Aging Well FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART
Inside:
Gardening: A Proven Form of Stress Relief and Low-Impact Exercise + Addressing Fatigue Fall Aging Well
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Welcome to Fall Aging Well!
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s autumn arrives along the South Orange County coast, golden afternoons and crisp ocean air offer the perfect backdrop to refresh daily routines and cultivate physical vitality. Across San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and San Clemente, aging well is about far more than managing health — it is about thriving with purpose, energy and meaningful community connections. Welcome to our Fall Aging Well special section, curated to empower local older adults to live fully and vibrantly in every season. This edition highlights practical wellness tools and local resources tailored to coastal living. Expert dietary insights reveal how key nutrients — like vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D — can combat fatigue and restore daily energy levels. We showcase South County’s exceptional culinary scene, from farmto-table kitchens and organic cafes to cold-pressed juice bars serving nutrient-dense autumn meals.
For physical activity, explore how fall gardening serves as a gentle form of exercise, joint mobility support and stress relief, or learn how personalized, athome training programs bring certified fitness instructors directly to your living room or local park. Community connection remains the heart of coastal life. The San Juan Capistrano Senior Center, Dana Point Senior Center and Dorothy Visser Senior Center in San Clemente serve as welcoming hubs offering fitness classes, educational workshops and warm, shared meals. Furthermore, with Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment period running from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, our comprehensive coverage guide breaks down essential plan changes, new 2026 prescription drug cost caps and critical enrollment deadlines. Whether you are starting a backyard garden, enjoying a nutrient-packed meal with neighbors or optimizing your health coverage, this special section serves as your essential roadmap to aging with strength, connection and joy.
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Demystifying Coverage: A Comprehensive Guide to Medicare By Picket Fence Media
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arly October is the most critical window for adjusting health insurance and signing up for Medicare. Navigating this massive federal program does not have to be an intimidating chore if beneficiaries take time to understand its fundamental structure. At its core, Medicare is the national health insurance program designed for Americans 65 and older, alongside younger individuals living with specific qualifying disabilities. Rather than functioning as a single, uniform policy, the system is purposefully divided into distinct parts that address different categories of medical care. The foundation of this system is Original Medicare, which is administered directly by the federal government and split into Part A and Part B. Part A functions as hospital insurance, covering the heavy financial burdens of inpatient care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and limited home healthcare. Because individuals pay into this system through payroll taxes during their working years, the vast majority receive Part A without
paying a monthly premium. Part B acts as everyday medical insurance, stepping in to cover routine doctor visits, vital preventive care, outpatient services and necessary medical equipment. Standard Part B coverage requires a monthly premium of $202.90 alongside an annual deductible of $283. It typically covers 80% of approved costs, leaving the beneficiary responsible for the remaining 20% out of pocket. Because Original Medicare does not include a ceiling on out-of-pocket medical costs and entirely lacks pharmacy coverage, beneficiaries must thoughtfully explore additional options to protect their finances. Part D consists of standalone prescription drug plans offered by private insurers. Thanks to transformative legislative shifts fully realized for the 2026 plan year, enrollees now benefit from a strict $2,100 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, alongside newly negotiated lower prices for 10 highly prescribed medications. Alternatively, beneficiaries can select Part C, universally known as
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Those already enrolled in an Advantage plan possess a secondary safety valve between Jan. 1 and March 31, allowing a one-time change to a different Advantage policy or a return to Original Medicare. For individuals approaching their 65th birthday this year, the enrollment timeline is highly personalized and demands careful attention. The Initial Enrollment Period is a unique 7-month window spanning the three months before a birthday month, the month an individual turns 65 and the three months immediately following. Missing this initial window without possessing equivalent employer coverage triggers steep, lifelong late enrollment penalties that permanently inflate future premiums. Ultimately, the most crucial action to take right now is meticulously reviewing the Annual Notice of Change documents mailed by current insurers, ensuring preferred doctors and essential medications remain affordably covered in the year ahead.
