Sacramento County Medicare Supplement Plans 2025
Compare Medigap Plan G, Plan N, and Plan F with California Birthday Rule Annual Switching
Medicare Supplement Insurance in Sacramento County, California
Sacramento County Medicare Market
- π285,000+ Medicare beneficiaries in Sacramento County (2025)
- π47% Medicare Advantage penetration - 53% choose Original Medicare + Medigap
- π₯UC Davis Health, Sutter Health, Kaiser, Mercy - All hospitals accept Medigap
- πCalifornia Birthday Rule: Change plans annually without underwriting
Why Sacramento Seniors Choose Medigap
- βAny doctor, any hospital: UC Davis, Sutter, Kaiser, Dignity Health - all covered
- βNo network restrictions: Travel to Tahoe, SF Bay Area, Southern CA without worry
- βPredictable costs: Fixed premiums, minimal out-of-pocket expenses
- βNo referrals needed: Direct access to specialists at UC Davis Medical Center
π California Birthday Rule - Unique to California Residents
California is one of only a few states with a Birthday Rule that allows Medicare Supplement policyholders to switch to a same or lesser benefit plan within 30 days after their birthday each year - without medical underwriting.
This means Sacramento County residents can shop for lower premiums annually. For example, if you have Plan G with AARP/UnitedHealthcare at $185/month, you can switch to Blue Shield of California Plan G at $165/month during your Birthday Rule window - even with pre-existing conditions.
Compare Medicare Supplement Plans in Sacramento County
π Plan G (Most Popular)
Best for: Sacramento seniors who want comprehensive coverage with low out-of-pocket costs.
- β Covers everything except Part B deductible ($240/year)
- β No copays at UC Davis or Sutter Health
- β Average premium: $165-$185/month
- β Travel coverage nationwide
π Plan N (Lower Premium)
Best for: Healthy Sacramento seniors who don't visit doctors frequently.
- β $20 copay for office visits
- β $50 copay for ER (waived if admitted)
- β Average premium: $125-$145/month
- β Save $40-$50/month vs. Plan G
π Plan F (Grandfathered)
Best for: Sacramento seniors who enrolled before 2020 and want zero out-of-pocket.
- β Covers 100% of Medicare gaps (including Part B deductible)
- β No copays, no deductibles
- β Average premium: $195-$215/month
- β Only available if Medicare-eligible before 1/1/2020
Calculate Your Sacramento County Medigap Premium
Top Medicare Supplement Carriers in Sacramento County
AARP/UnitedHealthcare
- β Largest market share in Sacramento
- β AARP member discounts available
- β Household discount (both spouses)
- β Strong financial ratings (A+)
Best for: AARP members, couples seeking household discounts
Blue Shield of California
- β California-based insurer
- β Competitive rates in Sacramento
- β Community-rated pricing (same rate by age)
- β Excellent customer service
Best for: Sacramento residents wanting local CA insurer
Mutual of Omaha
- β Low rates for ages 65-70
- β Issue-age rating (rate locked at enrollment age)
- β Household discount available
- β Strong financial stability (A+)
Best for: Newly enrolled Medicare beneficiaries (65-70)
Anthem Blue Cross
- β Wide acceptance in Sacramento hospitals
- β Attained-age pricing (rates increase with age)
- β Online account management
- β Multiple plan options (G, N, F)
Best for: Sacramento seniors age 65-70 seeking competitive rates
Cigna Healthcare
- β Competitive Plan N rates ($125-$140)
- β Attained-age pricing
- β Nationwide coverage
- β Easy claims processing
Best for: Cost-conscious Sacramento seniors, Plan N shoppers
Humana Insurance
- β Strong presence in Northern California
- β Issue-age rating available
- β Wellness programs included
- β 24/7 customer support
Best for: Sacramento seniors wanting wellness benefits
Sacramento County Medigap Premium Factors
Community-Rated (Blue Shield CA)
Same premium for all ages. A 65-year-old and 85-year-old pay the same rate. Rates increase only due to inflation, not age.
Issue-Age Rated (Mutual of Omaha)
Premium based on age when you enroll. If you enroll at 65, your rate is locked to age 65 pricing. Increases only for inflation.
Attained-Age Rated (Anthem, Cigna)
Premium increases as you age. Lower rates at 65, but increases at 70, 75, 80, etc. plus inflation adjustments.
How to Use California Birthday Rule in Sacramento County
California Birthday Rule Explained
The California Birthday Rule (California Insurance Code Section 10198.6) allows Medicare Supplement policyholders to change to a same or lesser benefit plan with any carrier within 30 days following their birthday each year - without medical underwriting.
