Insurance plans that have been designed to fit with Medicare include:

  Medigap Supplement Plans

These are private health insurance plans designed to fit with "Original Medicare" to help pay for some or all of the costs that Medicare Parts A&B don't cover. Medicare has standardized the benefits in these plans, so each plan with its letter designation, such as Plan A, F, N, etc., offers the same coverage, regardless of the insurance company. You pay a monthly premium in addition to Medicare Part B, but you have access to any doctor, hospital or facility that accepts Medicare. With all plans, Medicare pays first, then the supplement plan pays.

The California Birthday Rule allows those who have a supplement plan to "shop" it each year for a better premium. During the month of your birthday, you may transfer to another company's supplement plan (same plan or one with lesser benefits) without answering any health questions.

  Medicare Advantage Plans

These plans have one-year contracts with Medicare and help you manage your healthcare, whether or not a Primary Care Physician is required. Your Medicare remains active, but it is "assigned" to the plan and only the plan pays for healthcare services. Referrals and authorizations may be required for many services. Additional benefits may be available from year to year, either as part of the plan, or as a "buy up" option.

  Prescription Drug Plans

Part D Drug Plans have one-year contracts with Medicare; each year, there are many plans in California from which to choose. Even though all plans must offer basic Part D coverage, your cost share can differ greatly from plan to plan and from year to year, due to premiums, co-pays and the plans' list of covered drugs.