Medicare and Medicare Supplement help in California
California beneficiaries choose between Original Medicare, usually paired with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and a Part D drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan offered in their county. California also has a Medigap birthday rule that most states do not, which changes how people can review a supplement each year. Rolando Gutierrez of RGI Group is licensed in California and helps residents compare options by phone or video, in English or Spanish.
Two main paths in California
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) lets you see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, and many people add a Medigap policy for out-of-pocket costs plus a standalone Part D plan. Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital, medical and usually drug coverage through a network tied to a county service area. Which path fits depends on your doctors, travel, budget and health needs.
The California birthday rule for Medigap
If you already have a Medigap policy, California law gives you a yearly window that starts on your birthday and lasts at least 60 days to switch to a Medigap plan with equal or lesser benefits, from any company offering it, without health questions. It does not apply to Medicare Advantage, and it does not let you move to a plan with more benefits.
Medi-Cal and Medicare together
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal may have different plan types available, including plans designed for dual-eligible members. Medi-Cal eligibility is decided by the state, not by an agent; we can explain how the coverage generally works together.
2027 Annual Enrollment Period
The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026, for changes that generally take effect January 1, 2027. It is separate from your Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday and from Medigap open enrollment.
Questions to ask before you choose
- Do I want a provider network, or the freedom of Original Medicare with a supplement?
- Does the birthday rule let me lower my Medigap cost this year?
- Are my prescriptions and pharmacy covered by the Part D or Advantage plan I am considering?
- Do I spend part of the year outside my county or outside California?
Frequently asked questions
- Does RGI Group have an office in California? No. RGI Group's only office is in Austin, Texas. California residents are served by phone or video by a California-licensed agent.
- Can I use the birthday rule to switch to Medicare Advantage? No. The California birthday rule only applies to switching between Medigap policies with equal or lesser benefits.
Important notice
- Plan availability and benefits vary by county, plan, and individual circumstances. The Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2026) is different from your Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday and from Medigap open enrollment.
- We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (California HICAP) to get information on all of your options. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
- RGI Group is an independent insurance agency based in Austin, Texas; Rolando Gutierrez is licensed in California. We are not Medicare or CMS. Consultations are by phone or video, at no cost and with no obligation. A request is not a confirmed appointment, enrollment, or Medicare permission-to-contact or scope-of-appointment. Do not submit Medicare or Social Security numbers or medical details.
Talk with a licensed Texas agent
Call 346-888-0811. Office: 5900 Balcones Drive, Ste 100, Austin, TX 78731. Monday–Sunday, 8:00 AM–11:00 PM. Licensed in Texas. Guidance available in English and Spanish.