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Addressing Fatigue — and How to Improve Energy By Mia Smitt
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any people complain of being tired these days, but feeling lethargic and drained goes beyond occasionally having busy days. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 13.5% of adults in the United States said they felt “very tired” or “exhausted” most days or every day. There are many causes of fatigue. Lina Begdache, a registered dietitian and associate professor at Binghamton University (part of the State University of New York), has conducted research showing that diet and lifestyle play a major role in energy levels. She found that deficits of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D were associated with low energy levels. Also known as cobalamin, B12 is needed for building red blood cells, preserving nerve function, supporting cell metabolism and producing DNA — the molecules that carry our genetic information. We need to take in B12 through food. Poultry, red meat, fish and dairy prod-
ucts are the most common food sources. It is also added to some foods, such as cereals and milk. Over-the-counter supplements are widely available, while injections and nasal sprays are available by prescription. Several journals have published studies showing that up to 20% of adults in the United States may have a vitamin B12 deficiency. This is most prevalent in adults older than 60, pregnant and breastfeeding women, vegans and vegetarians, people with gastrointestinal illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease or those who have undergone bariatric surgery, and individuals with alcohol use disorder. Certain medications can interfere with absorption, including proton pump inhibitors such as Prevacid and Prilosec, metformin, colchicine and vitamin C. Low vitamin B12 can lead to anemia and fatigue. Left untreated, B12 deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, nerve damage, anemia, fatigue and mood disorders, though severe cases are rare. The recommend-
ed daily intake of vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms. Most people can get this through their daily diet, but those on a vegetarian diet may need to take a multivitamin with B12. For those with a diagnosed deficiency, a higher dose may be needed. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, so if you take too much, you will urinate most of the excess away. However, high doses can cause headaches, nausea, diarrhea, weakness and, paradoxically, tingling in the hands and feet and fatigue — which are also symptoms of suboptimal B12 levels. Most of us do not meet the dietary recommendations for omega-3 fatty acid intake. An estimated 87% of adults ages 40 to 59 and 80% of people 60 and older do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diets. When we are low in this nutrient, our brain health can be compromised. Impaired cognitive functioning, anxiety and depression can result, leading to severe fatigue. Dietary sources are best, and omega-3s can be found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring. Flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans and chia seeds are also rich in omega-3s. Supplements such as cod liver oil and omega-3 capsules can be found in any drug or grocery store. The recommended daily allowance for omega-3s is 1.1 grams for adult women and 1.6 grams for men. But you can overdose on a good thing, including omega-3 fatty acids. Too much can increase blood sugar, cause bleeding through blood thinning (which, in extreme cases, can lead to a stroke), lower blood pressure, or cause diarrhea and acid reflux symptoms. Some supplements include high levels of vitamin A. This is a fat-soluble vitamin, so the body does not urinate away the excess. Carefully read labels. Just 1 tablespoon of cod liver oil provides 453% of the daily recommended requirement for vitamin A. Toxicity symptoms include dizziness, nausea and joint pain; they appear after prolonged high doses. Nutrient levels can be determined through blood tests. According to a January 2011 study in Nutrition Research, more than 40% of adults in the U.S. are deficient in vitamin D. Bone pain, muscle weakness, cognitive decline and mood disorders can accompany fatigue when levels are very low. Several studies have shown an associ-
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Fall Aging Well
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Mia Smitt
ation between vitamin D deficiency and fatigue. The exact mechanism is not yet known, but since vitamin D is necessary for bone health and immune functioning, a deficiency can affect muscle strength and immunity, possibly causing excessive tiredness. Anecdotal reports from patients show increased energy with vitamin D intake. Our bodies synthesize vitamin D from sunlight exposure, but as we age, our ability to do so becomes limited. Also, increased awareness of skin cancer means people are far more diligent about using sunscreen, which limits the body’s ability to produce vitamin D from the sun. Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon and sardines, freshwater trout, eggs and fortified dairy products. The recommended daily intake for adults younger than 70 is 600 international units (IU) and 800 IU for people older than 70. Vitamin D is also a fat-soluble vitamin, so taking too much can be harmful. Early symptoms of toxicity can include a loss of appetite, nausea and weakness leading to fatigue. Calcium deposits in blood vessels, lungs and kidneys can cause severe illness. There is debate in the medical community regarding vitamin D, but knowing your blood level and acting accordingly is always prudent. If you suffer from fatigue, it is important to see your health care provider for an exam and testing to determine possible causes.
