Medicare plan types: Find the right fit

Q: I want an affordable, easy to manage Medicare plan with broad coverage.

A MAPD plan might be a good fit if: You want to simplify your Medicare coverage with a single, comprehensive plan. You want no or low monthly premiums, predictable copays, lower monthly costs, and an annual maximum out-of-pocket limit. You’re comfortable using a local network of providers. Explore MAPD plans

Q: I want to cover gaps in my Original Medicare coverage

A Medicare Supplement plan may be right for you if: You want to see any provider who accepts Medicare. You want to visit doctors beyond your local network. You want to see providers outside of California. You want to add dental and prescription drug coverage at the same time. Explore Medicare Supplement plans

Q: I only want coverage for prescription drugs

A Medicare Prescription Drug plan may be right for you if: You have Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan and need prescription drug coverage. You want to limit your annual drug costs. Explore Prescription Drug Plans

Q: I qualify for Medi-Cal and Medicare

This plan may be right for you if: You want a single plan for your Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits. You want additional benefits beyond what standard Medicare covers. Explore our Dual Special Needs Plan

Let Blue Shield of California help make your Medicare plan selection as easy as possible. Discover plans that give you access to the benefits most important to you.

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Compare Blue Shield Medicare plans at a glance

	Original Medicare	Medicare Supplement plan	Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)	Medicare Advantage (Parts C and D)	Dual Special Needs Plan
Hospital (Part A)
Doctor visits (Part B)
Minimize out-of-pocket medical expenses
Prescription drugs
Go to any doctor or U.S. facility that accepts Medicare
Vision, dental, and hearing¹
Coordinates Medicare and Medi-Cal programs and services

Find plans available in your area

Medicare quick links

Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans
Medicare Supplement plans
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
Dual Special Needs (Medicare + Medi-Cal) Plan

Which Medicare plan fits your needs?

I want an affordable, easy to manage Medicare plan with broad coverage. 

Consider: Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans

I want to cover gaps in my Original Medicare coverage

Consider: Medicare Supplement plans

I only want coverage for prescription drugs

Consider: Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)

I qualify for Medi-Cal and Medicare

Consider: Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)

Spotlight: I’m still working, when should I pick a Medicare plan?

Retiring after age 65?

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This eight-month period typically begins when your employment coverage ends.

Turning 65 but not retiring?

You can keep your existing employee health coverage or switch to a Medicare plan. If you want to switch, you must enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period. That’s the three months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and the three months after.

Get more enrollment tips

MAPD plans vs. Medicare Supplement plans

MAPD plans replace Original Medicare, while Medicare Supplement plans add on to Original Medicare.
MAPD plans have a lower premium with provider network-based all-in-one coverage, while Medicare Supplement plans have a higher premium, nationwide provider flexibility, and pairs with a prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D) and a dental plan.

Compare plans in your area

Need more information before you choose?

Start with Medicare basics

What you need to know before you enroll

Learn why Californians choose Blue Shield

Connect with Medicare experts

Medicare events

Attend an in-person Medicare event in your area or an online webinar to learn more about Blue Shield Medicare plans and to get your questions answered.

Find an event

Blue Shield Medicare Advisors

Ready to take the next step? Our dedicated team is here to ensure you get the coverage you need. Call us at (866) 495-2062 (TTY: 711)* connect with a Blue Shield Medicare Advisor.

Book your appointment online

More Medicare resources

What are my Medicare options?

Original Medicare offers basic hospital and medical insurance coverage. But you may find that it does not cover all the services and supplies you need.

Learn about your Medicare options

Your Medicare coverage choices at a glance – video

Learn about your plan options and why you might want to enroll in a certain plan type.

Watch Medicare choices video

Download a free Medicare options guide†

Get a free copy of “Your Guided Path to Medicare” to understand your coverage options.

Get your guide

Find a plan in your area

1 Benefits vary by plan and county.

H2819_25_381D3_M Accepted 05242026
Y0118_25_381D3_M Accepted 05242026

Page last updated: 7/31/2026

* Blue Shield Medicare Advisers are available October 1 through March 31 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT, seven days a week and April 1 through September 30 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT on weekdays.

† All downloads are free with no obligation to enroll. .

California Physician’s Service DBA Blue Shield of California is an independent member of the Blue Shield Association.

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