Nearly 250,000 Medicare beneficiaries live in San Francisco, California. Around 50% of those enrolled in Medicare participate in a Medicare Advantage Program. The following sections will cover the benefits and costs of these types of plans.
San Francisco, California Supplemental Medicare Plans
Supplemental plans can extend your coverage to services you typically have to pay out-of-pocket with California’s Medicare plan. Both Medicare Advantage and Medigap are available for Medicare beneficiaries and can help in different ways. In San Francisco, the average age of those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans is 73.
Average Medicare Advantage Plans in San Francisco, California
There are 26 different Medicare advantage plans available in San Francisco. These options vary in benefits and cost but provide significant value to the Medicare Advantage beneficiaries they serve with plans.
One of the best options available is Wellcare (HMO). With a four-star rating and a reasonably low MOOP (maximum out-of-pocket) of $4,400, Wellcare excels in value and quality.
Chinese Community (HMO) is another excellent option for clients whose main priority is quality of service. With a 4-star rating and zero-dollar monthly premiums, this option does come with a higher MOOP than alternatives. Unfortunately, at $7,500, this MOOP may be a burden for some beneficiaries.
Aetna (Local PPO) offers impressive versatility and affordability for users who prefer PPO options. With zero-dollar monthly premiums and a $6,700 MOOP, Aetna provides beneficiaries with a solid alternative to HMO plans.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| Chinese Community | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | 4 |
| Brand New Day | $0 | $999 | HMO | 3 |
| Alignment Health | $0 | $4,900 | HMO | 4 |
| Wellcare | $0 | $4,400 | HMO | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $6,700 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
Cheapest Medicare Supplement Plans in San Francisco, CA
California Medicare Supplement plans are crucial to ensuring your healthcare is fully covered. These plans expand coverage to protect beneficiaries from costs that would otherwise be their responsibility. The benefits of these plans remain consistent wherever you are, but your location will impact the cost.
Unitedhealthcare Part D plans offer lower-than-average deductibles at $310, with a premium of $30.50. A plan with Wellcare will cost $10.90 monthly as a premium, with a $480 deductible. An Aetna plan offers a $7.50 monthly cost, with $480 as a deductible.
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $94.27 | $231.90 |
| PLAN B | $140.08 | $229.65 |
| PLAN C | $160.71 | $283.77 |
| PLAN D | $124.36 | $230.13 |
| PLAN F | $156.00 | $298.10 |
| PLAN HDF | $32.00 | $70.00 |
| PLAN G | $115.00 | $206.33 |
| PLAN HDG | $35.00 | $62.00 |
| PLAN K | $51.44 | $123.00 |
| PLAN L | $89.08 | $175.00 |
| PLAN M | N/A | N/A |
| PLAN N | $95.29 | $188.66 |
Affordable Medicare Part D in San Francisco, CA
A Part D Plan will cover any medication your physicians prescribe to you as a Medicare beneficiary. Medigap plans do not provide this coverage, and some Medicare Advantage plans also lack this coverage. Because of this, exploring California Part D plans is an essential step to enrolling in Medicare in San Francisco.
An Aetna plan is the cheapest local option, with a monthly premium of $7.50 and a deductible of $480. Wellcare plans are a bit more expensive, as the monthly premium is $10.90 with a $480 deductible. UnitedHealthcare offers a lower deductible at $310, but premiums cost $30.50.
| 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 |
Medicare Special Needs Plans in San Francisco, CA
Special-Needs Plans, or SNPs, are a group of Medicare Advantage plans available to beneficiaries with specific health needs. These plans can make a significant difference for some beneficiaries, so check if you qualify.
Brand New Day provides SNPs with a MOOP of $1,500, available to beneficiaries with chronic or debilitating conditions. Align Senior Care offers a plan with a MOOP of $3,500 and institutional eligibility. For options with dual eligibility, Aetna’s program has a MOOP of $7,550.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| Align Senior Care | $0 | $3,500 | HMO | Institutional |
| Wellcare | $0 | $3,000 | HMO | Chronic or Disabling |
| Brand New Day | $0 | $1,500 | HMO | Chronic or Disabling |
| Aetna | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Alignment Health | $0 | $6,700 | HMO | Dual |
FAQs
Does Medicare cover dental in San Francisco, CA?
While Medicare does not generally cover dental care, Medicare Advantage plans or state options may provide this coverage.
Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65 in San Francisco, CA?
For those already receiving Social Security benefits, the answer is yes. You’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare parts A and B when you reach 65.
Is Medicare deducted from Social Security in San Francisco, CA?
Generally, yes. Your Medicare Part B premium will be deducted from your Social Security payment in most cases.
How do I enroll in Medicare in San Francisco, CA for the first time?
If you are within three months of turning 65, you can contact the SSA at ssa.gov to get started.
How long does it take to get Medicare Part B in San Francisco, CA?
We can’t give a firm timeline, but most applications will process within 3-4 weeks.
How to Sign Up for Supplemental Medicare in San Francisco
If signing up for Medicare in San Francisco, California, is getting overwhelming, you’re not alone. Call Medigap today or fill out our online form to get rates! Our helpful staff is happy to help you find the best plan for your needs.