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Local Healthy Restaurants
ourish your active lifestyle with South Orange County’s best health-focused eateries. From farm-fresh ingredients to coldpressed juices, these local spots deliver nutrient-dense meals designed to support immunity and seasonal vitality. CAMPESINO CAFE Located at The Ecology Center, this farmto-table eatery uses daily-harvested organic ingredients rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and joint-supporting nutrients for optimal seasonal health. 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949-443-4223 theecologycenter.org ACTIVE CULTURE A health-centric coastal staple serving organic whole-food grain bowls, fermented toppings and nutrient-dense smoothies packed with fall produce to strengthen immunity and reduce inflammation. 218 S El Camino Real, San Clemente 949-276-2242 activeculturecafe.com VIBE ORGANIC KITCHEN & JUICE Offering 100% plant-based, gluten-free and organic meals, this vibrant café serves collagen-boosting bowls, cold-pressed juices and mushroom adaptogens designed to support joint function and immunity. 34255 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 105, Dana Point 949-259-5514 eatdrinkvibe.com NOM Founded by a Michelin-trained chef, this seed-oil-free destination builds clean, customizable grain and salad bowls loaded with lean proteins and colorful seasonal vegetables for optimal vitality. 31856 Paseo Adelanto, Suite 109, San Juan Capistrano 949-289-9883 nom.cafe
Fall Aging Well
WEST TOAST CAFE West Toast Cafe at T-Street offers organic, locally sourced avocado toasts, nutrient-rich smoothie bowls and anti-inflammatory golden milk lattes crafted to fuel active coastal lifestyles. 339 W Paseo De Cristobal, San Clemente 949-779-5237 westtoastcafe.com TREVOR’S AT THE TRACKS Celebrating local agriculture, Trevor’s serves garden-to-table dishes packed with immunity-boosting herbs, local vegetables and wild-caught fish in a vibrant historic train station setting. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano 949-493-9593 trevorsatthetracks.com ORGANIC TREE JUICE BAR & CAFE This harbor-side cafe specializes in raw, organic cold-pressed juices, immunity-boosting turmeric shots and nutrient-dense acai bowls that help reduce oxidative stress and joint stiffness. 24901 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Suite 120, Dana Point 949-276-7202 organictreejuicebar.com THE RAMOS HOUSE CAFE Located in historic Los Rios, this scratch kitchen features seasonal fall produce, heritage grains and nutrient-rich housemade broths that nourish immunity and warm up autumn dining. 31752 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano 949-443-1342 ramoshouse.com COASTAL KITCHEN Serving clean, scratch-made coastal classics, Coastal Kitchen offers wild-caught seafood, nutrient-rich seasonal vegetable sides and antioxidant-filled salads designed to keep older adults feeling their best. 34091 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point 949-449-2822 coastalkitchendanapoint.com
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Gardening: A Proven Form of Stress Relief and Low-Impact Exercise By Alicia Venter
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simple solution to reducing stress and anxiety, improving joint health and getting low-impact exercise can be found right in the backyard: gardening. Thanks to a slew of native plant options, near-constant sun and local resources, South Orange County is a perfect place for older adults wanting to find their green thumb after retirement. Gardening is a low-stress hobby proven to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The digging, planting and weeding that gardening requires engage multiple muscle groups, helping older adults meet aerobic activity levels while improving stamina and strength. Furthermore, the needed bending, stretching and reaching can support joint mobility and balance, helping reduce the risk of falls. A 2022 article, “Gardening activity and its relationship to mental health: Understudied and untapped in lowand middle-income countries,” written by researchers at Kabale University, described how wealthy countries like the United States have tapped into the mental health benefits that come from gardening. The researchers cited a study in which 6,813 individuals were examined, and 65% endorsed gardening as their most popular leisure-time activity. Notably, the article described a separate study involving 433 older adults showing that more than half experienced high levels of leisure relaxation as well as psychological and physiological well-being from gardening. “Clinicians and other health care providers should encourage their patients to have small gardens in their yards or homesteads [and] create green space with trees and flowers around their homes,” the article said. “Gardens and green spaces should be planted around the hospitals and other medical centers.” Similarly, in an article published by Mayo Clinic Health System, nurse practitioner and avid gardener Lisa Wimmer highlights how gardening serves as much more than just a hobby for growing food — it’s a comprehensive tool for enhancing physical, mental and emotional health. Weeding involves squats and lunges, while carrying mulch and digging work large muscle groups, for example. Plus, simply being outside forces gardeners to breathe deeper, clearing out lungs and increasing oxygen levels, while sun-
