Information about Medicare Advantage Plans in California
CA Medicare Advantage plans by plan type
The major types of Medicare Advantage plans include:
HMO
A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) usually requires patients to use health care providers and pharmacies that are part of the plan’s network (except in the case of emergencies) while also typically requiring a referral from a primary care doctor in order to see a specialist.
PPO
Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) are able to see providers outside of their plan’s network, often at a higher cost.
Beneficiaries in this type of plan typically pay less out of pocket if they choose to receive medical services from providers within their plan’s network.
PPO plans typically do not require patients to acquire a referral before visiting with a specialist.
SNP
A Special Needs Plan (SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan limited to people with certain chronic conditions and other specific characteristics.
Not all of these types of plans may be available in your area. A licensed insurance agent can help you compare the types of 2023 California Medicare Advantage plans that are available where you live.
Local health insurance resources in California
California Medicare Advantage plans by county
Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans in some of California’s most populous counties.
Quick links:
There are 627 different California Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans offered in 2023.1 Plan selection can vary by location, however.
Call to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you compare the benefits and costs of Medicare Advantage plans that are available where you live in California.
Average costs of Medicare Advantage in California
The average premium for California Medicare Advantage plans in 2023 is $20.01 per month, though you may be able to find some plans where you live that offer $0 monthly premiums. The average medical deductible for Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans is $44.111
The premiums and other costs for Medicare Advantage plans may vary from one location to another.
A licensed insurance agent can help you compare Medicare Advantage plan costs in your area.
Compare California Medicare Advantage plan costs
Or call 1-844-740-0411 TTY Users: 711 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. We accept calls 24/7!
CA Medicare Eligibility & Enrollment
You may not sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan in California without first enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B, otherwise known as Original Medicare.
In order to enroll in Original Medicare at age 65, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident of at least five continuous years. You must also meet the following requirements:
You may be eligible to sign up for Medicare before age 65 if:
If you have ESRD, you may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a California Medicare Special Needs Plan (SNP) that is designed to help meet your specific health care needs.
How to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan in California
There are a number of times that you may be able to enroll in a California Medicare Part C plan. The first is during your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).
Your Medicare IEP begins three months before you turn 65 years old, includes the month of your birthday and then continues for another three months after your birthday.
Some other enrollment periods during which you may be able to sign up for Medicare Advantage include:
Fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period (sometimes called the Annual Enrollment Period, or AEP): October 15 – December 7
During fall Medicare open enrollment, you may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
The fall Medicare open enrollment period lasts from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. During this time, you may also be able to drop your existing Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare.
During open enrollment, you may also join, switch or drop a Medicare Part D plan.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 – March 31
If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan or signed up for one during fall open enrollment, you may be able to switch Medicare Advantage plans or drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year.
You can also join a Medicare standalone prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D) during this period if you disenroll from Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.
Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)
You may potentially be granted a Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) at any time during the year, depending on your individual circumstances.
A licensed insurance agent can help you find out if you qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period.
Find a $0 premium California Medicare Advantage plan today
Or call 1-844-740-0411 TTY Users: 711 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. We accept calls 24/7!
Top-rated Medicare Advantage Plans in California 2023
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issues star ratings every year for all Medicare Advantage plans, using a system of one to five stars.
In order for a Medicare Advantage plan to be considered a top-rated plan, it must have four or more stars out of five stars.
36.1% of Medicare Advantage plans in California that include prescription drug benefits are rated four stars or higher in 2023.2
| Medicare Star Ratings | |
| Star Ratings | |
| ★★★★★ | Excellent |
| ★★★★ | Above Average |
| ★★★ | Average |
| ★★ | Below Average |
| ★ | Poor |
Medicare Advantage plan Star Ratings are based on information from Medicare’s monitoring activities and from member surveys, and they rate plans based on the following five categories:
List of Medicare Advantage Plans Available in California in 2023
To view a list of plans offered in your area within California, use our plan comparison tool.
Find a $0 premium California Medicare Advantage plan today
Or call 1-844-740-0411 TTY Users: 711 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. We accept calls 24/7!
Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans in CA
Several insurance companies may offer Medicare Advantage plans in your area of California, though the selection of plans can vary. Depending on where you live, there may only be one insurance company that offers MA plans (if there are plans available in your county).
Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans that may be unique to the plan area they serve.
Call to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans that are sold by insurance companies in your area.
When you’re shopping for Medicare Advantage plans in California, you can compare plans from several different carriers. You can also use some of the following information to help you choose:
1 MedicareAdvantage.com’s The Best States for Medicare report.
2 Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating syste
