Guide to Medicare Supplement

• Greetings from the Insurance Commissioner
• Medicare Supplement Insurance
• Medicare Supplement Insurance Sample Rates
• List of Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies

---

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this website is to provide consumers with the information needed to make better decisions regarding the purchase of Medicare Supplement insurance.  Per California Insurance Code 10192.20(d), the Medicare Supplement insurance rates and accompanying company information were collected under the Medicare Supplement Rate Guide data call conducted by the California Department of Insurance (with assistance from the California Department of Managed Health Care). The links provided will answer some of your questions about Medicare Supplement insurance (sometimes called Medigap insurance). It explains how Medicare Supplement insurance coordinates with Medicare, why you might consider buying it, what benefits it contains, how to avoid becoming a victim of abusive sales tactics, and sample rates both as an individual and as a member of a group.

Many of the answers on this website will refer you to the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), which is the counseling and information program agency for Medicare beneficiaries and their families administered by the California Department of Aging. The HICAP program serves every county in California and is a free public service to answer your questions and to give you individual attention. You can reach your local HICAP by calling 800-434-0222. To avoid conflicts of interest, HICAP counselors are prohibited from being licensed to sell insurance or actively work for any insurance company or insurance agency. The counseling services are free. These counselors can explain any benefits you may already have and help you decide whether you should purchase Medicare Supplement insurance. If you decide to buy, they can help you select the appropriate benefits.

The California Department of Aging administers a broad range of home- and community-based services throughout California, working primarily with 33 Area Agencies who serve seniors and adults with functional impairments.

The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) was launched on July 1, 2000 to help Californians resolve problems with their HMO as well as ensure a better, more solvent and stable managed health care system.  Please contact the DMHC at 888-466-2219 with questions or concerns with an HMO company.

Back to TopBack to Menu