California Health Advocates

11/20/2025

Now more than ever, we need to come together and support each other. The good we, you and others are doing in the world is important and matters. Through giving - of our love, presence, time, passion, commitment, joy, expertise and funds - we can help create a better world!

Thanks for doing your part to make our world a better place!

And thanks for supporting our work at California Health Advocates! Your gift helps us defend and strengthen Medicare which helps Californians Age with Dignity and Joy.
https://cahealthadvocates.org/donate/

11/19/2025

⚠️ Alert! The Social Security OIG is alerting the public about a new government imposter scam.
People are receiving emails claiming their Social Security number will be suspended within 24 hours due to “criminal activity.” The email even includes a fake “official” letter with scary charges to pressure you into calling a fake number.

👉 This is a SCAM‼️
SSA OIG will never send letters like this or threaten arrest, suspension, or prosecution.

Protect Yourself:
• Don’t click, open attachments, or call the number
• Pause and think “scam first”
• Report Social Security scams at ssa.gov/scam
• Get more tips from the Federal Trade Commission

Stay safe and please share this information.

Read the alert for more information: https://cahealthadvocates.org/unexpected-letter-text-or-email-from-the-social-security-administration-office-of-inspector-general-its-a-scam/

11/18/2025

🌾 It's Native American Heritage Month! Join us in celebrating the strength and resilience of Native peoples — the first healers, storytellers, and caretakers of this land — and their invaluable contributions to us all!!

California Health Advocates is proud to stand alongside Native communities in promoting access to quality Medicare education, advocacy, and care for all elders.

11/18/2025

Medicare’s Open Enrollment is here — and so are the endless calls from Medicare Advantage plans 😩📞.

But you don’t have to put up with it.

✔️ Add your number to the Do Not Call Registry
✔️ Block repeat callers and report violations
✔️ Know what insurance agents can’t do — like call without permission, visit your home uninvited, cross-sell other products, or imply they’re calling from Medicare

You deserve peace and accurate information. Learn how to protect yourself and stop the unwanted calls in our latest blog:
https://cahealthadvocates.org/are-you-receiving-unwanted-calls-from-medicare-advantage-plans-tips-to-stop-the-onslaught/

👉 If you suspect a violation, report it to California Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 1-855-613-7080.

11/14/2025

With the longest federal government shutdown in history (43 days), nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) did not receive their benefits this month. This is the first time in the program’s 61-year history that SNAP benefits have been fully halted.

While the government is now re-opening, it will take time for things like SNAP to get up and running again. Therefore, enrolling in programs like the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS or “Extra Help”) or Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) could help Medicare beneficiaries make ends meet. We encourage people to contact their local Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) at 1-800-434-0222 to check if they are eligible for an MSP.

https://www.medicarerights.org/medicare-watch/2025/11/04/snap-at-risk-impacts-for-medicare-beneficiaries

11/14/2025

Yay! From all of us at California Health Advocates -- Let's celebrate! It's World Kindness Day! Kindness nurtures all of Life! 🥰🥳😍

11/11/2025

11/10/2025

Due to the government shutdown, we're still awaiting the release of all of Medicare's 2026 cost sharing amounts.

This article goes over some of the cost increases we do currently know for 2026 and some projected costs.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medicare-costs-3-key-changes-in-2026

11/08/2025

On November 1, as the federal government shutdown entered its second month, the nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) did not receive their benefits for the month. This is the first time in the program’s 61-year history that SNAP benefits have been fully halted.

Enrolling in programs like the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS or “Extra Help”) or Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) could help Medicare beneficiaries make ends meet. With SNAP funding in question for millions of people, among them many Medicare beneficiaries, we encourage people to contact their local Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) at 1-800-434-0222 to check if they are eligible for an MSP.

https://www.medicarerights.org/medicare-watch/2025/11/04/snap-at-risk-impacts-for-medicare-beneficiaries

11/07/2025

Open Enrollment is in full swing! Before you change your Medicare plan, know your rights and the red flags 🚫.
✅ Medicare never calls or visits you uninvited - if someone does, claiming to be from "Medicare", it's a scam!
✅ Don’t share personal info - never give your Medicare or Social Security number to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
✅ Take your time to compare and confirm coverage details - if you feel pressured, hang up!
✅ Get help from trusted sources. Contact your local Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) at 1-800-434-0222 for free, unbiased Medicare counseling.
Get more tips to protect yourself ➡️ https://cahealthadvocates.org/stay-smart-and-safe.../

11/06/2025

Dental, and vision, and hearing, oh my! Medicare Advantage Plans may try to tempt you with a variety of supplemental benefits—or things that Original Medicare can’t cover. These supplemental benefits can be extremely helpful, or they can end up being disappointing and misleading. Read this blog to learn what to look for when considering supplemental benefits and when to be cautious.

Dental and vision and hearing, oh my! Medicare Advantage Plans may try to tempt you with a variety of supplemental benefits—or things that Original Medicare can’t cover. These supplemental benefits can be extremely helpful, or they can end up being disappointing and misleading. Read this blog to...