Some of my neighbors in Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee and across Southwest Riverside County qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal. People call this being “dual eligible” or “Medi-Medi.” It can make health care much more affordable, but the rules changed in California in 2026, and there are more changes on the calendar. Here’s a plain-language…
Temecula and Murrieta have plenty of households with solid incomes, and many of them are surprised when their first Medicare premium notice is higher than the standard amount. That extra charge is called IRMAA, the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It’s worth understanding before you retire, because a little planning and a timely request to Social…
If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy and your premium has crept up, you might assume you’re stuck. In most states, switching Medigap policies after your initial open enrollment means answering health questions, and an insurer can say no. California is different. We have what’s commonly called the Medigap birthday rule, and it’s one…
A lot of people in Temecula and Murrieta are still working at 65. Some love their jobs, some are building savings, and some are carrying a spouse on their health plan. The big question I hear is: Do I have to sign up for Medicare if I still have insurance through work? The honest answer…
Turning 65 brings a pile of mail: plan brochures, postcards, and maybe a letter from Social Security. When I sit down with someone in Temecula or Murrieta who’s about to turn 65, the first thing I do is slow things down. The decisions are important, but they come in a logical order. This checklist walks…
2026 Medicare costs, the Part D cap, AEP dates (Oct 15 – Dec 7) and how Temecula & Murrieta residents can compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap.
