Understanding Medicare

The following websites provide detailed information about Medicare and ways to supplement Medicare.

Medicare (CMS – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) – www.medicare.gov
The Official U.S. Government Site for people with Medicare or who will be signing up for Medicare. Phone 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day 7 days a week for assistance.

California Health Advocates – www.cahealthadvocates.org/
California Health Advocates (CHA) is a nonprofit dedicated to education and advocacy efforts for California Medicare beneficiaries and the pre-retirement population. CHA promotes the work of the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) projects and others serving Medicare beneficiaries in California, and provides training and support to local HICAP offices, social and legal services agencies, and other professionals helping people with Medicare. California Health Advocates is a source for up-to-date information on Medicare and Medicare supplement policies, Extra Help and the Low Income Subsidy for paying for prescription drugs, help for people with disabilities, and more. Phone 916-231-5110.

California Department of Insurance – http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0150-seniors/index.cfm
The California Department of Insurance Senior Information Center includes information about health plans (Medicare, Medicare Part D drug plans, Medigap plans, and Medicare Advantage Plans) and long-term care insurance including the types of benefits and policies you can buy, both as an individual and as a member of a group, and information on what to consider before purchasing a policy. The site includes links to additional information for seniors including companies that sell Medigap policies in California and the premium rate history of each company that sells long-term care insurance in California. The CDI can assist with any insurance question, concern, or problem. Phone 1-800-927-4357.

Medicare Rights Center – http://www.medicarerights.org/
The Medicare Rights Center is a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs and public policy initiatives.

Medi-Cal – www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/MCIndividual.aspx
Medi-Cal is a program that provides health coverage for low-income children, parents, seniors and persons with disabilities. Medi-Cal provides a wide scope of benefits. Eligibility for Medi-Cal is based on a number of factors; Contra Costa residents can phone 1-800-709-8348 to determine if they qualify and enroll. You can also apply online at www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/MediCalApplications.aspx and mail a completed application.

Additional Information
Many additional organizations that provide information for Medicare beneficiaries and seniors are on our Resources page.
If you're concerned about the “coverage gap” or “donut hole” of your drug coverage we have a list of ways you can save money on your prescriptions.
Learn more about Medicare plans and supplements by attending one of our free Welcome to Medicare classes.
Make an appointment to meet with one of our volunteer HICAP counselors at one of our counseling locations in Contra Costa County.