Medicare Information
Learn to Make Medicare Work for You
Whether you’re new to Medicare or a renewing member, the program and its terminology can be complicated and confusing. To help make sense of it all, Torrance Memorial IPA offers resources that cover everything you want to know about Medicare, plus things you didn’t even know to ask.
Medicare 101 Educational Program
Attend Torrance Memorial IPA’s free monthly Medicare 101 Educational Program via Zoom to learn about Medicare and the different types of insurance plans available to you including: HMO & PPO, Supplements (or Medi-gap), and Part D prescription plans.
It’s a comfortable way to become familiar with Medicare and to find out how to navigate it. Plus, learn how Torrance Memorial IPA members benefit from convenient access to high-quality, personalized care from over 500 primary care and specialty physicians.
Find a Medicare 101 Class
Senior Health Insurance Resource Center
Learn about the different Medicare plan choices from licensed agents that partner with Torrance Memorial IPA at no cost to you.
These licensed agents are dedicated to providing objective Medicare information and recommendations to help you make the right choice. They can discuss topics that include:
- Help finding a doctor
- Information about Medicare and Covered California
- Medicare Advantage, Part D drug and Medicare Supplement Plans
- Ensuring that your plan covers your medications at the lowest cost
For more information, call us today at 800-858-7618
Learn About Our Senior Health Insurance Resource Center
Frequently Asked Medicare Questions
When is the Medicare Annual Election Period?
Every year, the Medicare annual open enrollment period is from October 15 to December 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to review their current health and prescription drug coverage and consider any changes in costs, coverage, and benefits that may take effect next year.
If you’re satisfied with your current Medicare coverage your plan will automatically renew, so you don’t need to file any new paperwork. But if you want to change your Medicare coverage for next year, December 7 is the deadline for updating your plan.
What changes can I make during the Open Enrollment period?
You can:
- Change from original or traditional Medicare to a private, managed-care Medicare Advantage plan
- Change from a Medicare Advantage plan back to traditional Medicare
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join a stand-alone Medicare prescription plan
- Switch from one prescription plan to another
Should I keep my plan or choose a new one?
- How much are your premiums, deductibles or co-pays for doctor visits? What about hospital stays?
- Does your plan cover prescription drugs? What will your prescription drugs cost under the plan?
- Can you see your current Torrance Memorial IPA doctors and specialists, as well as use hospital services under your new plan?
- What are your routine medical treatments?
- What is your “maximum out-of-pocket” limit? This is the maximum amount that you would pay for medical costs in the calendar year and it’s required of all HMOs.
I don't want to change my plan, what do I need to do?
If you’re satisfied with the benefits and prescription drug coverage under your existing Medicare Advantage Plan and/or stand-alone Medicare drug plan, then do nothing. Your existing plan will automatically renew in the new year.
When does coverage start if I change health plans?
If you select a new health plan during Medicare Annual Open Enrollment period, coverage will begin January 1.
Will I receive any notices from my health plan?
Yes. Pay close attention to the “Annual Notification of Change” letter that outlines how some of your benefits will change in the new year. You may find changes in co-pays for some services, including prescription drug costs.
How can I learn about my Medicare options and compare plans?
- Join one of Torrance Memorial IPA's upcoming events.
- Call Torrance Memorial IPA at 310-257-7239 to be referred to an independent health insurance agent who specializes in helping seniors select the plan that’s best for them.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE.
- Visit medicare.gov and create an account.