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light naturally lowers blood pressure and boosts vitamin D. It can also foster social ties, helping lower stress and creating lasting friendships. “The gardening community is rich with people willing to share their expertise, time and occasionally plants with new gardeners,” Wimmer said. “Master gardeners are local volunteers dedicated to educating and empowering fellow gardeners. Community garden plots bring together people with diverse backgrounds to work on a common goal. Many gardening friendships begin over celebrating a success or bemoaning a gardening misstep.” Also, gardeners reap what they sow, literally. People who garden are more likely to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in vegetables, Wimmer said. Notably, stressful elements can arise while gardening if a project becomes larger or more complex. Certain moves can turn it into a source of stress, frustration or physical strain. When starting a garden at home, start small and with low-effort plants. The county’s Mediterranean climate is ideal for native and drought-tolerant plants. Selecting species native to coastal ecosystems ensures low water usage, minimal maintenance and strong attraction for native pollinators. Cherry varieties like ‘Sun Gold’ produce continuously from June through November, for example, while coastal air and sunlight make strawberries a great addition to a garden, especially when planted in the fall or early spring. The University of California Master Gardeners of Orange County recommend beginning to plant during late fall through winter, from November to February, to allow root systems to establish with natural winter rains, as native plants prefer native soil without rich compost or organic soil amendments. Furthermore, most California natives need minimal water once they are established and can be overwatered. “With California natives, less really is more,” the master gardeners explain on their website. “A little planning goes a long way toward creating a vibrant, resilient garden that thrives year after year — with minimal input and maximum beauty. Let your garden work in harmony with nature.” Local Resources South Orange County hosts a variety of resources for aspiring gardeners. See GARDENING on page 9
GARDENING from page 8 Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente features more than 2.5 acres of coastal native and water-wise gardens, and often hosts public garden workshops and outdoor yoga that utilize its spaces for sensory grounding and relaxation. Meanwhile, the Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano is dedicated to eco-literacy and wellness, offering hands-on farm tours and community gardening workshops. Local organizations also support gardeners. Founded in 2014 in San Juan Capistrano, Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens is a nonprofit organization that leverages nature and gardening to support mental health, education and community wellness. Led by a master gardener, the organization serves all ages, with a specialized focus on youth, seniors and individuals with disabilities, hosting free nature-based programs, pollinator conservation efforts and vocational training at Los Rios Park. The San Clemente Garden Club operates a dedicated Garden Therapy program where members or-
ganize hands-on plant activities, garden visits and gardening workshops for local senior living facilities, youth groups and community organizations. For those seeking formal, clinical horticultural therapy, California Care Recovery’s Mission Viejo facility integrates evidence-backed, therapist-guided gardening into its residential mental health and recovery programs. In Dana Point, residents can participate in hands-on gardening at the Harry Otsubo Community Gardens located on Stonehill Drive. Featuring nearly 80 individual plots ranging from 10 by 10 to 20 by 20 feet, this municipal space allows locals to grow organic vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers in a shared coastal setting. Just next door, San Juan Capistrano hosts the San Juan Capistrano Community Garden on Via Positiva near its Community Center and Sports Park, offering dedicated plots where residents can cultivate fresh produce and connect with fellow local gardeners.
Local Knowledge
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
‘Join the Movement’
Volunteer-run the Village helps residents stay connected By Jessica Reiter-Flax Executive Director San Clemente Village Did you know that over 40% of the residents in San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano are over the age of 50? The state of California is on pace for over 30% of the population to be over 50 by 2030, and the trend continues nationally, as Baby Boomers outpace any other generation. As we age, maintaining an active, independent lifestyle while remaining at home becomes more important than ever. However, as we age
our mobility and pace of life also changes and it becomes crucial that we depend on others for support. San Clemente Village (the Village) was founded with our older residents in mind. We are a non-profit, membership organization that provides non-medical services to residents 55+. Practical services such as transportation, grocery shopping, errands, help around the house, pet assistance, socialization and more! Our mission: Bring together local residents, 55+, to enjoy an active, connected, and independent lifestyle. The Village was founded by local residents and City Council members in 2014, becoming
a 501c3 non-profit organization in 2015, and began service delivery in 2016. We are a 100% Volunteer driven organization, meaning that ALL of our services are provided by well-vetted Volunteers. Our average volunteer age is 65, with our average member age at 87. Truly an organization of ‘Neighbors helping Neighbors’. Our Volunteers will provide a record amount of services and connections this year, surpassing 4,000, equating to over 8,000 volunteer hours. Our #1 service requested is transportation, with socialization being a close 2nd. With loneliness and isolation becoming an epidemic, especially
among older adults, the Village aims to provide meaningful social interactions and friendly visits, to help our members thrive mentally and maintain connection within the community. We certainly can’t do this alone, it takes a village! We welcome anyone that’s interested in joining us to volunteer, become a member, or partner with us to continue to serve the older residents of San Clemente, Dana Point, SJC and eventually….beyond!
