Understanding your options
Medicare

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.

Learn about Maren, Medicare, and how to choose the approach that’s right for you.

Learn all about Medicare in 2027

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.

Even though plans and benefits are updated each year, Medicare doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Find in-depth Medicare answers below, attend an informational seminar, or get in touch with local Medicare broker.

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—and that it includes Maren doctors.

Open Enrollment seminars

Ask questions and meet Maren doctors and staff at Medicare seminars held throughout Open Enrollment.*

During the short Medicare Open Enrollment period, Maren will participate as a featured guest at informational seminars about Medicare, where we talk about our practice, our approach to care, and answer questions about our doctors and services. The seminars are hosted by licensed Medicare experts and are free, no-obligation, and last about an hour. Space may be limited, so reservations are strongly 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

Thursday, October 8 at 10am
Thursday, October 15 at 10am : Session full
Thursday, October 22 at 10am : Session full

Thursday, October 29 at 10am
Thursday, November 5 at 10am
Thursday, November 12 at 10am

Thursday, November 19 at 10am
Thursday, December 3 at 10am

Yucaipa

Seminars held at Scherer Community Center, 12202 1st Street

Hosted by licensed agents Paul Barich and Associates

Tuesday, October 20 at 10am
Thursday, October 22 at 10am : Session full

Monday, November 16 at 10am
Monday, November 30 at 10am

Thursday, December 3 at 11am

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.

* Medicare seminars are hosted by licensed, independent Medicare agents, not by Maren. Maren is not a licensed insurance agency, does not sell or recommend any Medicare plan, and cannot advise on plan selection or enrollment. 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. You can also choose to spread your costs into monthly payments through the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan instead of paying them as they come up.

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. C and F are only available to people eligible for Medicare prior to 2020.

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.

Enrollment and changing plans

If you’re new to Medicare, your Initial Enrollment Period is generally a 7-month window: it starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. If your birthday happens to fall on the first of the month, your window shifts one month earlier, since Medicare counts you as turning 65 the month before.

In some cases, you may qualify for coverage before you’re 65. See more under Special Situations.

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, see more under Special Situations, contact an insurance broker, or visit Medicare.gov.

The annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) lets anyone with Medicare switch between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans. 

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) is only for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan who want to switch to a different Advantage plan or move back to Original Medicare.

If you miss your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31), with coverage starting the month after you enroll. 

However, you may also face a late enrollment penalty: for Part B, this is an extra 10% added to your premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible but didn’t enroll, and it typically lasts for as long as you have Medicare. Part D carries a separate penalty if you go 63+ days without creditable drug coverage.

In certain circumstances. If you or your spouse are still working and covered by an employer group health plan with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay Medicare Part B without a late penalty, since that counts as “creditable coverage.” You’ll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to sign up penalty-free once that employment or coverage ends.

If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, though, Medicare typically becomes your primary coverage at 65, and delaying could leave gaps—so it’s worth confirming with your HR department, plan administrator, or a licensed insurance agent before deciding to wait.

Yes. During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) or the annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), you can drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. 

If you switch back, consider adding a Part D plan, and note that you may need to answer health questions to qualify for a Medigap policy.

During the annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), you can change plans as many times as you like. Only your last request before December 7 takes effect, with new coverage starting January 1. 

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) allows only one plan change.

Considering and comparing plans

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.

Decisions about when to enroll in Medicare can affect your spouse’s coverage options if they’re on your employer plan, so it’s important to consider timing carefully.

Yes, premiums often change when you switch plans since each Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plan sets its own pricing. Your Part B premium stays the same no matter which plan you choose, but plan-specific premiums, deductibles, and copays can vary widely, so it’s worth comparing costs each year.

It depends on the plan type. Original Medicare works with any provider who accepts Medicare, nationwide, including Maren. Medicare Advantage plans typically have specific networks that vary by insurer and region. Before switching, check directly with Maren or the plan’s provider directory to confirm.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a comprehensive alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. It bundles your Part A, B, and often D coverage into one plan, typically with network restrictions. 

Although Medigap is also sold by private insurers, it is supplemental insurance designed for people enrolled in Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles. You can’t have both at the same time, and you can’t use Medigap to pay Medicare Advantage copayments, deductibles, and premiums.

Many Medicare Advantage plans 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.

Yes, you can switch Part D plans during the annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) if your medications change or a plan’s formulary no longer meets your needs. It’s worth reviewing your Part D coverage every year, since formularies and costs can shift annually.

The Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov lets you compare Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans available in your zip code side by side, including premiums, deductibles, and covered drugs. 

You can also consult with a licensed insurance agent, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact a State Health Insurance Assistance Program  (SHIP) counselor for free, personalized help.

Special situations

Yes, in a few circumstances.

  • If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare starting with your 25th month of benefit—no action needed.
  • If you’re diagnosed with ALS, that 24-month wait is waived and Medicare starts the same month your SSDI benefits begin.
  • If you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you’ll need to apply for Medicare through Social Security yourself, since it doesn’t happen automatically. 

Because eligibility timing and coordination with other coverage varies by situation, it’s worth contacting a SHIP counselor for free guidance specific to your circumstances.

Moving to a new state—or even a new zip code that changes your plan’s service area—qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period, giving you a window around the move to select a new plan. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are regional, so you’ll likely need to choose new options after relocating.

Yes. Losing employer-sponsored health coverage triggers a Special Enrollment Period, giving you up to 8 months to enroll in Medicare Part B without a late penalty, plus a separate window to join a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan.

A Special Enrollment Period lets you make Medicare changes outside the regular enrollment windows because of certain life events, such as moving, losing other coverage, qualifying for Medicaid, or a plan leaving your area. The length of the window and your options depend on the specific qualifying event.

If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and switch plans mid-year, your new coverage typically begins the first day of the month after you enroll, and your old plan’s coverage ends. Always confirm the exact start date with your new plan to avoid any gaps in coverage.

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.