566,923 current Medicare beneficiaries are living in San Diego. More than half of these beneficiaries currently participate in a Medicare Advantage plan, bringing various benefits. This article will provide helpful information for anyone using Medicare in San Diego, California.
Medicare plans in San Diego, California
Medicare Advantage and Medigap are available to beneficiaries to extend their California Original Medicare plan coverage. In San Diego, the average age of those enrolled in MA plans is 72, the same as the national average for the program.
Medicare Advantage plans
While Medicare Advantage membership in San Diego skews more towards females than the national average, these plans can be helpful for anyone in the area. San Diego has 60 different Medicare Advantage plans, giving residents an excellent variety. Medicare Part C plans in California must cover the same as Original Medicare.
Brand New Day is an excellent option for those with Medicare in San Diego. Brand New Day offers a well-balanced plan with a three-star rating, zero monthly premiums, and a reasonable maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) of $999.
For users prioritizing cost, Imperial Health is even more affordable. Although their rating is only two stars, they offer zero-dollar monthly premiums and a MOOP of $899.
Finally, United Healthcare provides San Diego’s medical beneficiaries a premium option. Premiums are free, but the plan’s MOOP is $3,400. However, this cost is matched with excellent service, as United has earned a four-star rating for its program.
The average cost of Medicare Advantage plans in San Diego, California
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $3,400 | HMO | 4 |
| Brand New Day | $0 | $999 | HMO | 3 |
| Imperial Health | $0 | $899 | HMO | 2 |
| Aetna | $0 | $3,400 | HMO | 4 |
| Alignment Health | $0 | $2,900 | HMO | 4 |
Medicare Supplement plans
While the government standardizes these plans’ benefits, your premiums will depend on your location. Medigap plans play the crucial role of covering expenses that would otherwise fall to the patient. California Medicare Supplement plans add to the benefits of regular Medicare.
Medigap Plan F provides complete coverage, covering all charges the beneficiary is responsible for with Medicare. However, while it offers excellent security, Plan F comes with higher costs, with premiums ranging from $155 to $355.
High-deductible plans offer an alternative to beneficiaries who want to pay lower premiums without sacrificing coverage. For example, beneficiaries who choose Medigap Plan HDF will receive the same coverage as Plan F while paying between $41-$84, although it’s important to consider the higher deductible.
Plan N offers a solid middle-ground, with lower deductibles than HD plans and reasonable premiums. With Medigap Plan N, beneficiaries in San Diego pay less for doctor’s visits and spend $120-$216 on monthly premiums.
The average cost of Medicare Supplement plans in San Diego, California
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $118.66 | $274.60 |
| PLAN B | $177.00 | $262.80 |
| PLAN C | $217.43 | $325.60 |
| PLAN D | $158.19 | $264.14 |
| PLAN F | $194.10 | $355.19 |
| PLAN HDF | $41.00 | $84.00 |
| PLAN G | $145.69 | $260.40 |
| PLAN HDG | $41.00 | $77.00 |
| PLAN K | $69.69 | $123.00 |
| PLAN L | $124.79 | $173.00 |
| PLAN M | N/A | N/A |
| PLAN N | $120.79 | $216.69 |
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
Because Medigap and some Medicare Advantage plans don’t cover medication, Part D plans are essential for Medicare coverage. These California prescription drug plans will cover the costs of your doctor’s prescription medications, keeping your treatment costs manageable.
For Medicare beneficiaries in San Diego, a Part D plan with Aetna will cost $7.50 monthly with a $480 deductible. A Wellcare plan will offer the same deductible while charging a monthly premium of $10.90. UnitedHealthcare plans provide a $310 deductible, but premiums are higher at $30.50.
The average cost of Medicare Part D plans in San Diego, California
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING |
| Aetna | $7.50 | $480 | 3 |
| Wellcare | $10.90 | $480 | 3 |
| Clear Spring Health | $16.00 | $480 | 2 |
| Humana | $24.20 | $480 | 4 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $30.50 | $310 | 4 |
Special Needs plans
Special-Needs Plans, also knowns as SNPs, are a good option for beneficiaries with conditions that require specific care. These plans aren’t universally available but can significantly impact those who qualify.
The average cost of Medicare Special Needs plans in San Diego, California
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| Align Senior Care | $0 | $3,500 | HMO | Chronic or Disabling |
| Alignment Health | $0 | $1,000 | HMO | Chronic or Disabling |
| Brand New Day | $0 | $3,450 | HMO | Institutional |
| Blue Shield of Cal. | $0 | $6,700 | HMO | Dual |
| Wellcare | $0 | $3,450 | HMO | Dual |
How to sign up for Medicare plans in San Diego
We know navigating the world of Medicare can be complicated, so Medigap is here to help. Our friendly staff is passionate about helping our clients find coverage plans that meet their health and budget needs.
If you’re ready to improve your Medicare coverage in San Diego, fill out our form or call today at the number above.