To join the movement, please contact: Jessica Reiter-Flax Executive Director 949-441-1348 JessicaR@scvillage.org
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Rare Sol trainers will meet their clients at their homes as well as in public parks for workout sessions. Photo: Courtesy of Rare Sol Fitness
Personalized Fitness Offerings from the Comfort of Home By Alicia Venter
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stablishing a fitness routine is not an easy task, especially for those who do not have the tools or equipment at home. It may instead appear that their only option is joining a gym, a space intimidating for many, especially older adults. Now, there is an alternative for residents across Orange County — Rare Sol Fitness, a company whose team provides at-home personal training lessons catered to their clients’ needs. Rare Sol expanded its fitness offerings to various parts of Orange County last year. Founded and grown in Santa Barbara, this is the company’s first expansion. “A lot of people are getting into fitness now, but they don’t know where to start,” Rare Sol Fitness co-founder Owen Troy said. “If they went to a big gym, they would not know what to do. It can be intimidating for some people, and they just do not really know where to start. We help people in that position.” Rare Sol Fitness offers an alternative path in the fitness journey. Emphasizing convenience, privacy and accessibility, the recently founded organization caters to people of all ages and fitness levels. Now, trainers can come directly to the homes of residents, as well as nearby Fall Aging Well
parks they are comfortable in, for a personalized fitness experience. “Most of our clients have the trainers come straight to them, but some do prefer going to the beach, a park or different locations that we will take a look at and confirm that they would kind of fit with the business,” Troy said. “The whole model is about making fitness fit your life as a client.” Troy started Rare Sol Fitness alongside his former college roommate and childhood friend, Justin Maddox. Growing up playing sports, he spent countless hours in the gym, especially from eighth grade onward. Fitness has always been a key part of their lives, and the duo has always held a passion for creating an easy pathway for others searching for the same. However, when gyms were closed during Summer 2020, he discovered the benefits of exercising in comfortable surroundings. Together, they launched Rare Sol Fitness in 2024, with the mission of bringing the gym directly to their client, taking a holistic approach to fitness. “We found that the business has done pretty well in Santa Barbara and OC kind of feels like the natural expansion from here,” Troy said. “It is very similar demographics, people that like to be fit. They
enjoy the outdoors. They like a nice custom experience for them.” Most of Rare Sol’s clients are individuals over 50 years old wanting to stay healthy and confident while avoiding the crowds and pressures found within a gym. All its trainers are National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified, Troy said. They are experienced in developing personalized plans for people of all ages. Rare Sol Fitness provides all the equipment necessary for a training session. “There’s a lot of benefits from not having to go to the gym,” Troy said. “There’s no more getting sick. There’s full privacy, personalized attention. There is a nice blend of convenience and accountability as well when you have a trainer come straight to you.” Among the trainers serving Orange County is Alexis Kroutilin. A personal trainer for 15 years in the area, Kroutilin’s training style focuses on safely and effectively incorporating weightlifting into a workout plan, creating healthier lifestyles and promoting a supportive fitness environment without pressure. “Our trainers are very adaptable, and we make sure that we get people who can serve anyone that comes in,” Troy said. “We match up our clients with the
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trainer that is best suited to their needs.” Furthermore, Troy said, Rare Sol helps the trainers as well. Oftentimes, trainers work second jobs or are not employed full time. “When trainers are looking for more work, we offer that service for them, and they’re able to do what they like to do, and get paid at a much higher rate than they would be if they were doing something like DoorDash or Uber Eats,” Troy said. A single one-off personal training class costs $130. A three-class package is $329.99, and a six-class package is $569.99. The latter is $240 in savings and includes priority for bookings, as well as a personalized 10-class plan designed by one of Rare Sol’s experts. Appointments are booked online at raresolfit.com/orange-county. From there, individuals can choose what training option they would prefer, from oneon-one private training to private small group training with friends or family. Rare Sol Fitness also creates fitness plans for recent mothers, using science-backed techniques for postpartum results. This story first appeared in a sister company to Picket Fence Media, part of Times Media Group.
