Medicare Supplement insurance

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How To Sign Up For Medicare
First, sign up for Parts A and B. 
  • Sign up online at the Social Security website: http://www.ssa.gov/medicareonly/ 
  • The Social Security Administration can be reached at 800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Do this 3 months in advance of your birthday month.

Second, call John Caris at 707-935-6294 x103 to discuss the Medicare Supplement plan that makes sense for you.
  • Do this 1 month in advance of your Medicare start date.

Lastly, sign up for a Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
  • Find information on Part D plans at www.Medicare.gov 
  • Medicare can be reached by calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).
  • Do this right after you apply for your Medicare Supplement plan.
Covered California
It is critical to coordinate your current plan's stop date with Medicare's Part A and B start date.  A typical date would be the first of the month that you turn 65.  This would also be the date to start your Medicare Supplement plan.  If these dates are not properly coordinated, double coverage and/or liability for premiums without subsidies may result.
How Medicare Works
If you only have Original Medicare Part A and Part B, you may be 
subject to:
  • Part A Deductible of $1,556 (2022),
    • Plus daily hospitalization copays.
  • Part B Deductible of $233 (2022),
    • Plus, 20% coinsurance of the Medicare-approved procedure costs with no stop loss,
    • Plus 15% for Excess Charges by physicians who do not accept Medicare routinely, but have not completely opted out of Medicare.​​

​Part C: Only Medicare Advantage plans can be called "Part C", but Medicare Supplement policies are designed to cover most gaps in Original Medicare Parts A and B.
  • Both Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans are offered by private companies to help meet the gaps in coverage that Parts A and B have.

Part D: Rx Prescription Drug Plan.  Not included in Original Medicare or in Medicare Supplement plans.  
  • Initially enroll in a Part D right after enrolling in Parts A and B.
  • Go to Medicare.gov for information about comparing drug plans.
  • You can make changes during the annual open enrollment that runs from October 15th to December 7th.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Advantage
  • Generally affordable monthly premium.
  • Covers most medical costs with copays at time of service.
  • May have an out-of-pocket maximum exposure.
  • Limited to specified provider network.
  • May have strict definition of out-of-network emergency coverage.
  • Once in the system, you may not get out due to health underwriting issues.
Medicare Supplement
  • Depending on plan, most services may be covered after a low annual deductible with little to no out-of-pocket maximum risk.
  • No networks: wide acceptance of plan across the U.S. by any Medicare accepting doctor.
  • Superior emergency coverage when traveling within the U.S.
  • No referrals or pre-authorization required.
You only need one plan: either a Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement.
How To Decide Which Medicare Supplement Plan Is Best For You
Most people purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan G because it is the most comprehensive coverage plan available.  So long as the patient sees a physician that has not opted out of Medicare, there should be little to no additional physician's payments.

Another option is High Deductible Plan G.  Not all carriers offer this plan, but in exchange for a reduced premium (perhaps as much as $1,000 per year savings compared to a regular Plan G), you accept an annual deductible of $2,490 (2022).  This may be a good choice for someone who is both in good, health and has the cash on hand to cover the deductible. 
  • Once you opt for a High Deductible Plan, it is possible that you may not be able to change to a lower deductible plan in the future if your health status changes.
Changing Plans
Medicare Advantage plans have an open enrollment each fall, when members can change their plan for the coming year.

Medicare Supplement plan members can change to another carrier with the same or lesser benefit plan on our about their birthday month every year.
Foreign Travel
Medicare Supplement plans C, D, F, G, M, and N include a foreign travel benefit.  They pay for 80% of the cost of medically necessary emergency care outside of the U.S. (and its territories) up to $50,000 maximum.  There is a $250 deductible and the medical emergency must occur within 60 days of the start of your trip.  So, coverage does not apply if you leave the country indefinitely. 

Medicare Advantage plans typically do not cover foreign travel unless the benefit is explicitly described.

Get a travel medical plan here.​
Long-Term Care
Original Medicare will only pay for the first 20 days if you need nursing care in a Skilled Nursing Facility to recover. While Medicare allows for 100 days, a Medicare supplement policy covering this area will give an additional 80 days of coverage.​

For long-term care in your own home or other location, you need to get a dedicated long term care policy that provides these benefits.

Get a long-term care plan here.
Dental and Vision
Medicare will only cover limited dental services if medically required.  Routine dental and vision care including checkups, x-rays, crowns, root canals, etc. are not covered.

Some Medicare Advantage plans may have limited dental and vision coverage.

Medicare Supplement plans do not cover dental or vision beyond what Original Medicare covers.

Get a dental and vision plan here.