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.
Medicare plans in San Francisco, California
Supplemental plans can extend your coverage to services you typically have to pay out-of-pocket with California’s Medicare plan. 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.
Medicare Advantage plans
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 burden 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.
The average cost of Medicare Advantage plans in San Francisco, California
| 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 |
Medicare Supplement plans
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’re, but your location will impact the price.
UnitedHealthcare Part D plans offer lower-than-average deductibles at $310, with a premium of $30.50. A program 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.
The average cost of Medicare Supplement plans in San Francisco, California
| 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 |
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
A Part D Plan will cover any medication your physicians prescribe you as a Medicare beneficiary. Medigap plans don’t provide this coverage, and some Medicare Advantage plans also lack this coverage. Because of this, exploring California Part D plans is essential to enroll 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.
The average cost of Medicare Part D plans in San Francisco, 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, or SNPs, are a group of Medicare Advantage plans available to beneficiaries with specific health needs. These plans can significantly benefit 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, institutional eligibility, and options with dual eligibility. Aetna’s program has a MOOP of $7,550.
The average cost of Medicare Special Needs plans in San Francisco, California
| 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 |
How to sign up for Medicare plans in San Francisco
If signing up for Medicare in San Francisco, California, is 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.
