Insurance Companies and Medigap Policies: Types, Coverage, and Expenses
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers Medigap plans across the United States, providing supplemental coverage for Original Medicare. However, it's important to note that not all plans or policies may be available in every area.
Cost Variations
The cost of BCBS Medigap plans can vary significantly, influenced by both location and plan type.
Location-Based Variations
BCBS operates through local affiliates, leading to competitive pricing in certain regions. For example, BCBS is strong in states like Florida, California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, often offering competitive rates due to strong local provider networks and relationships. On the other hand, prices for Medigap plans, including those from BCBS, differ from state to state, with New York typically having higher rates compared to states like New Mexico.
Plan Type Variations
Medigap plans, such as Plan N, are standardized across insurers but differ in cost. BCBS often competes with other insurers like United Healthcare (UHC) in terms of pricing. For instance, in California, BCBS (Anthem) may offer lower rates than UHC for Plan G. Plan N is generally less expensive than Plan G, with average monthly costs being lower, but it offers less comprehensive coverage.
Examples of BCBS Medigap Plan Costs
Here are some examples of BCBS Medigap plan costs:
- Plan G Pricing (2025 Estimates): Florida: $234 (Florida Blue), Texas: $210, California: $222 (Anthem), Arizona: $193 (AZ Blue), Pennsylvania: $195 (Highmark BCBS), New Jersey: $220.
- Plan N Pricing: While specific BCBS Plan N rates are not detailed, Plan N generally costs less than Plan G, with average monthly rates ranging from $91 to $297 across different states for other insurers.
Enrolling in BCBS Medigap Plans
To enroll in a BCBS Medigap plan, you must have Medicare Parts A and B. An online tool can help you find Medigap plans in your zip code and each plan's costs. It's essential to compare plans carefully to find one that meets your healthcare and financial needs.
Remember, Medigap policies help with out-of-pocket expenses of Original Medicare, but they do not cover long-term care or private-duty nursing, dental and vision care, hearing aids or eyeglasses, or prescription drugs.
Since January 1, 2020, Medigap plans sold to new people with Medicare cannot cover the Part B deductible. For free and impartial advice about Medicare plans, you can contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
In Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, insurance companies standardize Medigap plans differently. In these states, it's crucial to understand the specifics of the Medigap plans available.
There are 10 different Medigap plans labeled by letters A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. BCBS offers all 10 Medigap plans across the United States.
More than 12.5 million people in the United States had Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) in 2022. Each Medigap plan offers varying coverage levels, so it's crucial to research and compare plans to find the best fit for your needs.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield's (BCBS) Medigap plans may offer more affordable rates in strong regions like Florida, California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, due to established local provider networks and relationships.
- BCBS competes with other insurers like United Healthcare in terms of pricing, with lower rates for Plan G being observed in California (BCBS, aka Anthem) compared to UHC.
- While specific BCBS Plan N rates are not detailed, it's known that Plan N generally costs less than Plan G, with average monthly rates ranging from $91 to $297 across different states for other insurers.
