Understanding your options
Medicare

We specialize in senior care.

It’s important to choose a Medicare approach that’s right for you.

*Important Update*
Medicare Open Enrollment Period: October 15 – December 7

If you currently have a Medicare plan, you’re eligible to switch plans now through December 7.

Puzzle pieces

Accepted Medicare Advantage Plans:

List updated May 1, 2025

  • SCAN
  • United Healthcare
  • Alignment
  • Blue Shield
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Open Enrollment: Changing Plans

New to Medicare

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.

Already Enrolled

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. 

All Recipients

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

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

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

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

George Litchfield

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

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

Daisy Cevallos

Mint Insurance
Phone: 310-321-8070
Email: agentedaisyc@gmail.com



LJ. Tom Dougherty

Prairie Schooner Financial & Insurance Agency Phone: 909-312-1265
Email: jtomd@psfia.com

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

David G. Nash

Nash Insurance Agency, Inc.
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


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

Medicare Basics

The Federal 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.

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. There’s a coverage gap in Part D (sometimes called the “donut hole”) where you might pay more for drugs after reaching a certain spending threshold.

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. There are a number of different plans, all standardized by law.

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.

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.

For more information, visit these official resources:
Medicare.gov: The official U.S. government site for Medicare
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227): Medicare’s helpline available 24/7

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): For free, personalized Medicare counseling

Medicare & You Handbook: The official Medicare guide updated annually