Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G Reviews
Are you a Medicare member? Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G eliminates the costly coinsurance and copayments associated with medical care outside your normal Part A or B coverage.
Remove the risk from your healthcare with Plan G; it gives you the most comprehensive medical coverage available.
Our Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G Reviews unpack everything you need to know about this Medigap plan.
If you would rather skip the reading and speak to someone about your unique situation, call our experts at 1-888-891-0229.
We know understanding Medigap plans is challenging, and we’ll walk you through the specifics. Or complete the contact form on this site, and we’ll have someone from our team call you.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield started as two separate entities, Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
In the early 1900s, these companies offered Americans affordable healthcare solutions before merging in 1982 to form the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
Today BCBS consists of 34 locally-operated, independent companies across the United States.
BCBS serves over 114 million Americans with the health care coverage they need to enjoy their lifestyles.
The company has its corporate headquarters in Washington D.C. and Chicago, capturing approximately 43% of the health insurance market in the United States.
BCBS is one of several insurers offering Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as “Medigap.”
The company serves all 50 states and Washington, D.C. BCBS companies, such as Anthem, have a license to issue Plan G by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association but function independently.
Find the company serving your location on the official BCBS website.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Cross Blue Shield comprises 34 companies operating independently across the United States.
- Plan types and premiums can vary, depending on your location.
- The “Blue to Blue” program might make it more affordable and easier to switch Medigap Plans compared to its competitors.
- Premiums can sometimes be higher than the national average. You might have to agree to stay in-network to get the best premium pricing.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan Pros
- Medigap plans are available in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
- The “Blue to Blue” program offers flexibility to change plans.
- The Plan Plus option brings BCBS members additional benefits that other insurers don’t provide.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan Cons
- Premiums can vary depending on the state and company in the BCBS group.
- Plan G can be more expensive in some states than with competitors.
- Medicare Select plans are more affordable than standard options, but members must stay in-network.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G – Additional benefits
Medigap Plan G from BCBS comes with industry-standardized Medicare benefits. However, some companies offer members additional perks. Here are a few examples.
Blue to Blue – Some plans offer the chance to switch from Medicare Advantage and Medigap Plans at specific times of the year without any underwriting requirement.
There’s no additional cost for this service or the possibility of being denied this option due to your medical history or status.
- Discount programs – Some plans offer access to discounts on services like prescriptions, vision, hearing, and OTC health and wellness products.
- Fitness – Some plans offer “SilverSneakers, ” including gym memberships, training sessions, fitness classes, and health-tracking apps.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G – Cost
The BCBS Medigap Plan G premiums can vary from state to state and company to company.
We analyzed the average costs of Plan G in three major American cities to give you an example of what to expect.
- Los Angeles – Above average premium costs. Blue Shield of California holds the license.
- Atlanta – Average premium cost. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield holds the BCBS license.
- Dallas – Below average premium cost. BlueCross BlueShield of Texas holds the BCBS license.
We looked at each city’s average BCBS premium pricing for Plan G. The following pricing is for a 65-year-old non-smoking woman.
It reflects the “base” price with discounts removed. It’s important to note that the Plan might cost more for men.
- Atlanta: BCBS-quoted price $139.
- Los Angeles: BCBS-quoted price $146.
- Dallas: BCBS-quoted price $121.49.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G – Premium Discounts
BCBS offers qualifying members the following discounts on their monthly premium costs.
- Prepayments – Some companies offer discounts if members pay the year’s premiums in advance.
- Automatic payments – Some companies offer discounts if you set up a monthly debit order for your premium from your bank account.
- Households – Some companies offer discounts if other people from the same household also take a Medigap Plan G policy. (Spouse, life partner, relative).
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G – Member Complaints
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, BCBS receives 2% fewer member complaints regarding their Medigap services on average.
This data comes from the years 2019 to 2021. BCBS has a complaint rate across all policies, approximately 35% lower than the average for all insurers over the same period.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G – Ratings by Third-Parties
We examined data from two leading independent third-party companies regarding BCBS’s performance in customer satisfaction and financial stability.
AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A+ to B++
Since BCBS is a collective of companies, AM Best looked at data regarding the financial strength of all BCBS firms in the group.
AM Best is a credit rating agency specializing in assessing companies in the medical insurance industry.
The recent AM Best rating of BCBS comes from October 5, 2022.
American Customer Satisfaction Index: 73 out of 100
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) uses a model the University of Michigan developed to rate products and services in the health insurance industry.
It derives ratings from surveys measuring consumer expectations surrounding the perceived quality of BCBS product offerings and services.
In 2022, BCBS scored 73 out of 100 (73%), according to the ACSI health insurance benchmark criteria.
ACSI measures consumer satisfaction with the entire health insurance industry as a whole.
In comparison, the lowest score was 73, and the highest was 77.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G is a type of Medigap plan offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield that provides coverage for certain out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
How does Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G work?
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G works by filling in the gaps left by Original Medicare. It covers expenses such as Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
What benefits does Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G offer?
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G offers a range of benefits, including coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, skilled nursing facility care, and excess charges.
How do I qualify for Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G?
To qualify for Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. You can apply during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period or during a Special Enrollment Period.
Are there any network restrictions with Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G?
No, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G allows you to choose any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare assignment, without network restrictions.
How are the premiums for Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G determined?
Premiums for Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G may vary depending on factors such as age, location, and tobacco use. Insurance companies also use different rating methods, such as attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated pricing.
Can I switch from another Medicare Supplement plan to Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Yes, you can switch from another Medicare Supplement plan to Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G. However, you may need to go through medical underwriting, which could affect your eligibility or premium rates.
How do I find Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G reviews?
You can find Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G reviews by searching online review websites, forums, or social media platforms. Additionally, you can ask for recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare professionals.
What should I consider when reading Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G reviews?
When reading Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G reviews, consider factors such as customer satisfaction, claims process, network coverage, pricing, and overall experience.
Can Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G be used with other insurance plans?
Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G can be used alongside other insurance plans, such as Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage or a separate dental or vision plan.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan G - How to Start
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Updated December 4th, 2022