Medicare & Other Health Insurance
Medicare and other types of health insurance protect older individuals and others from high medical costs, but insurance choices and coverage can be confusing. Fortunately, there are resources to help older adults understand their benefits and options so that they can make informed decisions. Some programs also assist people to obtain free or affordable health insurance and advocate on behalf of consumers.
Click on the v-shaped arrow to the right of each program description to view more information.
AARP, known for selling health insurance, provides resources about health insurance on its website. Information about Medicare eligibility and enrollment can be found on the Medicare Resource Center page.
DHCS is the state agency that administers Medi-Cal. It provides information on its website about what services are covered by Medi-Cal, who is eligible, and how to apply. Users of the website can also locate their local county offices where they can apply for Medi-Cal benefits.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone may access information; financial and other eligibility requirements vary by program
Website: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/
The California Department of Insurance oversees insurance companies, licenses insurance agents and brokers, works to resolve consumer complaints, and investigates and prosecutes insurance fraud.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: California residents
Phone: (800) 927-4357
Email: message can be sent through Contact Us page on website
Website: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0500-about-us/02-department/index.cfm
This state agency provides information about health insurance and assists Californians find and compare health insurance plans. The DMHC educates health care consumers about their rights, helps consumers understand their coverage, and handles consumer complaints against health insurance companies.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone in California
Address: 980 9th St #500, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (888) 466-2219
Email: can send message through the Contact Us page on website
Website: https://www.dmhc.ca.gov/
This organization provides information about Medicare for both beneficiaries and health care providers. CHA also engages in policy advocacy on Medicare-related issues.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone (focus on Medicare beneficiaries and health care providers)
Address: 5380 Elvas Avenue, Suite 221, Sacramento, CA 95819
Phone: (916) 231-5110
Email: news@cahealthadvocates.org
Website: https://cahealthadvocates.org/
The Center of Medicare Advocacy is a national non-profit organization that works to expand and improve access to comprehensive Medicare coverage, health equity, and quality health care for older adults and people with disabilities. They provide information on eligibility and enrollment, coverage, and appeals. In addition to providing educational resources on its website, the organization issues alerts about Medicare policy changes and engages in litigation and issue advocacy.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: P.O. Box 350, Willimantic, CT 06226
Phone: (860) 456-7790
Email: can send message through Contact Us page on website
Website: https://medicareadvocacy.org/
CMS is the federal agency that administers Medicare and Medicaid (called Medi-Cal in California). The agency provides information on its website about Medicare and Medicaid coverage and eligibility, appeals and grievances, and Medicare Advantage plans. It also offer information about private health insurance.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone can access information (eligibility requirements for Medicare and Medicaid are described on the website)
Phone: 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
Website: https://www.cms.gov/
Covered California helps individuals find affordable health insurance plans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Those who meet financial requirements may qualify for discounts on private health plans or receive free insurance coverage through Medi-Cal.
Cost: insurance costs will vary
Who Is Eligible: California residents
Phone: (800) 300-1506
Email: can chat with service representative on Contact Us page of website
Website: https://www.coveredca.com/
HICAP trained volunteer counselors provide free information about Medicare, Medigap insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and other health and long-term care insurance. The program also offers legal help with Medicare appeals or administrative hearings.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone (focuses on those currently receiving or soon to receive Medicare coverage)
Address: 505 12th Street, Sacramento CA 95814
Phone: (916) 376-8915
Email: hicap@lsnc.net
Website: https://www.hicapservices.net/
Note: HICAP also offers free community presentations
Healthcare.gov is a website where individuals can compare prices on health insurance plans, begin the enrollment process, and find out if they are eligible for government assistance to help pay for health insurance.
This program provides assistance in English, Spanish, and Hmong with Medi-Cal enrollment and retention as well as other health promotion activities.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: Sacramento County residents
Address: 3301 37th Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95824
Phone: (916) 210-8773
Email: info@lafcc.org
Medicare.gov is the official government site for Medicare. It provides information regarding Medicare such as how to get started with Medicare, what Medicare covers, and how to find providers and services that accept Medicare.
Cost: information on website is free
Who Is Eligible: anyone may access information
Website: https://www.medicare.gov/
Among other aging-related topics, the National Council on Aging provides information about Medicare on its website. Older adults and others can learn about the different parts of Medicare, how to enroll, benefits and coverage, Medicare plan options, and costs.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 870 Market St # 785, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 955-8560
Email: can send message through Contact Us page on website
Website: https://www.ncoa.org/older-adults/benefits/healthcare/medicare
Sacramento Covered is a non-profit organization that helps people of all ages obtain health insurance, find doctors, apply for benefits such as CalFresh, and connect with other services. One-on-one assistance is available in a variety of different languages.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone living in the Sacramento region
Address: 819 19th St, Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (916) 414-8333
Email: can send message through Contact Us page on website
Individuals can apply for Medi-Cal and other health and social services through one of the county's DHA offices.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: financial and other eligibility requirements vary by program
Address: local office locations are listed on the website
Phone: (916) 874-3100
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This page was created by Kalani Lizada. Last updated 6/29/2023