicare benefits.
• Medi gap plans are standardized by plan letter in most states, so a Plan G from one company has the same basic medical benefits as a Plan G from another company. The differences are usually the premium, rate history, household discounts, customer service, and underwriting rules.

The plan letter determines the benefits. The company determines the price, service, and long-term value.

Why Plan G Is Often the Main Comparison

• For many people new to Medicare today, Plan G is the most common Medi gap comparison because it covers many of the gaps left by Original Medicare, except for the Medicare Part B deductible. That makes the real comparison less about benefits and more about price, company stability, rate increases, and whether you can qualify.
• If you are mainly shopping for Plan G, compare actual rates first. Then review whether a company such as Blue Shield, Anthem, United Healthcare®, or another carrier makes the most sense for your ZIP code and situation.

California Rules Matter

• California has Medi gap rules that can affect when and how you shop. The California Department of Insurance explains that the birthday rule gives Medi gap policyholders a 60-day open enrollment period following their birthday each year to buy a new Medi gap policy without medical screening, (Health Questions) if the new policy has the same or lesser benefits.
  • See the California Department of Insurance explanation.
  • Our webpage on birthday rule 
• California Medi gap rates are community-rated, so premiums are not based on gender.
  • Premiums may still vary by ZIP code, age, tobacco use (not i CA), plan letter, company, and household discounts.

Common California Medigap Questions

• When is the easiest time to buy Medigap?
  • Usually when you are first eligible for your Medigap open enrollment period, or when you have a guaranteed issue right. Outside protected periods, health questions may apply.
• Can I switch Medigap plans later?
  • Sometimes. California’s birthday rule may help if you already have Medi gap and want to move to a plan with the same or lesser benefits. Other guaranteed issue situations may also apply.
• Should I pick the cheapest company?
  • Not always. Price matters, but so do household discounts, rate history, service, and whether the company is a good fit long-term.

Ready to Compare Medigap Rates?