Medicare Made Simple: Explore Your Coverage Options
Turning 65? Already have Medicare? Or wondering if you qualify?
Understand how Medicare works, review your current coverage, and explore options that may fit your healthcare needs.
Which Situation Best Describes You?
Select the option that best matches your situation. We'll take you directly to the information you need.
I'm Turning 65 Soon
I want to know when to enroll and what I need to prepare.
Learn More →I Already Have Medicare
I want to review my current coverage, doctors, prescriptions, and benefits.
Review My Coverage →I Don't Have Medicare Yet
I want to find out if I qualify and how enrollment works.
Check Eligibility →I Want to Compare Plans
I'd like to explore other Medicare coverage options available in my area.
Compare Options →I'm 65 and Still Working
I want to understand Medicare and my employer's health insurance.
Understand My Options →I Need Help With Medicare Costs
I want to learn about programs that may help pay certain costs.
Explore Assistance →Turning 65? Let's Get You Prepared.
Your 65th birthday is an important time to understand Medicare. Knowing your enrollment dates and coverage options can help you avoid unnecessary delays and potential penalties.
Know Your Enrollment Window
Your Initial Enrollment Period generally lasts seven months: three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and three months afterward. Special timing rules may apply.
Check Automatic Enrollment
Some people receiving Social Security benefits are enrolled automatically. Others must apply for Medicare.
Understand Parts A and B
Learn how hospital and medical coverage work, including premiums, deductibles, and other potential costs.
Prepare Your Information
Make a list of your doctors, prescriptions, current insurance, and healthcare priorities before comparing plans.
Ready to Explore Medicare Options?
Review available plans, coverage details, and enrollment requirements.
Already Have Medicare? Your Coverage Deserves a Review.
The Medicare plan you selected previously may no longer be the best fit for your needs. Your health can change, prescriptions can change, and plans may update their benefits, costs, and provider networks each year.
Your Health Needs Have Changed
You may need additional specialists, new treatments, or more frequent medical care.
Your Prescriptions Have Changed
Check whether your medications are covered, what they cost, and which pharmacies participate in your plan.
Your Benefits May Have Changed
Plans may update premiums, copays, deductibles, additional benefits, and coverage rules.
Your Doctors May Have Changed Networks
Verify whether your doctors, specialists, and hospitals still participate in your plan's network, if applicable.
Other Plans May Be Available
Plan availability can change by ZIP code and year. Comparing your options may be worthwhile.
Your Healthcare Costs May Change
Review premiums, copays, prescription costs, and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Important: Reviewing your Medicare coverage does not mean you must switch plans. If your current coverage still meets your needs, keeping it may be the right decision.
When Was Your Last Medicare Plan Review?
Review your plan's Annual Notice of Change and compare available options during an applicable enrollment period.
Don't Have Medicare Yet? Find Out If You May Qualify.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older. Some individuals may qualify before age 65.
Age 65 or Older
You may qualify if you meet applicable citizenship, residency, and other eligibility requirements.
Certain Disabilities
Some individuals under 65 qualify through eligible disability benefits.
Special Medical Conditions
Individuals with certain conditions, including ESRD or ALS, may qualify under specific rules.
Eligibility, enrollment dates, and premiums depend on your individual circumstances. Enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B is generally handled through Social Security.
Want to Explore Your Medicare Options?
Learn about available plans and applicable eligibility requirements.
Looking to Compare Medicare Plans?
Not all Medicare plans work the same way. Before selecting coverage, compare what matters most to you: your doctors, prescriptions, benefits, healthcare needs, and costs.
Are Your Doctors Included?
Review participating physicians, specialists, and hospitals when network requirements apply.
Are Your Prescriptions Covered?
Compare covered drug lists, pharmacy networks, and potential medication costs.
What Will You Pay?
Consider premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and applicable out-of-pocket limits.
Which Benefits Matter to You?
Some plans offer additional benefits, subject to eligibility, plan rules, and availability.
