Serving California & Hawaii Since 2003
River Rock Insurance Services Inc.

Licensed Medicare Broker

Medicare Plans in California & Hawaii

Independent guidance across Medicare Advantage, Supplement, and Part D, at no cost to you.

Thomas Gray, Licensed Medicare Agent

Your Licensed Agent

Expert Medicare Guidance from Thomas Gray

I've been helping California and Hawaii residents navigate Medicare since 2003. Every call is free, no-pressure, and focused entirely on finding the right plan for your situation.

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Medicare Doesn't Have to Be Confusing

With dozens of plan options available in every California county, choosing the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming. River Rock Insurance has been simplifying this process for California and Hawaii residents since 2003.

Our licensed agents take the time to understand your specific doctors, medications, and budget before making any recommendation. We compare every available plan in your area, and our guidance is always free of charge.

Understanding Your Medicare Options

There is no single "best" Medicare plan, the right choice depends on your individual health needs, preferred doctors, and budget.

Medicare Advantage

Part C

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They bundle your Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), and usually Part D (prescription drugs) coverage into a single plan, often with additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.

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Key Benefits

  • All-in-one coverage (Parts A, B, and usually D)
  • Often includes dental, vision, and hearing benefits
  • Low or $0 monthly premiums available
  • Annual out-of-pocket maximum protects your finances
  • Many plans include fitness and wellness programs

Considerations

  • Must use network providers (HMO) or pay more (PPO)
  • Prior authorization may be required for some services
  • Plans vary significantly by county and carrier

Medicare Supplement

Medigap

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to cover the gaps, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. With a Medigap plan, you can see any doctor or specialist nationwide who accepts Medicare, with no network restrictions.

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Key Benefits

  • See any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide
  • No network restrictions or referrals needed
  • Predictable, low out-of-pocket costs
  • Guaranteed renewable, cannot be cancelled if you pay premiums
  • Plan G is the most comprehensive option available today

Considerations

  • Separate Part D plan needed for prescription drugs
  • Monthly premiums are higher than Advantage plans
  • Medical underwriting may apply outside open enrollment

Medicare Part D

Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D plans provide prescription drug coverage and are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Whether you have Original Medicare with a Supplement plan or a standalone drug plan, we'll analyze your specific medications to find the plan with the lowest total annual cost.

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Key Benefits

  • Covers brand-name and generic prescription drugs
  • Formularies vary, we match your specific medications
  • Low-income subsidy (Extra Help) available
  • Annual enrollment period allows plan changes
  • Catastrophic coverage protects against high drug costs

Considerations

  • Late enrollment penalty if you delay without creditable coverage
  • Formularies change annually, review each year
  • Preferred pharmacy networks affect your costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common Medicare questions we hear from California residents.

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after. If you're still working and have employer coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 - December 7 each year.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one plan from a private insurer, typically with lower premiums but network restrictions. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket costs, giving you freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide.

Most people pay $0 for Medicare Part A (hospital) if they've worked 40+ quarters. Medicare Part B has a standard premium of $185/month in 2025 (higher for higher incomes). Medicare Advantage plans in California often have $0 additional premium. Medicare Supplement premiums vary by plan type and age, typically ranging from $80-$250/month.

With Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan, you can see any Medicare-accepting specialist without a referral. With a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, you typically need a referral from your primary care physician. PPO-type Advantage plans usually do not require referrals.

With Original Medicare and most Supplement plans, you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, nationwide. With Medicare Advantage, you'll need to verify that your doctors are in the plan's network. We always check your specific doctors before recommending any plan.

Yes. As independent insurance brokers, we are compensated by the insurance carriers, not by you. Our guidance, quotes, enrollment assistance, and ongoing support are provided at no cost to you. We are legally required to present the plan that best fits your needs, not the one that pays us the most.

Ready to Find Your Best Medicare Plan?

Our licensed California agents will compare every available plan in your county, Medicare Advantage, Supplement, and Part D, and present you with the best options for your specific situation.

(916) 865-8352

Mon-Fri 8am-6pm PT | Toll Free: 1-866-696-8636

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Ready to Find Your Best Medicare Plan?

Free guidance from a licensed California agent. No pressure, no cost.