Open Enrollment opens Oct 15, 2 days from today. Tap what fits your parent (or you) and this checks today's date against Medicare's own enrollment periods. Nothing you tap leaves this page.
Before anyone switches
- Free, unbiased plan help: HICAP, California's Medicare counseling program, at 1-800-434-0222 (San Diego office: 858-565-1392). Nobody there sells plans.
- Medigap in California: the birthday rule gives a yearly window to switch supplement plans.
- Away for the winter? How long a Medicare Advantage plan can keep you while you're away.
- Callers pushing a switch? Medicare scams this Open Enrollment.
PJ can sit with you for the Medicare.gov login and the paperwork. He doesn't recommend plans; HICAP does that for free. Plans start as low as $25. Text PJ.
Sources: Medicare.gov, enrollment periods and Special Enrollment Periods; California Department of Aging, HICAP. Checked October 13, 2026. More: Medicare Open Enrollment in San Diego · who gets the $90 Part B rebate.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · every 2027 Medicare plan · is my medication recalled? · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25. Your parent lives here and you don't? The Parent Check-In Plan, $25 a month.
Questions people ask
When can I change my Medicare plan?
During Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, you can join, drop or switch a Medicare Advantage or drug plan; the new plan starts January 1. If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31, lets you switch Advantage plans or go back to Original Medicare (Medicare.gov).
Can I change my Medicare plan if I move?
Yes. If you move out of your plan's service area you can switch to a new Medicare Advantage or drug plan, starting the month you move and lasting 2 full months after (Medicare.gov).
How often can I change plans with Extra Help or Medi-Cal?
Once a calendar month: switch to a different drug plan, or drop Medicare Advantage with drug coverage and go back to Original Medicare. The change starts the first of the next month (Medicare.gov).
Who gives free Medicare plan advice in San Diego?
HICAP, California's Medicare counseling program: 1-800-434-0222, or the San Diego office at 858-565-1392. It's free and nobody there sells plans.
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More free local tools: the North County toolkit.