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Orange County Medicare GuideCalifornia · Orange County
Operated by HealthBenefitsCompass LLC, a subsidiary of HealthcareGPS Inc.Medicare education · Not a government websiteReviewed by Lauri Middleton, RN, MSN (licensed Medicare agent) and Karen OrillaHow we prepare our guidance →Meet our reviewers →

Reviewed for accuracy by Lauri Middleton, RN, MSN, licensed Medicare agentReviewed for clarity by Karen OrillaMeet our reviewers →

Medicare before 65

Medicare before 65

Medicare through disability follows the same federal dates, and California adds rights of its own. No retirement assumptions here.

Medicare before 65 usually comes with Social Security disability benefits, after a 24-month wait, or immediately with ALS or kidney failure. The federal dates are the same; California adds Medigap rights that many states do not.

  • Enrollment in Parts A and B is usually automatic in the 25th month of disability benefits; the card arrives by mail.
  • Working while on Medicare does not end it during the trial work period; check with Social Security before turning it down.
  • Medi-Cal and Medicare together cover most costs for people who qualify for both.
  • At 65 there is a second Medigap open enrollment, with no health questions and age-65 pricing.

Under 65 with Medicare: California guarantees a Medigap window

People with Medicare because of a disability get a six-month Medigap open enrollment in California when Part B starts, and a second one at 65. Premiums for people under 65 can be higher, and some plans are not offered; HICAP explains the current options.

Source: California Department of Insurance — Medicare Supplement · In effect since 2000-01-01 · Last checked 2026-09-06

Medigap has one six-month window with no health questions

It starts the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During those six months a company must sell you any Medigap policy it offers, at the same price as someone in good health. Outside it, rights vary by state.

Source: Medicare.gov — Ready to buy Medigap · In effect since 1992-01-01 · Last checked 2026-09-06

HICAP is California's free Medicare counseling program

The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program gives free, confidential, one-on-one help in every county. Counselors do not sell insurance. The statewide line is 1-800-434-0222.

Source: California Department of Aging — HICAP · In effect since 1990-01-01 · Last checked 2026-09-06

iFree help

  • Orange County HICAP — Council on Aging, Southern California

    Free, confidential, one-on-one Medicare counseling for county residents, run by the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program. Not affiliated with any plan or agent. The program reports counseling in several languages; confirm availability when you call.

    English · Español · Tiếng Việt · 한국어 · 中文 · (reported by the program; verify)

    Call 1-800-434-0222Visit: coasc.org

  • Social Security — signing up for Parts A and B

    Enrollment in Original Medicare goes through Social Security, online or by phone, with interpreters on request. TTY 1-800-325-0778.

    English · Español · + interpreters

    Call 1-800-772-1213Visit: ssa.gov

  • Medi-Cal — Medicare Savings Programs

    Help with Part B premiums and other costs is applied for through Medi-Cal. An agency decides who gets it; this site does not screen.

    English · Español · + others

    Visit: dhcs.ca.gov