Medicare

Medicare.gov is the official Medicare website. The site offers numerous resources including a comprehensive FAQ section and information on finding Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D plans.

For general information or to order Medicare booklets, call 1-800-MEDICARE (ph: 1-800-633-4227; TTY: 877-486-2048). The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Medicare and You 2011 is the official government handbook on Medicare. The manual provides information on benefits, costs, services, health plans, and prescription drug plans.

The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services has a helpful pamphlet on the interaction between Medicare and private health coverage, called "Medicare and Other Health Benefits: Your Guide to Who Pays First."

Most people with disabilities get Medicare coverage through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) benefits. After receiving SSDI or CDB payments for 24 months, you will automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare. You do not need to apply separately. You should get notice of your pending enrollment in Original Medicare during your 20th month of SSDI payments.

Medi-Cal

To apply for Medi-Cal go to your county welfare office. You may also apply online. Click here for more information. Those who already have Medi-Cal and would like to enroll in the Medi-Cal Working Disabled Program should contact their Medi-Cal eligibility worker.

Employer-Sponsored Health Care Coverage

Employers allow you to sign up for employer-sponsored health care coverage during specific time periods. These periods may be called by different names, such as initial enrollment, open enrollment, or open season. You will have a chance to sign up during the initial enrollment period, and you will also have a chance to enroll later. Talk to your company's human resources office to learn more.

To find a benefits planner near you, use DB101's Benefits Planners Directory.

Goodwill Industries services range from personal evaluation and office skills training to career counseling, childcare, and transportation. Some of these centers conduct Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach for Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries related to work activity.

Find locations at http://www.goodwill.org, or by calling (voice) 1-800-664-6577.

The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers lists 29 centers serving individuals with all disabilities. Many of these centers conduct Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach for Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries related to work activity. Most independent living centers can refer callers to local benefit program information if they do not have these services.

Find the list of independent living centers at http://www.cfilc.org, or by calling (voice) 916-325-1690 or (TTY) 916-325-1695.

The AIDS Hotline database contains 1,300 organizations providing HIV/AIDS services throughout California. Some of these organizations offer case management, benefits planning, and benefits counseling services that can include assistance with public and private benefits programs.

Find the list of AIDS organizations at http://www.aidshotline.org, or by calling (voice) 1-800-367-AIDS (2437) or (TTY) 1-888-225-AIDS (2437).

Disability Rights California provides representation for consumers of public programs who are disabled. Website publications include topics on health care, benefit programs, and In Home Supportive Services.