Compare Medicare Plans in California (December 2024)

Key Takeaways:

• California’s diverse Medicare landscape offers multiple pathways to healthcare coverage, from comprehensive Medicare Advantage plans to flexible Original Medicare options.
• Your ideal Medicare plan choice depends on your healthcare needs, preferred California healthcare networks, retirement budget, and lifestyle preferences.
• California’s large healthcare market means more plan choices – understanding how to compare and evaluate options is essential for making confident coverage decisions.

Medicare is a cornerstone of healthcare for millions of Californians, from bustling urban centers to remote rural communities. Whether you’re retiring in San Francisco or San Diego, understanding your Medicare options is crucial for maintaining your health and financial well-being.

This comprehensive guide walks you through California’s Medicare landscape. From comparing plans in the nation’s largest healthcare market to understanding local coverage options, we’ll help you navigate the choices ahead confidently and clearly.

Types of Medicare Plans Available in California

California’s expansive healthcare system offers Medicare beneficiaries various coverage options. From basic plans to private insurance alternatives, understanding each option helps you make the right choice.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

Original Medicare serves as the foundation of Medicare coverage for many Californians, particularly those who value flexibility in choosing healthcare providers across the state’s extensive medical network.

This federal program breaks down into two essential parts:

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): This covers inpatient care needs, including hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice services, and some home health care. Most Californian residents qualify for premium-free Part A if they or their spouse contributed Medicare taxes during their working years.
• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): This covers your outpatient care, including visits to doctors, preventive services, medical equipment, and diagnostic tests. Part B requires a monthly premium of $185 (2025), though this may vary based on your income level.

While Original Medicare provides essential coverage, it’s important for Californian residents to understand their cost-sharing responsibilities. Both Part A and Part B coverage have deductibles, which are $1,676 per benefit period and $257, respectively.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

In California’s dynamic healthcare market, Medicare Advantage plans have gained significant traction as an alternative to Original Medicare. These private insurance plans must provide all Original Medicare benefits but typically go beyond basic coverage to offer comprehensive healthcare solutions.

Many Medicare Advantage plans in California bundle prescription drug coverage with dental, vision, and hearing benefits – services particularly valuable in a state where the cost of healthcare can be substantial. Other plans may also offer wellness programs and gym memberships.

However, it’s crucial to understand that these plans often operate within specific networks. While this can mean lower out-of-pocket costs, it may limit your choice of healthcare providers.

California’s large population and competitive insurance market have led to a robust selection of Medicare Advantage options. In 2025, there are 465 Medicare Advantage plans available in the state.

All Medicare beneficiaries in California are eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, including at least one plan with a $0 monthly premium.

• In 2025, the average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium reduced to $12.48,  from $16.25 in 2024.
• The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is $0.

Top Medicare Advantage Plans in California:

Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from California Zip Code 94103. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.

Private insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans in California include:

• Aetna
• Kaiser Permanente
• SCAN Health Plan
• Alignment Health Plan

Confused About Choosing Medicare in California?

CoverRight helps you navigate California’s Medicare landscape with ease. Our expert advisors understand the local healthcare market and will guide you through your options to find coverage that matches your lifestyle and budget. Start your journey today!

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Managing prescription drug costs in California requires careful planning, especially given the state’s varying pharmacy prices and extensive medication options. Part D plans help make prescriptions more affordable and accessible through standalone plans or as part of Medicare Advantage coverage.

Each Part D plan uses a formulary—a list of covered medications grouped into different cost tiers. Formularies can vary significantly between plans, making verifying coverage for your specific medications essential.

Remember that California’s large pharmaceutical market means you’ll likely have access to both brand-name and generic options, potentially helping you save on medication costs.

In 2025, all California Medicare beneficiaries can access at least one of the 18 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans.

• 67.15% of those with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan have access to a plan with a lower premium than what they paid in 2024.
• 32.92% of California residents with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan have access to Extra Help, the financial assistance program for Part D plans.
• The lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan is $1.80.

Note: Data from MedicareWire

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans

While Original Medicare provides essential coverage, it leaves gaps that can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses. Medigap plans, called Medicare Supplement Insurance, help fill these coverage gaps and provide more predictable healthcare costs.

California’s Medigap market offers all ten standardized plans (A through N), each providing different levels of coverage. These plans are standardized by federal law, meaning Plan G from one insurance company offers identical benefits to Plan G from another – only costs and customer service vary.

