Compare Medigap Innovative G and G Extra: Health Net vs Blue Shield
Medigap Innovative Plan G and Plan G Extra in California now cover vision and hearing benefits. Find out if they are for you.
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There are currently two options in California to purchase a Medigap Plan G with additional hearing and vision benefits. One of them is HealthNet’s Medigap Innovative G and the other one is Blue Shield’s Medigap G Extra.
These two plans have the same exact network of doctors and standard benefits of a traditional Plan G but also include the additional extra benefits outlined below. Both plans are slightly different so it’s worth comparing them. Senior65 is appointed to sell both plans at the guaranteed lowest price, so please contact us when you are ready to enroll.
Looking to compare Innovative F Extra Plans? Click here.
Chart Comparison of Innovative G and G Extra
| Benefits | Health Net Innovative G |
Blue Shield G Extra |
|
| Standard Plan G Benefits | Yes | Yes | |
| Access to Medicare’s largest network of doctors | Yes | Yes | |
| Vision | |||
| Routine Eye Exam (every 12 months) | You pay $0 | You pay $0 | |
| Glass Frames (every 24 months) | $250 Allowance | $100 Allowance | |
| Glass Lenses (every 12 months) | $250 Allowance | You pay $25 | |
| Contacts (every 12 months) | $250 Allowance | You pay $25 | |
| Hearing | |||
| Hearing Exam (every 12 months) | You pay $0 | You pay $0 | |
| Hearing Aids | Cost shares Level 1 – $0 Level 2 – $700 Level 3 – $1,125 Level 4 – $1,580 |
$499 for Vista 610 model and $799 for Vista 810 model (every 12 months) | |
| Other Benefits | |||
| Chiropractic/Acupuncture | 20 visits combined, you pay $0 | No | |
| Gym | Yes | Yes | |
| New to Medicare Discount | $30 | $25 | |
| Household Discount | Yes | 7% | |
| Autopay Discount | Yes | $3 | |
| Learn more about Health Net Innovative Plan G | Learn more about Blue Shield Plan G Extra | ||
| Quote and Apply | Quote and Apply | ||
To sum it all up:
- Health Net’s Innovative G has the most generous initial hearing and vision benefits of the two plans, and also offers Silver&Fit, an exercise program similar to Silver Sneakers.
- Blue Shield’s G Extra also has a fine vision coverage and Silver Sneakers, but only limits you to one company to choose from when it comes to Hearing Benefits.
Next Steps:
Now that you know the difference between the two enhanced G plans, it’s time to get a quote and enroll. You can get an Innovative Plan G Extra quote here or you can call us and a Senior65 licensed agent can help you over the phone at no cost to you.
Anthem Blue Cross, which currently offers the Innovative F in CA has yet to announce an Innovative G offering in the Golden State. They already offer Medigap Innovative G in Nevada so we will alert you when/if it comes to CA.
Please Note: As of July 1, 2020, a standardized plan and an Innovative plan are considered equal in benefits by the State of California. This means if you have a standard G, you can switch to Innovative G or G extra during the California Birthday Rule.
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Reader Comments and Questions
By Samantha on May 19, 2020
how is innovative g acupuncture coverage better than medicare if it actually is
That is a great question. While Medicare offers 12 sessions first and then the possibility of getting another 8, Innovative G gives you 20 from the beginning if acupuncture is what you are looking for. It also adds chiropractic to the mix.
Contact us if you wish to enroll in this Medigap plan. We charge nothing for our services.
-Michelle from Senior65.com
By Ethan on May 19, 2020
do both of these plans have silver sneakers?
Medigap G Extra does offer Silver Sneakers, while Medigap Innovative G offers Silver&Fit which is Health Net's own gym program.
If you are looking to enroll in any of these plans, give us a call. We charge nothing for our services.
-Michelle from Senior65.com
By Harry on February 28, 2020
do you recommend g extra or f extra?
We recommend Plan G over Plan F because it ends up costing less. The same applies for the Innovative and Extra plans. Check this article to learn more.
Contact us to enroll in Medigap, Medicare Advantage or Part D. We charge nothing for our services.
-Michelle from Senior65.com