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 not only has the exact same benefits as G Extra, but also includes an AAA (American Automobile Association) membership with roadside assistance.
Looking to compare Innovative F Extra Plans? Click here. You can also compare all of the Innovative and Extra plans from all the states that offer them.
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 | 20 visits combined, you pay $0 | |
| 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 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 one of our licensed agents 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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