Company vs company · San Joaquin County, CA · 2027 plan year
Kaiser Permanente vs Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare.gov compares Medicare Advantage plans with each other. This page also shows Original Medicare, so you can see the full trade-off: premiums, copays, the yearly limit, extra benefits, and the rules about doctors and approvals.
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In most states, including California, you cannot count on getting Medigap later
You can buy any Medigap plan with no health questions in the 6 months that start when you are 65 or older and have Part B. After that, a Medigap company in California can ask about your health. It can say no, or it can charge you more. So if you join a Medicare Advantage plan now, you may not be able to get Medigap later. California has a birthday rule, but it only lets people who already have Medigap switch to another Medigap plan. It does not help you get Medigap after you leave Medicare Advantage.
One exception is the trial right. If you joined Medicare Advantage when you first got Medicare at 65, or you left a Medigap plan to try Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can switch back within 12 months. Then you can buy a Medigap plan with no health questions.
Read about Medigap rights on Medicare.govYour yearly cost, side by side
Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.
Want to check your exact drugs? Medicare.gov lets you enter each drug and shows what each plan charges for it. Enter your drugs on Medicare.gov
California Department of Insurance, Medicare Supplement rate guide lists $162 to $270 a month for a 65-year-old woman who does not use tobacco. We start at the lowest price. Health questions can raise the price after your first 6 months with Part B.
Original Medicare
With Medigap Plan G at $162 a month and Wellcare Value Script (PDP)
$6,991 a year
- Premiums
- $4,524
- Medical costs
- $292
- Drugs
- $2,175
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $4,816.
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO)
HMO from Kaiser Permanente
$4,456 a year
- Premiums
- $2,862
- Medical costs
- $1,030
- Drugs
- $564
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $7,262.
Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO)
HMO from Alignment Health Plan
$3,304 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $310
- Drugs
- $480
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $6,013.
With these settings, Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO) costs about $1,152 less a year than Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO).
Tipping point for Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO): with this drug use, if your medical copays and coinsurance in this plan pass $3,565 in a year, Original Medicare with Plan G costs less. The plan caps those costs at $4,400.
Tipping point for Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO): with this drug use, the plan costs less than Original Medicare with Plan G at every level of medical care.
These are estimates, not quotes. Check every number with Medicare (Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE) and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Drug costs use typical prices for generic and brand-name drugs. Original Medicare amounts are 2027 projections from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report. CMS sets the final amounts in November.
Text us about this comparisonWhat you pay each time you get care
In-network costs for one visit or one stay. The Original Medicare amounts follow your Medigap choice above: Plan G.
Primary doctor visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO)
$0
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO)
$0
Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO)
$0 copay
Alignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO)
$0 copay
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO)
$20
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO)
$10
Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationAlignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO)
$20
Prior authorization
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO)
$0
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO)
$0
Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationAlignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO)
$0 copay
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO)
$20-$300
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO)
$0-$300
Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO)
$0 copay
Prior authorizationAlignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO)
$150
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO)
$150
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO)
$150
Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO)
$150
Alignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO)
$120
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO)
$0
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO)
$0
Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO)
$0 copay
Alignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO)
$20
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO)
$380
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO)
$250
Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO)
$100
Prior authorizationAlignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO)
$100
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO)
$350
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO)
$350
Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO)
$175
Prior authorizationAlignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO)
$250
Prior authorization
Hospital stay, 5 days
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO)
$1,900
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationKaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO)
$1,250
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAlignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO)
$500
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAlignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO)
$750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
See every cost in one table
| What you pay in network | Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO) | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO) | Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO) | Alignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $162 + drug plan $5.30 | $29 + Part B $209.50 | $96 + Part B $209.50 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $70 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $4,400 in network | $2,500 in network | $3,499 in network | $4,451 in network; $8,950 in and out of network |
| Medical deductible | $292 Part B. Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible. | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Primary doctor visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Specialist visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $20 copay | $10 copay | $0 copayPrior authorization | $20 copayPrior authorization |
| Lab tests | $0, most Medicare-covered tests | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| MRI or CT scan | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $20-$300 copay | $0-$300 copay | $0 copayPrior authorization | $150 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $20 copay | $0 copay | $0 copayPrior authorization | $15 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $150 copay | $150 copay | $150 copay | $120 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay | $20 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$380 copay | $0-$250 copay | $200 copayPrior authorization | $200 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $380 copay | $250 copay | $100 copayPrior authorization | $100 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $350 copay | $350 copay | $175 copayPrior authorization | $250 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $380 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $250 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $100 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization | $250 per day for days 1-3; $0 per day for days 4-90Prior authorization |
