Get accurate answers about Medicare from someone local who does this every day.

The four parts, in one minute

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works with Original Medicare to help pay certain deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. Benefits depend on the policy. You can generally see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare; Medicare SELECT policies can have network restrictions. New Medigap policies do not include prescription drug coverage, so you may also need a separate Part D plan.

Advantage or Supplement? It depends on you

Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare with a Supplement have different costs and coverage rules. Some Advantage plans have a $0 plan premium, but you generally still pay your Part B premium and may owe deductibles and copays. Check provider networks, prior authorization rules and the plan’s medical spending limit. With Medigap, you pay a separate policy premium, and covered expenses depend on the policy you choose. Neither approach covers every expense. We help you compare both.

Questions we answer every week

• I turn 65 soon. When exactly do I enroll, and what happens if I am still working?
• Which plans include my doctor, my medical group and my hospital?
• What will my prescriptions actually cost on each plan?
• Do I qualify for Extra Help or a Medi-Cal dual plan?
• I got a letter that my plan is ending. What are my rights?
• Can I switch from Advantage to a Supplement, and will I be accepted?
• What is the California birthday rule and how do I use it?
• What is the Part D out-of-pocket cap and how does the payment plan work?

When you can make changes

• Initial Enrollment Period: usually the seven-month period beginning three months before the month you turn 65. Different rules apply in some circumstances, including eligibility before age 65.
• Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 to December 7 each year, for coverage starting January 1. See our 2027 guide for the Inland Empire.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 to March 31 for people already in Medicare Advantage. You can switch to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and join a separate drug plan.
• Special Enrollment Periods: certain moves, coverage losses and other qualifying circumstances may create an extra enrollment opportunity. The dates and permitted changes depend on your situation.
• Medigap birthday rule: California and Nevada have birthday enrollment protections for people who already have a Medigap policy. Timing and eligible replacement policies follow each state’s rules; this is not a general right to switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap.

Learn more: Medigap coverage, Medicare Open Enrollment, and California’s Medigap guide.