Reviewed for accuracy by Lauri Middleton, RN, MSN, licensed Medicare agentReviewed for clarity by Karen OrillaMeet our reviewers →
Two counties
Riverside and San Bernardino
One region, two county governments, and plan service areas that can stop at the line between them. Here is what is the same, what is different, and how to keep them straight.
The same on both sides
- Federal enrollment dates. Your seven-month window, the Part B start rule, Open Enrollment and the penalties come from federal law and do not change at the county line.
- A free HICAP counselor. Both counties run one; the statewide number reaches either.
- Social Security. Enrollment in Parts A and B is federal; field offices in Riverside, San Bernardino, Palm Springs, Victorville and elsewhere serve residents of either county.
Different by county
- Which county office. Riverside residents reach HICAP through the Office on Aging; San Bernardino residents through the Department of Aging and Adult Services.
- Which plans reach your town. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are approved by county. A plan sold in Riverside County may not be sold in San Bernardino County, and the reverse.
- Which Medi-Cal office. Help with Medicare costs is applied for through the Medi-Cal office of the county you live in.
How to keep it straight
Write your county on the top of every form. Ask every plan "Is my ZIP code in your service area?" and "Is my doctor in your network?" before anything else. Bring the printed ledger from this site to the HICAP appointment.
Choose your county
In Riverside County
Riverside County HICAP
Free, confidential, one-on-one Medicare counseling through the Riverside County Office on Aging. Not affiliated with any plan or agent.
English · Español · + interpreters
Riverside County Office on Aging
Information and referral for older adults and caregivers across the county, from the Coachella Valley to the Riverside metro area.
English · Español · + interpreters
Questions to ask about care across the county line
- Does the plan work on the other side of the county line?Plan service areas are set by county. Someone in Corona who sees a doctor in Loma Linda, or someone in Victorville whose specialist is in Riverside, should ask the plan directly whether that doctor is in network before choosing.
- How far is the nearest in-network hospital?From Palm Springs, Hemet or the high desert, the nearest hospital and the nearest in-network hospital can be different places. Ask for the list in writing.
- What happens if I move between the two counties?Moving out of a plan's service area can open a special window to change plans. HICAP can explain the timing; the plan can confirm whether the new address is inside its area.