November 22, 2011
California Medicare
Medicare in California
California has a large population of residents age 65 or older. Out of the 50 states, California has the largest senior population age 65 or older according to Census statistics. This number will keep growing until 1 in 5 California residents is 60 or over. The Medicare population in California is also the largest in the country.
The California Medicare Part D/Part C regional benchmark for plan premiums in 2012 is $30.86. There may be up to a total of 33 different Medicare Part D plans for California Medicare beneficiaries in 2012. In 2012, the lowest California Part D premium will be $15.10 while the highest premium for a Part D plan in California is $114.90.
California residents qualifying for the full Low Income Subsidy do not pay a monthly premium for a Medicare Part D or Part C plan with drug coverage whose monthly Medicare premium is at or below the aforementioned amount. In 2012, there will be 6 Medicare Part D plans available in California that are Low Income Subsidy Eligible.
Medi-Cal and California Medicare
Medi-Cal is the California Medicaid program. Medicaid is intended to provide health benefits low-income individuals. Medicaid is distinct from the California Medicare program.
However, a California resident may be enrolled in both programs simultaneously. People who are enrolled in both Medicare and a state Medicaid program are sometimes referred to as "dual eligibles." California Medicare "dual eligibles" are also eligible for participation in the Low Income Subsidy program also known as Extra Help.
