Medicare Supplement Plan G in California: 2026 Rates and Guide
This guide covers Medicare Supplement Plan G in California: average 2026 premiums by age, California's rating rules, top insurers, and how to enroll with the best protection available in your state.
Plan G Coverage Overview
Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare beneficiaries. It covers all Original Medicare cost-sharing except the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). After you pay that deductible once per year, Plan G pays 100% of all Medicare-approved costs for the remainder of the year.
Plan G benefits are federally standardized; every insurer selling Plan G in California must provide identical coverage. The only variable between insurers is the monthly premium and their premium increase history over time.
What Plan G Covers
- Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (up to 365 days after Medicare): ✓ Fully covered
- Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026): ✓ Fully covered
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment: ✓ Fully covered
- Part B coinsurance or copayment (20% of outpatient costs): ✓ Fully covered
- Part B deductible ($283 in 2026): ✗ Not covered (you pay this cost) (The only cost you pay: $283 in 2026)
- Part B excess charges (above Medicare-approved amount): ✓ Fully covered
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance: ✓ Fully covered
- Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits): ✓ Fully covered (Up to plan limits after $250 deductible; 80% covered up to $50,000 lifetime)
Source: CMS standardized Medigap benefit chart. CMS Publication 02110.
Plan G Premiums in California (2026)
Premiums for Plan G in California vary by insurer, age, gender, and tobacco use. The estimates below are for a non-smoking female. Men typically pay 5–10% more. Tobacco users may pay significantly more. These are representative starting ranges; always get current quotes directly from insurers or through Medicare.gov.
| Age | Estimated Monthly Premium | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Age 65 (new enrollee) | ~$165/mo | ~$1980/yr |
| Age 70 | ~$206/mo | ~$2475/yr |
| Age 75 | ~$256/mo | ~$3069/yr |
| Age 80 | ~$314/mo | ~$3762/yr |
* Age 70–80 estimates use typical attained-age premium progression factors. Note: California uses community rating; your premium is the same regardless of age at enrollment. The table above shows approximate market averages and is less variable than attained-age states. Verify current rates at Medicare.gov.
How California Rates Medigap Premiums: Community Rating
California requires insurers to use community rating for Medigap policies. Under community rating, everyone enrolled in the same plan pays the same premium; your age does not determine your rate. This is a significant advantage for older Medicare beneficiaries.
While premiums in community-rated states like California may start slightly higher at age 65 compared to attained-age states, they rise much more slowly over time because you won't face automatic age-based increases. Beneficiaries who enroll at age 65 and hold their plan for many years often find community rating saves them money in the long run.
California's Birthday Rule: Annual Switch Window
California has a Birthday Rule: during the 30 days following your birthday each year, you may switch to any Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits without medical underwriting, regardless of health status. This rule is a significant consumer protection unique to California. It allows you to shop for a better premium each year without worrying about medical underwriting, as long as you switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits.
How to use California's Birthday Rule:
- Mark your birthday on the calendar and start comparing Plan G quotes 6–8 weeks before it arrives.
- Identify plans with equal or lesser benefits (Plan G qualifies for a switch to any other Plan G, or to a lesser plan).
- Apply to the new insurer during your birthday window. The new insurer cannot require underwriting.
- Coordinate your start date so there's no gap in coverage.
California Plan G Costs in Context
At an estimated $165/month for a 65-year-old, Plan G in California ranks #38 of 51 among states and DC from lowest to highest cost, sitting 22% above the national median of $135/month in our dataset. California is home to about 6,200,000 Medicare beneficiaries (#1 by enrollment), so insurer competition is generally stronger than in smaller states.
California uses community rating, so everyone in the state pays the same premium for the same plan regardless of age. The figure shown here should stay comparable whether you enroll at 65 or later, apart from general premium trends.
Plan G vs Plan N break-even in California
Plan N costs about $30 less per month than Plan G here, or roughly $360 a year. Because Plan N can charge up to $20 per office visit and up to $50 per emergency room visit that does not lead to admission, that saving is used up after about 18 office visits or 7 ER visits in a year (the copays are maximums, so real-world break-even is often a little higher). Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges.
| Care use in a year | Plan G total | Plan N total (max copays) | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light use: 2 office visits, no ER | $2,263 | $1,943 | Plan N |
| Typical use: 6 office visits, no ER | $2,263 | $2,023 | Plan N |
| Regular use: 12 office visits, 1 ER visit | $2,263 | $2,193 | Plan N |
| Heavy use: 20 office visits, 2 ER visits | $2,263 | $2,403 | Plan G |
Totals add twelve months of the estimated age-65 premium to the $283 Part B deductible (2026) that both plans leave to you, plus Plan N copays at their maximum. They exclude Part B premiums and Part D. Actual quotes vary by insurer, age, gender, and tobacco use.
