Reviewed for accuracy by Lauri Middleton, RN, MSN, licensed Medicare agentReviewed for clarity by Karen OrillaMeet our reviewers →
Local Medicare preparation
Medicare preparation in San Diego County
San Diego County · A useful next step
Care here. Clarity wherever life takes you.
Prepare for an appointment, time away, or coordination with military benefits. Take specific questions to the right office.
Prepare for an appointment
A visit checklist and a question to ask before you go.
Prepare my next step 02Coordinate Medicare and work coverage
Questions for the benefits office and Social Security.
Prepare my next step 03Review before changing coverage
A clear list to verify before any switch.
Prepare my next stepNo account or personal details needed. Prefer to talk with someone?
Local help
San Diego County HICAP
Free, confidential, one-on-one Medicare counseling through the County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services. Not affiliated with any plan or agent.
English · Español · + interpreters
Aging & Independence Services call center
The county front door for older adults and caregivers: information, referral, in-home support and how to reach a HICAP counselor.
English · Español · + interpreters
California HICAP statewide line
The state's Medicare counseling program. The statewide number routes you to the local office.
English · Español
Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE
Official federal information and help, 24 hours a day. TTY 1-877-486-2048.
English · Español · + interpreters
Social Security — signing up for Parts A and B
Enrollment in Original Medicare goes through Social Security, online or by phone. TTY 1-800-325-0778.
English · Español · + interpreters
Social Security field offices in San Diego County
Use the official locator to find the office nearest you by ZIP code. Verify hours and whether an appointment is required before visiting.
English · Español · + interpreters
Medi-Cal — Medicare Savings Programs
Help with Part B premiums and other costs is applied for through Medi-Cal. An agency decides who receives it; this site does not screen.
English · Español · + others
TRICARE — Medicare-eligible beneficiaries
Official TRICARE rules for how Medicare and TRICARE For Life work together, and the TRICARE For Life contractor line.
English
VA health care and other insurance
How VA health care sits alongside Medicare, from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA health benefits hotline answers enrollment questions.
English · Español
California Department of Aging: HICAP / 1-800-434-0222
Local preparation and public help. Population figures are withheld pending verification against a reproducible CMS data extract. Sources reviewed September 9, 2026.