Michael Kearns | Medicare Insurance Services

Comprehensive Medicare Coverage Options

Click any plan below to learn more about your options.

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Medicare Advantage

Part C

An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, often including vision, dental, and hearing benefits — sometimes with a $0 premium.

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What Medicare Advantage Covers

All Original Medicare (Parts A & B) services
Often includes Part D prescription drug coverage
Extra benefits: vision, dental, hearing, fitness programs
Annual out-of-pocket spending limits for added protection

Who It's Best For

Seniors who want comprehensive coverage in one plan, often at a lower monthly premium, and don't mind using a network of doctors.

Enrollment Periods

Initial Enrollment: The 7-month window around your 65th birthday
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31

Ask Michael About Advantage Plans

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Medicare Supplements

Medigap

Fills the "gaps" in Original Medicare — covering copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles so you're not hit with unexpected bills.

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What Medigap Covers

Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
Blood (first 3 pints)
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance (Plans C, D, F, G, M, N)
Foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits)

Popular Plan Options

Plan G: Most comprehensive for those new to Medicare (covers everything except Part B deductible)
Plan N: Lower premium with small copays for office/ER visits
Plan F: Available only if eligible before Jan 1, 2020 — covers all gaps

Key Benefit

Use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare — no networks or referrals required.

Ask Michael About Medigap Plans

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Prescription Drug Plans

Part D

Adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs on medications.

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How Part D Works

Covers brand-name and generic prescription drugs
Each plan has a formulary (list of covered drugs) — tiers affect your costs
Plans vary in premiums, deductibles, and covered drugs
2024 cap: Out-of-pocket drug costs capped at $2,000/year thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act

The 4 Phases of Part D Coverage

Deductible Phase: You pay full cost until deductible is met
Initial Coverage Phase: You pay copays/coinsurance
Coverage Gap ("Donut Hole"): You pay no more than 25% for most drugs
Catastrophic Coverage: Reduced costs once out-of-pocket limit is reached

Late Enrollment Penalty

If you don't enroll when first eligible and don't have other creditable drug coverage, you may owe a permanent monthly penalty. I can help you avoid this!

Ask Michael About Part D Plans

Michael Kearns, Licensed Medicare Insurance Agent, Northern California

Your Dedicated Local Medicare Agent

Hello, I'm Michael Kearns. As a licensed insurance agent (CA License #0C97026), my mission is to make your transition to Medicare as seamless and understandable as possible.

I specialize in senior health plans and offer completely independent, unbiased advice — my job is to find the plan that truly fits your healthcare needs and budget, not to push any one company.

Whether you are just turning 65, losing employer coverage, or looking to switch plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, I am here to guide you every step of the way — at no cost to you.

✓ Personalized, one-on-one plan comparisons
✓ Unbiased advice from an independent agent
✓ No cost to you — ever
✓ Help with Annual Enrollment Period changes
✓ Ongoing year-round support

Call Me: 530-852-2282

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about switching to Medicare.

When should I enroll in Medicare?

You should enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — the 7-month window that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. Enrolling late without qualifying coverage can lead to permanent premium penalties.

What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and a Supplement?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare — you get all your coverage through a private insurer, often with extra benefits and network restrictions. Medicare Supplements (Medigap) work alongside Original Medicare to fill cost gaps, and let you see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide. Neither is better for everyone — the right choice depends on your health needs, budget, and doctors. That's where I come in!

Do I need a separate Prescription Drug Plan?

If you choose Original Medicare + a Supplement, you'll need a stand-alone Part D plan to get drug coverage. If you choose Medicare Advantage, drug coverage is often bundled in (MAPD plans). Either way, it's important to enroll when first eligible to avoid late enrollment penalties.

How much does Medicare cost?

Most people pay $0 for Part A (hospital) if they worked 10+ years. Part B (medical) has a standard monthly premium of $174.70 in 2024 (higher for higher incomes). Supplement and Advantage plan premiums vary widely. I can help you find the best value for your situation.

Can I switch plans if I'm unhappy?

Yes! During the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 – December 7, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans for coverage starting January 1. Switching Medigap plans may require medical underwriting outside of guaranteed issue periods.

Is there any cost to working with you?

Absolutely not. My services are 100% free to you. I am compensated by the insurance carriers, not by you. This means you get expert, personalized guidance with no financial obligation.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact me today for a free, no-obligation consultation. I'll help you find the right plan for your needs.

📞 Phone 530-852-2282

📧 Email info@michaelkearnsinsurance.com

🏅 CA License 0C97026

🌐 Website michaelkearnsinsurance.com

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By submitting this form, you consent to receive telephone calls, emails, and/or text messages from licensed insurance agent Michael Kearns regarding Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and/or Prescription Drug plans. This consent is not a condition of purchase, and you can opt out at any time.