What You Can Do:
- β Switch from Plan G to Plan N (lesser benefit) - guaranteed acceptance
- β Switch from Plan F to Plan G (lesser benefit) - guaranteed acceptance
- β Switch to same plan with different carrier (Plan G to Plan G) - guaranteed
- β Lower your premium by shopping annually for better rates
- β No health questions asked - pre-existing conditions covered
What You Cannot Do:
- β Switch from Plan N to Plan G (higher benefit) - requires underwriting
- β Switch from Plan G to Plan F (higher benefit) - requires underwriting
- β Apply outside 30-day birthday window - no Birthday Rule protection
- β Keep same carrier and demand lower rate - must switch carriers
π‘ Sacramento Birthday Rule Strategy Example:
Your Situation: You're 72 years old with AARP/UnitedHealthcare Plan G at $185/month. Your birthday is June 15th.
Birthday Rule Window: June 15 - July 15 (30 days after your birthday)
Action: During June 15-July 15, you apply for Blue Shield of California Plan G at $165/month. Because it's the same plan (G to G), it's "same benefit" and Blue Shield MUST accept you without health questions. You save $20/month = $240/year. You can do this every yearto find the lowest rate.
π Step-by-Step: Using Birthday Rule
- Step 1: Mark your birthday on calendar - this starts your 30-day window
- Step 2: Contact El-Mag Insurance 30 days before birthday to compare rates
- Step 3: Choose same or lesser benefit plan with lower premium
- Step 4: Apply during 30-day window (birthday + 30 days)
- Step 5: New carrier must accept you without health questions
- Step 6: Cancel old policy once new coverage starts (no gap in coverage)
π° Sacramento Birthday Rule Savings
Annual Savings: $240
Annual Savings: $540
(You pay $240 Part B deductible, net savings $300)
Annual Savings: $660
(If you have fewer than 33 doctor visits/year, you save money)
Sacramento County Hospitals Accepting Medicare Supplement Plans
All Medicare Supplement plans are accepted at every hospital and doctor that accepts Original Medicare in Sacramento County. Unlike Medicare Advantage (which has network restrictions), Medigap gives you access to UC Davis Medical Center, Sutter Health, Mercy, Kaiser, and Dignity Health without prior authorization or referrals.
π₯ UC Davis Medical Center
- βAll Medigap plans accepted: Plan G, Plan N, Plan F
- βNo referrals needed: Direct access to UC Davis specialists
- βCancer center, trauma, transplant: All covered with Medigap
- β2315 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817
π₯ Sutter Medical Center Sacramento
- βAll Medigap plans accepted: Zero copays with Plan G or F
- βHeart center, orthopedics: Full access without network restrictions
- βMultiple Sutter locations: Roseville, Auburn, Davis all covered
- β2801 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
π₯ Mercy General Hospital
- βDignity Health network: All Medigap plans accepted
- βEmergency care: No copays with Plan G (only Part B deductible)
- βCardiology, neurology: Direct specialist access
- β4001 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
π₯ Kaiser Permanente Sacramento
- βMedicare Supplement accepted: Use Kaiser with Original Medicare + Medigap
- βNo Kaiser network restriction: Unlike Medicare Advantage, Medigap lets you use Kaiser OR any other hospital
- βMultiple Kaiser locations: Roseville, South Sacramento, Point West
- β2025 Morse Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825
πΊοΈ Sacramento Region Coverage
Medicare Supplement plans provide nationwide coverage at any facility accepting Original Medicare. Sacramento County residents can receive care at:
- β’ Downtown Sacramento hospitals
- β’ Midtown medical facilities
- β’ East Sacramento clinics
- β’ Natomas medical centers
- β’ Roseville (Placer County)
- β’ Elk Grove (South Sacramento)
- β’ Folsom medical facilities
- β’ Davis (Yolo County)
- β’ Lake Tahoe emergency care
- β’ San Francisco Bay Area hospitals
- β’ Southern California facilities
- β’ Nationwide + foreign travel emergency
Medicare Supplement Plans by Sacramento County City
π Sacramento (City)
- β’ Downtown: UC Davis Med Center access
- β’ Midtown: Sutter Medical Center nearby
- β’ East Sacramento: Multiple specialists
- β’ Land Park: Mercy General Hospital
- β’ Natomas: Kaiser Point West
- All Medigap plans: Plan G, N, F available
π Elk Grove
- β’ South Sacramento County
- β’ Dignity Health Mercy Hospital nearby
- β’ Kaiser Permanente Elk Grove
- β’ UC Davis access via Highway 99
- β’ Growing senior population (85,000+ 65+)
- Avg Plan G: $165/mo | Plan N: $130/mo
π Folsom
- β’ East Sacramento County
- β’ Mercy Hospital Folsom
- β’ UC Davis access via Highway 50
- β’ Active senior community (Folsom Lake)
- β’ Travel coverage to Lake Tahoe
- Birthday Rule: Switch plans annually
π Citrus Heights
- β’ Northeast Sacramento County
- β’ Mercy San Juan Medical Center
- β’ Sutter Roseville nearby
- β’ High concentration of Medicare beneficiaries
- β’ Easy access to I-80 hospitals
- 15+ carriers compete - shop annually
π Rancho Cordova
- β’ East Sacramento County
- β’ Kaiser Permanente Rancho Cordova
- β’ UC Davis access via Highway 50
- β’ Mercy Folsom nearby
- β’ Growing retirement communities
- Plan N popular for healthy seniors
π Carmichael / Fair Oaks
- β’ Northeast Sacramento County
- β’ Mercy San Juan Medical Center
- β’ Easy access to Roseville hospitals
- β’ Established senior communities
- β’ American River Parkway recreation
- Blue Shield CA competitive rates
Frequently Asked Questions: Sacramento County Medicare Supplement
What is the average cost of Medicare Supplement Plan G in Sacramento County?