Local Senior Centers Helping Older Adults Stay Connected
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taying active, connected and healthy remains a top priority for South Orange County’s older adults. Autumn is an ideal time to recharge a routine — whether that means exploring new movement classes, tapping into local wellness resources or simply enjoying a warm meal alongside good neighbors. The local senior centers in Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente offer an inviting space to cultivate physical vitality, build meaningful community connections and access trusted guidance. San Juan Capistrano Senior Center Integrated within the San Juan Capistrano Community Center complex, this facility serves as a vibrant social and wellness hub for local older adults. Operating in close partnership with Age Well Senior Services, the center hosts hot weekday lunches at its Lunch Café alongside essential home-delivered meal programs. Visitors can take advantage of a wide variety of activities, including low-impact fitness classes, free legal assistance and specialized workshops — such as vision enrichment programs offered through the Braille Institute.
25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano 949-493-5911 sanjuancapistrano.org Dorothy Visser Senior Center (San Clemente) Situated in the heart of downtown San Clemente on Avenida Victoria, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center is a bustling focal point for South Orange County seniors. Managed by Age Well, the center delivers a full schedule of dynamic programming — from strength and balance movement classes to line dancing, yoga and art sessions. Visitors gather weekly for bingo, bridge, mahjong and specialized support groups, including caregiver chats and veterans’ socials. The center partners with Hoag Community Nurse Navigators to provide free, one-on-one health consultations and care planning. 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente 949-498-3322 agewellseniorservices.org/senior-centers/dorothy-visser-san-clemente Dana Point Senior Center Housed within the Dana Point Community Center on Del Obispo Street, this center offers a friendly, active setting designed to keep local residents healthy
and connected. The facility features Age Well’s weekday lunch program, Meals on Wheels coordination, health insurance counseling (HICAP) and a monthly community food pantry. Additionally, the City of Dana Point sponsors active lifestyle perks at the cen-
ter’s Garden Café — including free morning coffee and pastries. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point 949-496-4252 danapoint.org
This Annual Enrollment Period is unprecedented for many reasons. Multiple plans are leaving the Medicare Advantage plan program for various reasons. It’s your responsibility to make sure you’re aware of what is happening to your plan for next year. This pertains only to Medicare Prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans such as HMO’s and PPO’s. If you don’t pay attention you may find yourself without a plan for the new year. When a plan exits for the next plan year you have until 12/31 (not 12/7 as with the deadline for the annual enrollment period) to enroll in a new plan for the upcoming year that will have a January 1st effective date, meaning no lapse in coverage for you. Regarding Medicare Advantage plans that are ending for 2027. If you’re on an HMO that is ending, the solution is straightforward. What is your current medical group and what insurance companies have a contract with them (and hopefully for years to come) Once that’s established, what plan offers the best benefits. I’m talking about the premium, co-pays, and the out-of-pocket maximums. For those of you on Medicare Advantage PPO’s, all of your doctors most likely won’t line up in one network so you have decisions to make. To maintain all of your doctors and continue living a “no-referral” life means the added expense of a Medicare Supplement plan and a Medicare Prescription drug plan. Your acceptance is guaranteed because you’re losing your current plan next year. The biggest take-away that I can give you for making sure you don’t end up
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without coverage next year is to read your annual notice of change and don’t try to maneuver finding a new plan without the help of a licensed Medicare insurance broker that specializes in Orange County plans. Medicare Advantage plans vary by county. In my agency I have 3 very well qualified licensed Medicare Insurance brokers that specialize in Orange County. We are all located in the same building in 3 offices in San Juan Capistrano. Some of my brokers also will come to you if you’re no longer able or comfortable driving. I do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently I represent 5 organizations which offer 36 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1 800 MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.
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