There are currently three options in California to purchase a Medigap Plan G with additional hearing and vision benefits. One of them is HealthNet’s Medigap Innovative G, another one is Blue Shield’s Medigap G Extra and the last one is Medigap G Inspire.
These have the same exact network of doctors and standard benefits of a traditional Plan G but also include the additional extra benefits outlined below. The three plans are slightly different so it’s worth comparing them. There is never a fee for our services and, since Medicare Insurance pricing is regulated, no one can sell the same plan for less than we do.
On a quick note, G Inspire has the exact same benefits as G Extra, but also includes and AAA (American Automobile Association) membership with roadside assistance.
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 | No | 7% | |
| Autopay Discount | Yes | $3 | |
| Over-the-Counter Benefits (quarterly) | No | $100 | |
| Enrollment | 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.
- G Extra and G Inspire add OTC benefits, and you may as well get free roadside assistance by choosing G Inspire.
Next Steps:
Now that you know the difference between three of the 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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Get rates for an Innovative or Extra Medigap plan with additional benefits.
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