Skip to content
San Diego Medicare GuideSan Diego 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 →

Local help

Local help

Who to call in San Diego County, and what each one does. Every number is public and free.

01 —

Which lane, and who verifies

  • General Medicare counselingFor most people: timing, Original Medicare versus Medicare Advantage, drug coverage and Medigap. San Diego County HICAP counsels one-on-one at no cost.
  • Medicare with TRICARE For LifeFor military retirees and family members. The Part A and B timing question is answered by TRICARE, not by this site — verify with the TRICARE For Life line before the birthday month.
  • Medicare with VA careFor veterans enrolled in VA health care. The two systems are separate; the VA and HICAP can each explain what the other does not cover.
02 —

In the county

  • 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

    Call 1-800-434-0222Visit: sandiegocounty.gov

  • 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

    Call 1-800-339-4661Visit: sandiegocounty.gov

Reviewed: 2026-09-06, 2026-09-06

03 —

Military and veteran coordination

  • TRICARE — Medicare-eligible beneficiaries

    Official TRICARE rules for how Medicare and TRICARE For Life work together, and the TRICARE For Life contractor line.

    English

    Call 1-866-773-0404Visit: tricare.mil

  • 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

    Call 1-877-222-8387Visit: va.gov

Reviewed: 2026-09-06, 2026-09-06

04 —

Statewide

  • California HICAP statewide line

    The state's Medicare counseling program. The statewide number routes you to the local office.

    English · Español

    Call 1-800-434-0222Visit: aging.ca.gov

  • 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

    Visit: dhcs.ca.gov

Reviewed: 2026-09-06, 2026-09-06

05 —

Federal

  • Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE

    Official federal information and help, 24 hours a day. TTY 1-877-486-2048.

    English · Español · + interpreters

    Call 1-800-633-4227Visit: medicare.gov

  • 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

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

  • 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

    Visit: secure.ssa.gov

Reviewed: 2026-09-06, 2026-09-06, 2026-09-07

San Diego County HICAP also offers in-person appointments through the county program; ask when you call.

Numbers and links were reviewed on the date shown and are re-verified before any public release.

Languages listed are what each program reports for its phone line. Written Chinese on this site does not mean Mandarin- or Cantonese-speaking staff are available.