Plan G is a popular choice among California residents. It offers comprehensive coverage that pays most out-of-pocket costs except the Part B deductible. Plan N provides substantial coverage for those seeking a lower premium option while requiring some cost-sharing, including copays for certain office visits and emergency room care.

California also has a “birthday rule” – a unique state regulation that allows Medigap policyholders to switch to a plan of equal or lesser benefits within 60 days of their birthday, without medical underwriting. This valuable feature helps residents adjust their coverage as needs change.

Top Medigap providers in California, for both Plan G and Plan N, include:

• AARP
• Globe Life
• Blue Shield of California
• United American

Learn more: How to Compare Medicare Supplement Plans

Average Costs of Medicare Plans in California

Let’s break down the typical costs you can expect for different Medicare plans in California.

Note: All data reflect 2025 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.

Top Medicare Advantage and Medigap Providers in California

California’s expansive Medicare market offers many provider options, making it all the more important to understand how different insurers approach coverage and customer service.

Best Medicare Advantage Providers

When selecting a Medicare Advantage provider in California, look beyond just the monthly premium. Each provider offers unique combinations of benefits that could significantly impact your healthcare experience. For instance, some plans excel at preventive care programs, while others might offer more extensive specialist networks.

Consider how different plans align with your healthcare habits. A plan with robust telehealth services might suit those who prefer not to go to clinics, while another with extensive in-person networks could better serve those who travel regularly.

Note: Medicare Advantage CMS Star Ratings: 6 Major Carriers (Updated 11/15/24).

Best Medigap Providers

Choosing a Medigap provider requires a different approach than Medicare Advantage. Since Medigap plans are standardized, focus on three key factors: financial stability (indicated by A.M. Best ratings), premium costs, and customer service quality.

Remember that while Plan G from one provider offers identical coverage to Plan G from another, pricing structures can vary significantly. Some providers offer competitive rates for new enrollees but may increase premiums more steeply over time, while others maintain more stable pricing.

Plan G Providers

Plan N Providers

Note: Plan G and Plan N data from MedicareWire

How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in California

Choosing a Medicare plan is a deeply personal decision, depending on your lifestyle, healthcare needs, and financial resources.

1. Start with Provider Access: Map out your current healthcare providers and preferred hospitals. Check if they accept Original Medicare or participate in Medicare Advantage networks. California’s large provider networks mean you’ll likely have multiple options, but confirming access early prevents surprises later.
2. Calculate Real Coverage Costs: Beyond monthly premiums, factor in California’s higher-than-average healthcare costs. Consider deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. Remember that the lowest premium plan isn’t always the most cost-effective option.
3. Review Drug Formularies: Compare Part D and Medicare Advantage drug coverage against your current prescriptions. Pay attention to pharmacy networks and mail-order options. California’s extensive pharmacy networks often offer competitive pricing, but coverage variations can significantly impact your costs.
4. Evaluate Supplemental Benefits: Many California plans offer additional coverage for dental, hearing, vision, and wellness programs. Determine which extras would provide real value based on your lifestyle and health needs.
5. If Needed, Get Personalized Help: If you’re unsure which plan is best for you, use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool or contact a licensed insurance agent for expert guidance tailored to your situation.

How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in California

The Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare is 7 months, starting 3 months before their 65th birthday month and ending 3 months after. Other important periods include:

• Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 – December 7. You can opt in and out of the different Medicare plans during this period.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31. If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch back to Medicare Original or change your Advantage Plan during this period.

You can enroll in Medicare online, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or at your Social Security local office.

You can receive help from a licensed insurance agent, such as CoverRight, or use the Medicare Plan Finder tool for more personalized guidance.

Medicare Resources for California Residents

Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. California offers a variety of resources and organizations dedicated to helping Medicare beneficiaries understand their options, make informed choices, and access the support they need.

Here are some key resources available to you:

• California Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP): HICAP provides free, unbiased counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families.
• Department of Managed Health Care: This department offers a comprehensive list of agencies that can assist California residents with finding resources, choosing healthcare, and aging in place.
• California Senior Gateway: This online portal provides a wealth of information and resources on topics relevant to seniors, including healthcare, preventing fraud, and reporting abuse.

Make Medicare simple in California.

At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the California healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and your budget.

Start today.

Sources

1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
   • Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024
2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
   • 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 13, 2023. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024
3. Medicare.gov
   • Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024
4. Medicare.gov
   • Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024
5. Medicare.gov
   • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024.
6. Medicare.gov
   • When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024.
7. Medicare.gov
   • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024.
8. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
   • Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed November 29, 2024.

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