Your Source for Benefits

Medicare Supplement Plans

Original Medicare covers a lot — but not everything. A Medicare supplement plan helps pay some of the deductibles, copays and coinsurance that Medicare leaves to you.

How a supplement works

Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Medicare pays first, and your supplement helps with some of what remains.

  • Standardized plans. Supplement plans are standardized by letter, so the same letter covers the same things whichever company sells it — which means price and service are what actually differ.
  • See any Medicare doctor. No networks and no referrals — if a provider accepts Medicare, your supplement travels with you anywhere in the country.
  • More predictable costs. In exchange for a monthly premium, many of the out-of-pocket surprises of Original Medicare become manageable.

Your initial enrollment

Medicare has a seven-month initial enrollment window built around your 65th birthday.

  • It starts three months before the month of your 65th birthday, includes that month, and ends three months after.
  • Penalties can be assessed if you miss the deadline — and unlike a one-off fee, a late penalty can stay with you.
  • Still working? Those penalties generally do not apply if you are currently employed and have creditable coverage through an employer with 20 or more employees. Retiring later can then open a special enrollment window — we'll help you sequence it.

Carriers we work with

We compare supplement plans across the carriers serving California Medicare beneficiaries.

What we do for you

  1. Understand your situation

    Turning 65, retiring later, or already on a plan — the right move depends on where you're starting from.

  2. Compare across carriers

    Because plans are standardized, we can compare the same coverage letter across companies and find competitive, stable pricing.

  3. Handle enrollment

    We complete the application with you and coordinate timing with your Part B effective date.

  4. Review over time

    Premiums change. We periodically re-check the market so your plan stays a good deal.

Common questions

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

A supplement works alongside Original Medicare: Medicare stays your primary coverage, you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, and the supplement helps with some of your share. Medicare Advantage replaces how you receive your Medicare benefits, usually with a network and plan rules in exchange for a lower premium. Both are legitimate choices — the right one depends on your doctors, your travel, and your budget.

Does a supplement cover prescription drugs?

No. Prescription coverage comes from a separate Medicare Part D plan. We help our supplement clients choose one, and it's worth re-checking each year because drug plan formularies and pricing change.

Can I keep my doctor?

Yes — with Original Medicare plus a supplement there is no network. Any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare will accept your supplement.

What do these plans cost?

Premiums vary by your age, ZIP code, tobacco use and carrier. Because the plans are standardized by letter, two carriers' versions of the same letter cover the same things — which is exactly why comparing prices across carriers matters, and why we do it for you.

I already have a supplement. Can I switch?

Usually yes, and if your premium has crept up it's worth checking — but outside protected enrollment windows a carrier may ask health questions. Never cancel existing coverage until the new plan is approved and in force.

Official Medicare information: the government's own site, www.medicare.gov, is the authoritative source for enrollment periods, costs and plan rules. RHI Insurance Services is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.

Have Medicare questions?

Whether you're six months out from 65 or reviewing a plan you've had for years, we're happy to talk it through.

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