The average cost for Medicare Supplement Plan G in Sacramento County ranges from $165-$185 per monthfor beneficiaries age 65-75. Blue Shield of California offers competitive rates at $165/month, while AARP/UnitedHealthcare averages $185/month. Your actual rate depends on your age, gender, tobacco use, and the carrier's rating method (community-rated, issue-age, or attained-age). Sacramento residents can use the California Birthday Ruleto shop for lower rates annually.
Can I use UC Davis Medical Center with any Medicare Supplement plan?
Yes! UC Davis Medical Center and all UC Davis Health facilities accept every Medicare Supplement plan (Plan G, Plan N, Plan F, etc.) from any carrier. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans which have network restrictions, Medicare Supplement works with Original Medicare - so you can see any doctor or use any hospital that accepts Medicare. This includes UC Davis Cancer Center, UC Davis transplant services, and all UC Davis specialists without referrals or prior authorization.
How does the California Birthday Rule work for Sacramento residents?
The California Birthday Rule allows Sacramento County Medicare Supplement policyholders to switch to a same or lesser benefit plan within 30 days after their birthday each year - without medical underwriting. For example, if your birthday is May 10th, you have May 10 - June 9 to apply for a new plan. You can switch from Plan G to Plan N (lesser benefit), or from AARP Plan G to Blue Shield Plan G (same benefit) to get a lower rate. Carriers must accept you regardless of health conditions. This is unique to California and lets you shop for the best rate annually.
Should I choose Plan G or Plan N in Sacramento County?
Plan G is best if: You visit doctors frequently, want zero copays at UC Davis or Sutter, and prefer predictable costs (only pay $240 Part B deductible annually). Average cost: $165-$185/month.
Plan N is best if: You're healthy, have fewer than 10-15 doctor visits per year, and want to save $40-$50/month on premiums. You pay $20 office visit copays and $50 ER copay (waived if admitted). Average cost: $125-$145/month.
Sacramento-specific tip: If you have Plan G now and are healthy, use the California Birthday Rule to switch to Plan N during your birthday month and save $500-$600 per year.
Which Medicare Supplement carrier has the lowest rates in Sacramento?
The lowest rates in Sacramento County vary by age, gender, and zip code, but Cigna Healthcare and Blue Shield of California consistently offer competitive pricing. For Plan G: Cigna averages $155-$175/month, Blue Shield $165-$185/month. For Plan N: Cigna averages $125-$140/month. Mutual of Omaha offers the best rates for newly enrolled beneficiaries age 65-70 due to issue-age rating. We recommend getting quotes from 5-7 carriers because rates change annually, and you can switch using the California Birthday Rule.
Does Medicare Supplement cover travel to Lake Tahoe or outside California?
Yes! Medicare Supplement plans provide nationwide coverage at any facility that accepts Original Medicare. Sacramento residents can receive care at Lake Tahoe hospitals, San Francisco Bay Area facilities, or anywhere in the United States without network restrictions. Additionally, Plans G, N, and F include foreign travel emergency coverage (up to $50,000 per lifetime after $250 deductible) for trips outside the U.S. This is ideal for Sacramento seniors who travel to Mexico, Canada, or internationally.
Get Free Sacramento County Medicare Supplement Quotes
Compare Plan G, Plan N, and Plan F rates from 15+ top-rated carriers. Use California Birthday Rule to save up to $500/year.