Medicare Plans in Los Angeles
Not sure which plan is right for you? I'll compare your options side by side — for free. No jargon, no pressure.
Quick answer
There are four main types of Medicare coverage to compare: Medicare Advantage (Part C), an all-in-one private plan that uses a provider network and often has a low or $0 monthly plan premium (you still pay your Part B premium); Medicare Supplement (Medigap), which pairs with Original Medicare to help pay the costs it leaves to you; Part D prescription drug plans (covered drug costs are capped at $2,100 out-of-pocket in 2026 and $2,400 in 2027); and Special Needs Plans (SNPs) for people with certain chronic conditions, people who have both Medicare and Medi-Cal, or people who live in certain care facilities. The right fit depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget, and it costs you nothing to review the plans I represent with me.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They bundle Part A, Part B, and usually Part D into a single plan — and often include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs.
Many Los Angeles-area residents choose Medicare Advantage for the convenience of one plan, predictable costs, and added benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover.
Who it's best for: People who want an all-in-one plan, are comfortable using a network of providers, and want extra benefits beyond basic Medicare.
Comparing plans for 2027? Use my seven-step checklist for comparing Medicare Advantage plans.
Compare Advantage PlansKey Features
- ✓ Combines Part A, B, and usually Part D
- ✓ Many plans with a $0 monthly plan premium (you still pay your Part B premium)
- ✓ Often includes dental, vision & hearing
- ✓ Out-of-pocket maximum protects you from large bills
- ✓ Fitness benefits with some plans
- ! Must use the plan's network of doctors
- ! May require referrals for specialist visits
Standardized Plans
- ✓ Use any doctor who accepts Medicare — no network
- ✓ No referrals needed for specialists
- ✓ Helps pay Medicare deductibles, copays, and coinsurance (what is covered depends on the plan letter)
- ✓ More predictable costs when you use care
- ✓ Each plan letter covers different costs; only Plans C and F pay the Part B deductible, and not everyone can buy them. Current Plan F policyholders can read about switching from Plan F to Plan G.
- ! Monthly premiums are usually higher than Medicare Advantage plan premiums
- ! Does not include drug coverage — need a separate Part D
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medigap plans fill in the "gaps" that Original Medicare leaves — deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that would otherwise come out of your pocket.
With a Medigap plan, you keep Original Medicare and your Medigap plan pays after Medicare pays its share. The result is more predictable out-of-pocket costs and the freedom to see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare.
Who it's best for: People who see specialists regularly, travel frequently, or want the peace of mind of knowing exactly what they'll pay each month.
Already have a Medigap plan? See when you can change your Medigap plan in California — and California's Birthday Rule, the annual 60-day window that lets existing policyholders switch to an equal-or-lesser plan without health questions.
Compare Medigap PlansPart D — Prescription Drug Plans
Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs and is available as a standalone plan (if you're on Original Medicare or Medigap) or built into a Medicare Advantage plan.
Part D plans vary significantly in what drugs they cover and what they charge. The plan that's cheapest at first glance may not be cheapest once you factor in your specific medications. I use your exact prescription list to compare total annual costs across plans.
For 2026 and 2027: the yearly out-of-pocket cap on covered Part D drugs is $2,100 in 2026 and $2,400 in 2027. Once you reach it, you pay $0 for covered drugs for the rest of the year.
Find the Right Part D PlanWhat to Know
- ✓ Covers brand-name and generic prescriptions
- ✓ $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap in 2026; $2,400 in 2027
- ✓ Medicare Extra Help available for lower incomes
- ✓ Plans can be switched during Annual Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
- ! Late enrollment penalty if you don't sign up on time
- ! Not all drugs are covered by all plans — formulary matters
Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
Special Needs Plans are a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed for people with certain chronic conditions (C-SNP), people who have both Medicare and Medi-Cal (D-SNP), or people who live in certain care facilities (I-SNP).
If you have conditions like diabetes, heart failure, COPD, or chronic kidney disease — or if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible) — a Special Needs Plan may offer coverage and care coordination designed around those needs.
Find Out If You QualifyMedicare Enrollment Periods
Missing an enrollment window can mean penalties or gaps in coverage. Here's what you need to know.
Sources & official references
- Medicare.gov — official U.S. Medicare program
- CMS.gov — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Social Security (SSA.gov) — Medicare enrollment & premiums
- California HICAP — free, unbiased Medicare counseling (California's SHIP)
- California Department of Insurance
Last reviewed: October 2026. Medicare figures reflect 2026 and can change annually — confirm current amounts at Medicare.gov. Educational information only, not individualized advice.
Local Medicare Help Across Southern California
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