Medical Insurance Today says most California Medicare clients choose Advantage plans

Medical Insurance Today says more than 90% of the Medicare policies it sells in California are Medicare Advantage plans, as the agency pushes seniors to compare total value instead of monthly premiums. The Costa Mesa-based firm says the plans can include dental, vision, hearing, transportation and other benefits that many enrollees may not know are available.

Why it matters: - California seniors may be able to lower out-of-pocket costs and gain extra benefits by choosing Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare Supplement coverage. - The agency says many enrollees focus on premium alone and miss differences in total value, provider access and everyday benefits. - Late or mistaken Medicare enrollment can trigger permanent premium penalties.

What happened: - Thomas Feeney, founder and licensed Medicare specialist at Medical Insurance Today, said more than 90% of the Medicare policies sold through the agency are Medicare Advantage plans. - Medical Insurance Today is based in Costa Mesa and serves Medicare-eligible residents across California. - The agency said California seniors enrolling in Medicare may be selecting plans that cost more and deliver less without realizing better options exist. - Feeney said the agency’s consultation process compares medical providers, prescriptions and lifestyle needs before enrollment decisions are made.

The details: - Traditional Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are designed to cover gaps in Original Medicare, including copayments and deductibles. - Medigap plans typically require a monthly premium and do not include the expanded benefits that many Medicare Advantage plans offer. - Many Medicare Advantage plans available to California seniors in 2026 include $0 monthly premium options. - Those plans can also include dental coverage such as cleanings, X-rays and major procedures. - Other commonly listed benefits include vision care, eyewear allowances, hearing aids, hearing exams, fitness memberships such as SilverSneakers, chiropractic care, acupuncture, transportation to medical appointments, and over-the-counter allowances for health products. - Feeney said these benefits can save a senior hundreds or thousands of dollars per year. - Medical Insurance Today offers free, no-obligation consultations by phone, online or in person at its Costa Mesa office. - The agency provides Spanish-language service. - California residents become eligible for Medicare at age 65. - Initial enrollment periods have strict deadlines. - The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. - Special Enrollment Periods are available after qualifying life events. - Medical Insurance Today can be reached at (800) 590-7279 or at medicalinsurancetoday.com.

Between the lines: - The pitch is less about choosing the cheapest plan and more about comparing total cost, expected usage and access to doctors and services. - That approach can favor Medicare Advantage for people who value bundled benefits and lower upfront premiums. - Feeney framed licensed agents as decision guides, not salespeople focused only on the premium number.

What's next: - Eligible Californians and their families are being urged to review coverage before making enrollment decisions. - Annual Enrollment and Special Enrollment windows remain the key times to change Medicare coverage. - Medical Insurance Today continues to market consultations to Medicare-eligible residents across Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego counties.

The bottom line: - Medical Insurance Today is betting that clearer comparisons will steer more California seniors toward Medicare Advantage plans that offer broader everyday benefits than traditional supplement coverage.