Choosing Medicare Coverage When You Retire
Questions to consider when reviewing Medicare coverage as retirement approaches.
Explore Medicare basicsHelpful Resources
Medicare and Insurance Resources
Practical guidance for preparing for Medicare, Covered California and other coverage conversations.
Video library
Insurance Videos
Watch short explanations of Medicare enrollment, coverage choices, plan types, and final expense insurance.
Insurance rules, costs, benefits, networks, and availability can change. Confirm current information for your location and circumstances before making a coverage decision.
Medicare Part D Basics
A short introduction to Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
Learn about Medicare Part DMedicare Advantage Plans
An overview of Medicare Advantage plans and coverage considerations.
Learn about Medicare AdvantageMedicare Supplement Plans
An introduction to Medicare Supplement insurance and how it works with Original Medicare.
Learn about Medicare SupplementMedicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
An overview of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period and the choices commonly reviewed during it.
Review enrollment periodsMedicare Open Enrollment and Coverage Changes
A concise explanation of Medicare Open Enrollment and possible coverage changes.
Review enrollment periodsFinal Expense Insurance
An introductory overview of final expense insurance considerations.
Learn about Final ExpenseMedicare Basics
Understand Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement insurance and Part D prescription coverage.
Explore MedicareCovered California
Learn about marketplace coverage, yearly enrollment, Special Enrollment Periods and application preparation.
Explore Covered CaliforniaEnrollment Preparation
Gather your ZIP code, current coverage, prescriptions, preferred pharmacies, doctors and questions before a review.
Official Medicare enrollment informationHow Medicare Works
Part A
Helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and certain home health services.
Learn about Part APart B
Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and durable medical equipment.
Learn about Part BMedicare Advantage
A Medicare-approved private-plan alternative for receiving Part A and Part B benefits. Plan networks, rules, costs and benefits vary.
Learn about Medicare AdvantageMedicare Supplement
Private coverage that works with Original Medicare and may help pay certain out-of-pocket costs.
Learn about Medicare SupplementPart D
Prescription drug coverage offered through Medicare-approved private insurance companies.
Learn about Part DMedicare FAQs
Can I lower my Medicare Supplement premium if it keeps increasing?
It may be worth reviewing available Medicare Supplement options. Some states provide birthday-rule or other guaranteed-issue protections, but eligibility, timing and permitted changes vary by state. Depending on your needs and the applicable enrollment rules, it may also be appropriate to review Medicare Advantage options.
What is AEP, or the Annual Enrollment Period?
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, people can make certain changes to Medicare Advantage and Medicare drug coverage for the following year. Available plans, costs, benefits and networks vary by location.
I have Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement. Can I see any doctor I want without permission from my primary doctor?
With Original Medicare, you can generally see any Medicare-enrolled provider that accepts Medicare patients, and in most cases you do not need a referral for a specialist. A Medicare Supplement policy may help with certain out-of-pocket costs.
Does Medicare cover dental work?
Original Medicare does not cover most routine dental care. It may cover limited dental services when they are required due to certain medical conditions. Separate dental coverage may be available, with benefits and waiting periods depending on the plan.
Official Resources
Medicare.gov · CoveredCA.com · California Department of Insurance