About Medicare in California

Medicare Plans Over 65 or on Disability? We can assist you in California with Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans (Part D).

The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP or Open Enrollment) starts October 15 and ends on January 7 of each year.

The Medicare & You handbook has useful resources and detailed information about the various forms of Medicare coverage. The Medicare & You handbook can be downloaded in several formats, including Adobe pdf, Kindle, iPad and other e-readers.

Click here for the Medicare & You handbook download options.

Informational videos about Medicare

What is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).

Ten Key Facts About Medicare

Understanding Medicare

The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Guide to Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

Learn About Medicare Supplement (Medi-Gap) Plans

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans)

A Medicare Advantage Plan is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organizations, Preferred Provider Organizations, Private Fee-for-Service Plans, Special Needs Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare services are covered through the plan and aren’t paid for under Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage.

Learn About Medicare Advantage Plans

Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)

Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)

Part D adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage that follows the same rules as Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

Learn About Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Not sure what kind of coverage you have?

Check your red, white, and blue Medicare card.
Check all other insurance cards that you use. Call the phone number on the cards to get more information about the coverage.
Check your Medicare health or drug plan enrollment.
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.