California Medicare Options - Compare Anthem versus Blue Shield Medigap
Comparing Shield versus Anthem Medigap Plans in California
It can be confusing.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield are usually the same carrier in every other State. But not California!
Here, they are separate carriers for Medicare options including medigap.
It's:
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Blue Shield of California
So...how do they compare to Medicare supplements?
Turns out that they are generally two of the most competitive carriers in most areas and across age bands with occasional competition from UnitedHealthcare® depending on the plan.
This is especially true in the most popular plan, the G medigap plan (learn more about the G plan).
Let's dive into the comparison and find out how to really get the best value.
We'll cover these areas:
- How to compare Anthem versus Blue Shield Medigap plans
- Is Anthem or Blue Shield best priced for medigap
- How to quote Anthem versus Blue Shield in your area
How to enroll or switch plans between Anthem and Blue Shield
Let's get started! The rate difference can be pronounced as we'll see below.
How to compare Anthem versus Blue Shield Medigap plans
First, let's compare apples and apples.
Medigap plans are standardized so a G plan will have the same benefits, networks, and general way of working regardless of the carrier.
This is really important since it's so different from other markets (like Advantage plans).
Blue Shield and Anthem have been the dominant carriers in California for decades in the medigap market.
Anthem used to be the #1 carrier but Shield has come on strong over the past decade.
Both are comparable in terms of general day-to-day interaction:
- Customer service is very similar
- Online account options and billing are comparable
- The size of medigap enrollment is both very large (very important for longterm price stability)
Anthem is for profit and Blue Shield is non-profit but this doesn't necessarily
result in cheaper rates.
Blue Shield has had a $25/month "new to Medicare" discount for some years now but Anthem just added the same discount so that's now equal.
Remember...Medicare makes the ultimate decision on what's covered and how. The medigap carrier just fills in the holes according to the policy once Medicare deems a bill is covered.
Let's then turn to the real difference at any given time and also touch on the need to quote the carriers periodically.
Is Anthem or Blue Shield best priced for medigap
This depends!
On the area and age of the person enrolling.
As we mentioned, Anthem just added the "New to Medicare" $25/month discount if you have a new Part B.
Before, that really swung many new enrollees to Blue Shield!
The fascinating piece (to us anyway) is how much pricing can swing depending on the area and age of the person.
For the exact same plan!
Let's take some examples.
We'll run a G plan quote; age 65 in Los Angeles (without the $25 discount for a raw comparison):
Okay..so Anthem is better priced. Before, Shield would "show" better in the first year since it had the $25 discount.
Price difference (to Anthem's advantage) of $14/month or $150/year.
Found money! Same exact plans.
Again, Anthem AND UnitedHealthcare® added this same discount.
What about age 70?
Okay..Anthem is still priced better but now the difference is $26/month or just
under $300/year.
Again...found money.
Here's the deal...many people will start Shield with the $25/discount and not realize after the first year, that they're paying more each year.
That's the whole reason for the $25 discount! Nothing's for free.
We're actually surprised it took Anthem and UnitedHealth so long to match this.
Learn how and when to switch medigap plans.
This is the G plan...the most popular plan on the market.
Some carriers will target plans they want to "capture" and price better accordingly.
The other popular plans:
- N plan (see
G versus N plan)
- A plan (see
what Medigap plans cover)
- G Extra plans (add other benefits to standard G plan)
- High deductible G plan (adds in high deductible to G plan)
Now...this is for Los Angeles. In other areas, Shield may actually be cheaper so
you really need to quote based on your area and age.
Let's go there.
How to quote Anthem versus Blue Shield in your area
We make this easy and free. And instant!
Run your Anthem versus Blue Shield medigap quote here:
You'll be able to see their rates for all the medigap plans in your area and
even compare the other big carriers and plans. We'll send UnitedHealthcare® separately!
We can also run the quote for you with your zip code and date of birth at help@calhealth.net
Most importantly, we can walk through the different options to find the best
value when comparing Shield and Anthem.
It's what we do all day?
Let's say we find the best rate or a rate better than what we have now.
How to enroll or switch plans between Anthem and Blue Shield
If you're new to Medicare (new Part B), you can enroll and we have both online and hard copy application options.
Just add to cart through the quote and we'll send you the full kit and help with any questions.
You can even get a part D quote separately.
What if you have a medigap plan already but you're paying too much?
We can apply to switch medigap plans anytime of the year. Worst case, if we're outside our open enrollment periods, we can use the Birthday Rule:
This allows us to switch to the same (such as the G to G plan) or lesser plan
around our birthday and even between carriers!
For example, if we've lost the $25 discount with Shield, we can move to Anthem if it's now priced better!
There are 100's of thousands of California seniors overpaying...for nothing!
Millions of dollars per year.
Our favorite thing is to help seniors fix this problem and keep the cash!
Let us know how we can help at help@calhealth.net