If you live in California and are shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan, the most important thing to know up front is that your options depend heavily on where in California you live. Plans, networks, and benefits differ from one county to the next, so the right choice in Los Angeles may look different from the right choice in a rural county. Here is how to navigate it.
Medicare Advantage in California
California has a competitive Medicare Advantage market, with plans offered by multiple private carriers approved by Medicare. Seniors across Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, and Fresno generally have several plans to choose from, while more rural counties may have fewer. Because carriers add, change, or discontinue plans each year, it pays to review your options annually rather than assuming last year's plan is still your best fit.
What These Plans Cover
Every Medicare Advantage plan must cover everything Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers. Most plans also add:
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D) built in
- Extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing
- A yearly out-of-pocket maximum that Original Medicare does not have
How Plans Vary by County
This is the part that surprises many California residents: two people in different California counties can have completely different plan choices. Provider networks, available carriers, extra benefits, and costs are all set at the local level. That is why a plan a friend recommends may not even be offered where you live, and why comparing by your own ZIP code matters.
Compare California Medicare Advantage Plans
Plans in California vary by county. Answer 6 quick questions and a licensed advisor can compare the Medicare Advantage plans available in your California ZIP code, at no cost and no obligation.
Check My EligibilityWhat to Compare
When you look at plans, weigh these against your own situation:
- Network — are your doctors and hospitals in the plan?
- Drug coverage — are your medications on the formulary, and at what cost?
- Out-of-pocket costs — premium, copays, and the yearly maximum
- Extra benefits — dental, vision, hearing, and others you would use
- Plan type — HMO or PPO
When You Can Enroll
You can enroll or change Medicare Advantage plans when you first become eligible for Medicare, during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7), during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) if you already have a plan, or during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify. Our guide on when to apply for Medicare covers the timing in detail.
How a Licensed Agent Helps
Because California plans vary so much by county, a licensed advisor can save you time by pulling up exactly what is available in your ZIP code and comparing it against your doctors, medications, and budget. The service is free to you, agents are paid by the carriers, so there is no cost for the help. If you would like to compare California Medicare Advantage plans, call 1-866-340-3441 (TTY 711) or check your eligibility online.