How California compares with nearby states
Other West states with similar Plan G pricing, for comparison:
| State | Plan G (age 65) | Plan N (age 65) | Rating method |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | ~$165/mo | ~$135/mo | community |
| Washington | ~$152/mo | ~$122/mo | attained age |
| Oregon | ~$148/mo | ~$118/mo | attained age |
| Colorado | ~$145/mo | ~$115/mo | attained age |
| Hawaii | ~$185/mo | ~$150/mo | community |
Top Plan G Insurers in California
The following insurance companies are among the leading sellers of Medicare Supplement Plan G in California: UnitedHealthcare, Blue Shield of California, Anthem BCBS.
Because Plan G benefits are standardized, there's no meaningful difference in what these companies cover. Your decision should be based on:
- Current premium: get quotes from all of them
- Premium increase history: ask for data from the past 3–5 years
- Financial strength rating: look for A.M. Best ratings of A- or better
- Customer service reviews: complaints per 1,000 policyholders (available from NAIC)
How to Enroll in Plan G in California
- Confirm you're eligible: You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Most people first become eligible at age 65.
- Enroll during your Open Enrollment Period: Your 6-month Medigap OEP starts the month you're both age 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers in California cannot deny you Plan G or charge more based on health conditions.
- Compare quotes: Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder or contact a licensed insurance broker who works with multiple companies in California.
- Review premium increase history: Ask each insurer how much they've raised Plan G rates in California over the past 3–5 years before enrolling.
- Pair with a Part D drug plan: Plan G does not cover prescription drugs. You'll need a separate Medicare Part D plan.
California Department of Insurance
The California Department of Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in California, handles consumer complaints, and can provide a list of licensed insurers selling Plan G in your area.
- Website: https://www.insurance.ca.gov
- Phone: 1-800-927-4357
If you have a complaint about a Medigap insurer operating in California, the California Department of Insurance is your primary resource for resolution.
Plan G vs Plan N in California
If you're comparing Plan G and Plan N in California, here are the key numbers:
| Plan | Avg. Premium (Age 65) | Doctor Visit Copay | ER Copay | Excess Charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | ~$165/mo | $0 | $0 | ✓ Covered |
| Plan N | ~$135/mo | Up to $20 | Up to $50 | ✗ Not covered |
The premium difference in California is approximately $30/month at age 65. If you rarely visit the doctor and primarily see Medicare-assignment providers, Plan N may be the better value. If you have frequent medical visits or want complete cost predictability, Plan G is worth the extra premium.
Full Plan G vs Plan N comparison →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Medicare Supplement Plan G cost in California?
Average Plan G premiums in California for a 65-year-old non-smoking female range from approximately $130 to $290 per month in 2026, with a typical starting rate around $165/month. Premiums vary by insurer, your exact age, gender, and tobacco use. Always get multiple quotes before enrolling.
What is community rating in California?
Community rating means all policyholders pay the same premium regardless of age. In California, this benefits older Medicare beneficiaries who would face higher premiums under attained-age systems. Your premium may still increase over time due to inflation and medical costs, but it won't increase simply because you're getting older.
What are my Plan G enrollment rights in California?
In California, California has a Birthday Rule: during the 30 days following your birthday each year, you may switch to any Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits without medical underwriting, regardless of health status. The most important enrollment window is your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you are both age 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to pre-existing conditions.
Who are the top Plan G insurers in California?
Major insurers offering Plan G in California include UnitedHealthcare, Blue Shield of California, Anthem BCBS. Because Plan G benefits are federally standardized, the main differences between insurers are the monthly premium and their premium increase history. Always compare quotes from at least 3–4 companies.
Does California have any special Medigap protections?
Yes. California has a Birthday Rule: during the 30 days following your birthday each year, you may switch to any Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits without medical underwriting, regardless of health status. This is in addition to the standard federal guaranteed-issue rights available during your Open Enrollment Period.
This site provides general information about Medicare Supplement insurance and medical alert devices. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or any government agency. This is not medical or insurance advice. Always consult a licensed insurance professional for personalized guidance.
Medicare rules, premiums, and plan availability change annually. Always verify current information with Medicare.gov, your State Insurance Department, or a licensed insurance advisor. For free, unbiased help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). medicare.gov. Retrieved September 2026.
- CMS. Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare. Publication 02110. cms.gov. Retrieved September 2026.
- California Department of Insurance. https://www.insurance.ca.gov. Retrieved September 2026.