Understanding your options
Medicare

Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15 – December 7

If you currently have a Medicare plan, you’re eligible to switch plans now through December 7. Note that benefits and options change yearly, so review your plan to make sure it’s still right for you.

We specialize in senior care

Our doctors and extensive specialist network have particular expertise working with senior patients and in knocking down barriers that can make it frustrating to get the care they need.

Choose a Medicare approach that’s right for you—and that includes your Maren doctor.

Learn more about Medicare in 2026

Generally speaking, Medicare is health insurance for people 65 and over. The Medicare program is made up of four main components: A, B, C, and D. “Original” Medicare usually refers to the combination of A and B. Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is an alternative offered by private insurers.

  • Medicare plans cover individuals, not families. Most people sign up when they’re first eligible, usually at 65. Enrolling later can trigger significant on-going penalties, although it may make sense in some situations.
  • In a nutshell, Part A covers hospital stays and Part B covers medical costs. They are billed separately and each has out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. There is no limit on your out-of-pocket costs without additional insurance.
  • Part D prescription drug coverage plans are offered by private insurance companies. Each insurance company has its own unique list (or formulary) of prescription medicines that they cover. It is optional, but again, you may be penalized if you do not have creditable coverage or delay signing up.
  • Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a regulated private insurance alternative to Original Medicare that combines Parts A, B, and usually D into a single plan. It often includes extra benefits like vision and dental. Some plans can be tailored further to your specific needs.

Read more about Medicare topics below, and get advice about the best options for you with a local Medicare broker.

Learn more about Medicare

Generally speaking, Medicare is health insurance for people 65 and over. The Medicare program is made up of four main components: A, B, C, and D. “Original” Medicare usually refers to the combination of A and B. Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is an alternative offered by private insurers.

During the short Medicare Open Enrollment period, Maren will be participating in a series of seminars hosted by licensed Medicare experts to talk about our doctors, our approach to care, and to answer any questions you may have. These informational seminars are free, no-obligation, and last about an hour. Space may be limited, so reservations are recommended but not required. Stop by to find out more about this year’s Medicare changes.

Beaumont

Seminars held at Litchfield Insurance, 835 N. Highland Springs Ave., Suite 305

Hosted by licensed agents Litchfield Insurance Associates

Wednesday, October 8 at 11am
Thursday, October 9 at 11am
Wednesday, October 15 at 11am

Thursday, October 16 at 11am
Wednesday, October 22 at 11am
Thursday, October 23 at 11am

Wednesday, October 29 at 11am
Thursday, October 30 at 11am

Yucaipa

Seminars held at Scherer Community Center, 12202 1st Street

Hosted by licensed agents Paul Barich and Associates

Tuesday, October 21 at 2pm
Tuesday, October 28 at 2pm

Tuesday, November 18 at 2pm
Tuesday, November 25 at 9am

Tuesday, December 2 at 9am

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, los servicios de asistencia en el idioma, sin cargo, están disponibles para usted. Llame al (909) 312-0085 y presione 9 para español.

For questions, to set up a private appointment, or for accommodation of persons with special needs, contact a broker directly.

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Seminar reservations

Reservations aren’t required, but some seminars do fill up. Use the form below to hold your spot.

More Medicare Information
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Medicare Advantage plans

In addition to Original Medicare, Maren currently accepts:

  • SCAN
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Alignment
  • Blue Shield

Medicare answers

Medicare basics

Part A covers your inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and home health care. Think of Part A as your “room and board” insurance when you’re admitted to a hospital. It helps pay for your hospital bed, meals, nursing services, and some medications during your stay. Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. However, there is a deductible for each benefit period.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies. This includes services like doctor appointments, lab tests, X-rays, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers. Unlike Part A, Part B requires a monthly premium which may be higher depending on your income. There’s also an annual deductible and typically a 20% coinsurance for covered services.

Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is an “all-in-one” alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and typically include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D coverage, plus extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing care.

Medicare Advantage plans often have different costs and rules than Original Medicare—like network restrictions and prior authorization requirements—but might offer lower out-of-pocket costs. Talk to an insurance broker to find out if this option is right for you.

Part D helps cover the cost of prescription medications. These plans are run by private insurance companies following rules set by Medicare. Each Part D plan has its own list of covered drugs (called a “formulary”) and tier system that determines how much you’ll pay for each medication. Monthly premiums vary by plan and income level, and there’s usually an annual deductible.

In past years, Part D had a gap in coverage, sometimes called the “donut hole.” As of 2025, annual patient out-of-pocket drug costs are capped, so you won’t pay anything for prescription drugs once you reach your plan’s limit. 

Enrollment and changing plans

If you’re new to Medicare, your Initial Enrollment Period generally starts three months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after your birthday. In some situations, you may qualify for coverage before you’re 65.