Remember: A plan advertising more benefits is not necessarily the best choice for your needs. Compare medical coverage and total costs carefully.
Explore Plans Available in Your Area
Compare coverage details before requesting enrollment.
Age 65 and Still Working?
If you have health insurance through your job or your spouse's employer, it's important to understand how that coverage works with Medicare.
Employer Size Matters
Which insurance pays first may depend on the number of employees at your workplace and other circumstances.
You May Be Able to Delay Part B
Some people covered by current employment-based insurance may qualify to delay Part B without a late-enrollment penalty.
COBRA Has Different Rules
COBRA and retiree coverage generally do not provide the same Part B Special Enrollment Period rights as coverage based on current employment.
Review Before Making Changes
Speak with your employer's benefits administrator and Social Security before canceling or delaying coverage.
Want to Understand Your Coverage Options?
Explore Medicare information before deciding when to enroll or select private coverage.
Need Help Paying for Medicare?
Some individuals may qualify for programs that help pay certain Medicare and prescription drug costs.
Medicare Savings Programs
Depending on eligibility, these programs may help pay Medicare premiums and certain other costs.
Extra Help
This program may help eligible individuals pay certain Medicare Part D prescription drug costs.
Medi-Cal and Medicare
Some California residents qualify for both programs. Benefits depend on eligibility and coverage arrangements.
Special Needs Plans
Certain individuals may qualify for Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs), depending on specific eligibility requirements.
Explore Your Medicare Options
Review available coverage and eligibility requirements.
Understanding the Four Parts of Medicare
Understanding the differences between Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D can help you make informed coverage decisions.
Part A — Hospital Insurance
Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, certain skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home healthcare.
Part B — Medical Insurance
Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and many preventive services.
Part C — Medicare Advantage
A way to receive Medicare Parts A and B benefits through Medicare-approved private insurance plans. Many include drug coverage.
Part D — Prescription Drugs
Helps cover eligible prescription medications. Coverage may be provided through a compatible standalone drug plan or included in many Medicare Advantage plans.
Original Medicare includes Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage offers another way to receive those benefits. Prescription drug and supplemental coverage options depend on the coverage arrangement you choose.
When Can You Enroll or Change Plans?
Initial Enrollment Period
Generally lasts seven months around your 65th birthday. Special timing rules may apply.
October 15 – December 7
Annual Election Period for certain Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage changes.
January 1 – March 31
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period for certain permitted changes by people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
Special Enrollment Periods
Certain events, including qualifying moves, loss of coverage, or eligibility changes, may allow enrollment changes outside regular periods.
The General Enrollment Period for certain Medicare Part A or Part B enrollments also runs January 1 through March 31. It is separate from the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
Common Medicare Questions
Should I review my Medicare plan every year?
Yes, reviewing your plan's Annual Notice of Change, doctors, prescriptions, benefits, and costs is recommended because coverage can change from year to year.
Do I have to switch if new plans are available?
No. A new plan is not necessarily a better plan. Compare your options carefully before making changes.
Is Medicare free?
Not always. Many people qualify for premium-free Part A, but Part B generally has a monthly premium. Deductibles and other costs may also apply.
Can I keep my doctors?
It depends on your coverage. Original Medicare generally allows you to see providers who accept Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans may have provider networks and additional rules.
Can I change my plan anytime?
Not necessarily. Changes generally must occur during an applicable enrollment period. Some circumstances qualify for special enrollment rights.
What if my prescriptions change?
Check whether your current plan covers your medications, what restrictions apply, and how much you may pay. Compare alternatives when you are eligible to make changes.
Do you help people in Riverside County?
PlanRight provides educational Medicare guidance for residents of Corona, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar, Riverside, Temecula, and surrounding communities.
Explore Your Medicare Options With Greater Confidence
Whether you're approaching 65 or have had Medicare for years, understanding your options can help you make more informed healthcare decisions.