Medicare and Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. Medi-Cal pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medicare is a federally funded insurance program for eligible participants 65 or over. Medicare does not cover 100% of all costs and you may wish to purchase other Medicare-related insurance products such as Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement policy. The following links provide useful information on Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Medicare-related insurance products.

Keep in mind, Medicare and Social Security do not cold-call beneficiaries or make house calls. If someone calls you and says they are from Medicare or Social Security, hang up. Do not give them any information.
 


APPLYING FOR MEDICARE AND MEDI-CAL:

Information about Medi-Cal, resources for applying and eligibility are provided by the Department of Health Care Services.

Getting Ready to Enroll in Medicare? Medicare made easy.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

California Health Advocates offers Medicare advocacy, benefits information, and education for Californians.

HICAP is the California Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program which provides individualized one-on-one assistance, education and community outreach for Medicare beneficiaries of any age and persons soon to be eligible for Medicare. HICAP services are free and confidential.

Information on Medicare Advantage can also be found through the Department of Managed Health Care.

A 2023 Premium Comparison tool for Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans (also known as Medigap insurance) is available from the Department of Insurance, which has annual premium amounts from different insurers across to help you shop around.

FRAUD:

The Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud Elder Abuse explains how to report suspected Medi-Cal fraud or elder abuse to the Department of Justice.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) helps Medicare beneficiaries avoid, detect, and report health care fraud.

FEDERAL INFORMATION:

Visit the official U.S. Government site for Medicare information.