If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch to another plan, the annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31. 

You can switch medical groups at any time, however, as long as the new medical group accepts your current Medicare Advantage plan. Be sure to contact your plan with your doctor’s new Provider ID ahead of time to notify them of the change.

For all Medicare recipients, the regular Open Enrollment Period runs each year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can change your plan or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan even if you’re enrolled in Original Medicare.

Certain life events like moving or losing other coverage may allow you to make changes at other times. For more details on these Special Enrollment Periods, contact an insurance broker or visit Medicare.gov.

Other topics

Medicare Supplement Insurance (or Medigap) is extra insurance available from private insurers to help pay for out-of-pocket costs if you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Each policy covers one person.

Original Medicare only covers 80% of your approved inpatient and outpatient costs. A Medigap policy would pay the rest, plus additional benefits depending on the plan. For example, some plans may require copayments for office and emergency room visits, but cover hospice copays and preventative care. 

Medigap has a number of different plans, all standardized by law. There are 10 different types of Medigap plans offered in California: A-D, F, G, and K-N. 

Plans with the same letter have identical benefits, regardless of insurer. With all Medigap Plan G plans, for example, the only out-of-pocket cost you would need to pay for most events is your Medicare Part B annual deductible. Plan N plans are similar, but also require copayments for certain services like doctor and emergency room visits. Note that Medigap plans do not cover dental, hearing, or vision.

Even within a plan letter, monthly premiums vary by insurance carrier, your age, and other factors particular to you, so it’s important to compare plans and costs carefully. 

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a comprehensive alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. Although Medigap is also private insurance, it is designed for people enrolled in Original Medicare. You can’t have both, and you can’t use Medigap to pay Medicare Advantage copayments, deductibles, and premiums. 

Many Medicare Advantage plans already include benefits comparable to Medigap and often cover items that Medigap does not, like dental, hearing, and vision. Unlike Original Medicare, most Medicare Advantage plans require enrolling in a provider network like Maren. 

Medicare can also work in partnership with other coverage. If you have multiple insurers, such as Medicare and health insurance from an employer, a retiree plan, or Medicaid, each type of coverage is called a “payer.” 

When a claim is processed, the primary payer pays up to the limit of its coverage, then forwards any remaining costs to the secondary payer, and so on. (Any uncovered costs at the end may be your responsibility). There are rules to determine the order of payers and it varies depending on the plans involved. 

To avoid billing delays, it’s important to tell your medical team when you check in if you have coverage in addition to Medicare.

Remember that your Medicare coverage is individual—it doesn’t automatically extend to family members. Your spouse will need to maintain their own health insurance through their employer, COBRA, the Health Insurance Marketplace, or other means until they become eligible.

More resources

For more information, visit these official resources:

Disclaimer

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or healthcare advice. Medicare rules, costs, and coverage details can change annually. Always verify current information with a broker or official sources before making healthcare decisions.

Find the right plan

If you’re shopping for a new health plan, newly eligible for Medicare, or interested in changing Medicare plans during an open enrollment period, the local brokers listed below* may be able to help.

Paul Barich and Associates

Paul Barich
Phone: 909-793-0385
Email: paul@barichandassoc.com

1819 W. Redlands Blvd., Suite #104-D
Redlands, CA 92373

David & Gillian Block Insurance Services

yourmedicarementors.com
Office: 909-798-5932
Mobile and text: 951-312-8740  (David)
Mobile and text: 951-312-3481  (Gillian)
Email: yourmedicarementors@gmail.com

Litchfield Insurance Associates

George Litchfield
Phone: 951-769-0005
Email: george@litchfieldins.com

835 N. Highland Springs Ave., Suite 305
Beaumont, CA 92223

Mint Insurance

Daisy Cevallos
Phone: 310-321-8070
Email: agentedaisyc@gmail.com

Nash Insurance Agency, Inc.

David G. Nash
Phone: 909-792-4410
Cell: 951-288-1671
Email: davidnashinsurance@gmail.com

637 Esther Way Redlands, CA 92373

Danial Partridge

Licensed Insurance Agent
Medicare Information: 760-823-7764
Business Cell: 760-822-6562
Email: dan.partridge@hotmail.com


Prairie Schooner Financial & Insurance Agency

LJ. Tom Dougherty
Phone: 909-312-1265
Email: jtomd@psfia.com

34664 County Line Rd., Suite 13
Yucaipa, CA 92399

Welsh Insurance Services

Scott and Sarah Welsh
welshadvantage.com
Phone: 909-307-5900 

1445 W. Redlands Blvd., Suite B
Redlands, CA 92373

* Broker listings are provided as a convenience for our patients. Maren does not recommend any particular broker or policy, or receive compensation for the listings.