The Health Plans section is intended to provide all senior health related information in one convenient location. The California Department of Insurance regulates health plans underwritten by insurance companies. However, seniors have various options. You should consider your personal needs and finances before making a choice. The various senior health plans listed below describe some of their differences and offer links to resources that will help educate and inform you of the different plans that are available. 

Medicare

Medicare is a federally funded insurance program for eligible participants 65 or over. Medicare has two parts, Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Medicare does not cover 100% of all costs. The California Department of Insurance recommends purchasing a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy if you have traditional Medicare to help offset your health care costs. If you have questions related to Medicare, contact Medicare or your local Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP).

• Medicare's official site
  The official U.S. Government website for Medicare
• Medicare and You
  Medicare's official guide to the Medicare program

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

Medicare Part D is a voluntary prescription drug program for Medicare beneficiaries.  Prescription drug plans are sold by private companies but must be approved by Medicare. Before you purchase a prescription drug plan, it is important to make sure the one you are considering is approved by Medicare. Drug plans can have rules about what drugs are covered in different drug categories, so you should also make sure the plan you are considering covers any brand name drugs you are currently taking and wish to continue.

Information on Medicare Drug Plans can be found at Medicare's official website for Prescription Drug Coverage.

Additional information on Medicare Part D can be found at:

• California Health Advocates ( Prescription Drugs)
• My Medicare Matters
  A non-profit organization sponsored by the National Council on Aging
• Social Security Online: Help With Prescription Drug Cost
  This is a Medicare Part D program to assist certain low income individuals with the cost of prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Supplement Insurance

To purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Supplement Insurance (also known as Medigap) provides coverage for gaps in medical costs not covered by Medicare. There are twelve standardized plans known as A-L plans that offer various benefits to help offset your healthcare cost. To find information on Medicare Supplement Insurance, the names of companies authorized to sell it and compare premiums, please refer to the guide below.

2011 Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance
The California Department of Insurance annual Consumer Guide for Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Additional Information on Medicare Supplement Insurance can be found at:

• California Department of Aging
  California Department of Aging is a State regulatory agency which provides assistance to the elderly and administers the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) that provides counseling for Medicare beneficiaries.
• California Health Advocates (Medicare Supplement Insurance)
  California Health Advocates is a non-profit organization which provides advocacy and education to Medicare beneficiaries on subjects related to Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and on Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is an alternative to traditional Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage Plans are approved by Medicare, but run by private companies that include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) or Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). If you have questions related to Medicare Advantage Plans, contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

• Medicare's official site for Medicare Advantage Plans
  Medicare's official U.S. Government website

Additional information on Medicare Advantage Plans can be found at:

• California Health Advocates (Medicare Advantage Plans)

Medi-Cal

California Department of Health Care Services
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program that provides health insurance for low-income individuals. Medi-Cal is financed equally by the State and federal government.