Your 2026 California Medicare Guide

Navigate Medicare in the Golden State with Confidence

Compare plans, understand your costs, and connect with licensed California Medicare agents. County-by-county resources for all 58 California counties.

California state outline

58 Counties • 8 Regions • 1 Guide

6.7M+
Californians on Medicare
58
County Guides
$202.90
2026 Part B Premium
$283
2026 Part B Deductible

Medicare Plans Available in California

California offers a wide range of Medicare plans. Learn about each part and find the right coverage for your needs.

A

Medicare Part A

Hospital insurance covering inpatient care, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health services. Most people don't pay a Part A premium.

Learn about Part A →
B

Medicare Part B

Medical insurance covering doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. The 2026 premium is $202.90/month.

Learn about Part B →
C

Medicare Advantage

All-in-one plans from private insurers that include Part A, Part B, and often Part D. Many California plans offer $0 premiums and extra benefits.

Explore Advantage plans →
D

Medicare Part D

Prescription drug coverage through private plans. Helps cover the cost of medications. California offers dozens of Part D plan options.

Learn about Part D →

What You’ll Pay for Medicare in 2026

Key costs and premiums you need to know for the current plan year. All figures are set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Part B Premium

$202.90
per month
Standard premium for most beneficiaries. Higher earners pay more via IRMAA surcharges.

Part B Deductible

$283.00
per year
Annual deductible before Part B coverage kicks in. After this, you pay 20% coinsurance.

Part A Deductible

$1,736
per benefit period
Deductible for each hospital stay benefit period. View all 2026 deductibles →

Part A Premium

$0
for most people
Free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for 40+ quarters (10 years) of work.

Part D Max Out-of-Pocket

$2,100
per year
New annual cap on prescription drug costs under the Inflation Reduction Act. Learn more →

Medigap

Varies
by plan & location
Supplement plans fill gaps in Original Medicare. California has unique pricing protections. Compare Medigap →

Find Medicare Help in Your California County

Medicare plan availability varies by county. Select your region to find local agents, senior services, and plan options near you.

Medicare & Medi-Cal in the Golden State

California has unique programs and resources for Medicare beneficiaries, including Medi-Cal dual eligibility and the HICAP counseling program.

Medi-Cal & Dual Eligibility

If you qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, you may be eligible for extra benefits including help with premiums, deductibles, and copays.

Learn about dual eligibility →

HICAP Counseling (SHIP)

California’s Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling in every county.

Find your local HICAP →

Medicare Savings Programs

California offers programs like QMB, SLMB, and QI to help low-income beneficiaries pay Medicare premiums and cost-sharing.

Check your eligibility →

Senior Services Directory

Find Area Agencies on Aging, Meals on Wheels, transportation assistance, and caregiver support programs across California.

Browse senior services →

Medicare vs. Medi-Cal

Understand the key differences between federal Medicare and California’s Medicaid program, and how they work together.

Compare programs →

Claims & Appeals

California Medicare claims mailing addresses, appeal forms, provider portal access, fee schedules, and payer ID information.

Get claims help →

What Will You Pay for Part B in 2026?

Enter your 2024 income — IRMAA uses a 2-year lookback.

All four California Medicare calculators →

Estimates only, based on the CMS 2026 fact sheet. Not connected with or endorsed by CMS or the federal Medicare program — official determinations come from the Social Security Administration. Verify at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.

Ready to Compare Medicare Plans in California?

Whether you’re new to Medicare or reviewing your options, our free tools and licensed agents can help you find the right plan.

Compare Plans at PlanMatch.com → Find a Licensed Agent →

Common Medicare Questions in California

What is the Medicare Part B premium for 2026?
The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium for 2026 is $202.90. Higher-income beneficiaries pay more through Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA). If your modified adjusted gross income is above $109,000 (individual) or $218,000 (married filing jointly), you’ll pay a surcharge on top of the standard premium. View the full 2026 IRMAA brackets →
What is the Medicare Part B deductible for 2026?
The Medicare Part B annual deductible for 2026 is $283.00. After meeting this deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most doctor services, outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment. See all 2026 Medicare deductibles →
What is the difference between Medicare and Medi-Cal?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, regardless of income. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to low-income Californians of all ages. Some people qualify for both programs (“dual eligible”) and can receive benefits from both. Learn more about Medicare vs. Medi-Cal →
How do I log in to my Medicare account?
You can log in to your Medicare account at Medicare.gov using your Medicare.gov or MyMedicare.gov credentials. From there, you can view your claims, check your coverage, find doctors, and manage your plan. Step-by-step login guide →
How do I find a Medicare agent in California?
You can find a licensed Medicare agent in your California county by visiting MedicareAgents.com. Licensed agents can help you compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans at no cost to you. They’re familiar with the plans available in your specific county and can guide you through enrollment.
When is Medicare Open Enrollment in 2026?
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. During this time, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, join or drop Part D, or return to Original Medicare. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from January 1 to March 31, allowing you to switch MA plans or return to Original Medicare. View all enrollment periods →
What is the Medicare phone number?
The main Medicare helpline is 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), available 24/7. For California-specific help, you can contact the California Department of Insurance at (800) 927-4357 or your local HICAP office for free counseling. View all Medicare contact numbers →