California has more than 6.7 million Medicare beneficiaries — more than any other state. Of those, about 3.4 million have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
Here’s what you need to know about finding the best Medigap policy for you in California.
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Most popular Medicare Supplement Insurance plan types in California
There are 10 standard Medigap plan types available in California (Plan C and Plan F aren’t available for new Medicare members), but enrollment is concentrated in just a handful of plans. The three most popular plan types cover nearly 89% of California’s Medigap members.
These are California’s three most popular Medicare Supplement Insurance plan types:
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59% have Medigap Plan F — the most comprehensive coverage of any Medigap plan.
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19% have Medigap Plan G — the highest-coverage option available to new Medicare members.
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11% have Medigap Plan N — a plan with lower premiums but higher copays.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Medigap Plan F isn’t available to Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after Jan. 1, 2020. Medigap Plan G is the most similar option that’s available to all Medicare beneficiaries.
Top Medicare Supplement Insurance companies in California
Medigap plans are regulated by the government, but they’re sold by private insurance companies. Here are California’s five most popular Medicare Supplement Insurance companies as of the end of 2021:
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Share of California Medigap members |
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5. United American Insurance Company |
Medicare Supplement Insurance prices in California
It’s worth comparing companies to find the lowest price for your chosen plan. The benefits of each Medigap plan are standardized, so you get the same Medicare benefits regardless of the company you choose.
Here are prices for Medigap Plan G and Plan N, the most popular plans available for new Medicare members, from the Medigap companies with the most members in California.
The table below shows price quotes for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Los Angeles. The prices listed reflect base pricing with discounts removed or factored out whenever the option was available. (Note: Some Medigap prices may be higher for males.)
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United American Insurance Company |
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For reference, here are the lowest premiums available from any company for the two plans in California, according to the Medicare plan finding tool:
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Medigap Plan G: $137 per month.
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Medigap Plan N: $105 per month.
Medicare resources in California
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State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): California’s Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is its State Health Insurance Assistance Program. HICAP offers free, confidential counseling for Medicare, Medi-Cal (Medicaid), long-term care insurance and other health insurance issues.
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California Department of Insurance: Publishes a survey of Medigap premiums filed by insurance companies and offers a consumer hotline for help with insurance issues and information.
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California Area Agencies on Aging: Provide information and programs for older adults, people with disabilities, long-term care facility residents and family caregivers.
Medicare Supplement Insurance providers
Get more information about some of the major health insurance companies that sell Medigap plans. Use Medicare’s plan finding tool or check the companies’ websites to see plan options in your location.
Find the right Medicare Supplement Insurance plan
Because Medigap plans are standardized, you can get precisely the same Medicare benefits from any company offering the plan. So when you shop, keep these considerations in mind to find the best policy to fit your needs:
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Is your preferred plan available? Health insurance companies don’t always sell every plan, so check who sells the plan you want to buy in your area.
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What are the premiums? Prices for the same plan can vary between companies, so check to find the most competitive rates.
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Will your premiums change over time? Most policies cost more as you age, but some companies offer policies that let you lock in a price when you sign up.
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Are there extras? Medigap plans’ core benefits are standardized, but in certain cases, some companies include such perks as discount programs or gym memberships.
Looking for additional insurance in California? Check out these resources:
Alex Rosenberg
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