| Skilled nursing facility | $0, Plan G pays days 21-100 | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100 | $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100 | $20 per day for days 1-20; $100 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization | $0 per day for days 1-20; $100 per day for days 21-51; $0 per day for days 52-100Prior authorization |
| Mental health visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $20 copayPrior authorization | $20 copayPrior authorization |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$20 copayPrior authorization | $0-$10 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Home health care | $0, Medicare-covered home health | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Medical equipment | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Part B drugs | $0 after the $292 Part B deductible | $0-$47 copay, 0%-20% coinsurance | $0-$47 copay, 0%-20% coinsurance | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization | 0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization |
| Drug deductible (Part D) | $700 with Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Drug tiers (one month, retail) | Generic: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 25% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 40% coinsuranceInjectable Drugs: 15% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $11 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: $47 copayNon-Preferred Drug: $100 copaySpecialty Tier: 31% coinsuranceVaccines: $0 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: $47 copayNon-Preferred Drug: $100 copaySpecialty Tier: 32% coinsuranceVaccines: $0 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $3 copayPreferred Brand: $40 copayNon-Preferred Drug: 40% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 33% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $5 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $5 copayPreferred Brand: $40 copayNon-Preferred Drug: 32% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 33% coinsuranceSelect Care Drugs: $5 copay |
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A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch
With Original Medicare, you buy a separate drug plan. In California, 10 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $5.30 to $252.60 a month. Half of them cost $150.55 a month or less.
- Every 2027 drug plan limits what you pay for covered drugs to $2,400 a year. The drug coverage in Medicare Advantage plans has the same limit.
- The premium is one part of your yearly cost. The calculator above adds premiums, medical costs, and drug costs, so you can see the whole year.
- A Medicare Advantage plan can cost less in a light year. But you also take on its network and prior authorization rules, and you may not be able to get Medigap later.
- If your income is limited, Extra Help can pay most of your drug plan premium and drug costs. Check Extra Help at SSA.gov
The two companies in San Joaquin County
Kaiser Permanente
- 2 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 0 with a $0 premium; 0 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $2,500 to $4,400
- Star ratings 4.5 to 4.5
- Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO) · $29 a month · limit $4,400
- Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO) · $96 a month · limit $2,500
Alignment Health Plan
- 6 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 2 with a $0 premium; 0 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $2,850 to $9,850
- Star ratings 3.5 to 4.5
- Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $3,499
- Alignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO) · $70 a month · limit $4,451
- Alignment Health Balance 006 (PPO) · $93 a month · limit $2,850
- Alignment Health Platinum 059 (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $4,000
- Alignment Health Honor Plus 060 (HMO) · $7.30 a month · limit $9,850
- Alignment Health Balance Plus 004 (PPO) · $7.30 a month · limit $9,850
Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization
Cost is one side. The other side is how you get care. These rules come from the CMS plan files. Prior authorization means the plan must approve a service before you get it.
Original Medicare
- Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare
- No referrals
- Prior authorization only for a short list of services
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO)
HMO
- You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 6 services
Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO)
HMO
- You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 6 services
Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay
Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO)
HMO
- You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 24 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Alignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO)
PPO
- The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
- You need a referral to see a specialist.
Prior authorization for 24 services
Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs
Extra benefits
| Extra benefit | Original Medicare | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO) | Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO) | Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO) | Alignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Preventive only | Preventive only | Comprehensive, up to $300 a year | Comprehensive, up to $1,000 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | No | No | Yes, $400 allowance | Yes, $150 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | No | No | Yes, copays from $195 | No |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | Yes, limited | Yes, limited | $1,080 a year | No |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rides to care | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Emergency care abroad | Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | No | No | No |
What changed for 2027
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H0524-043-0
- Monthly premium up from $24 to $29
- Specialist visit: $15 copay to $20 copay
- Emergency care: $130 copay to $150 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$275 copay to $20-$300 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$160 copay to $0-$380 copay
- Ground ambulance: $300 copay to $350 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $210 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $380 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $100 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Rides to care added
- Fitness benefit added
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H0524-042-0
- Monthly premium up from $89 to $96
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$275 copay to $0-$300 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$140 copay to $0-$250 copay
- Ground ambulance: $300 copay to $350 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $195 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $250 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $100 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
- Rides to care added
- Fitness benefit added
Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H3815-050-0
- Emergency care: $85 copay to $150 copay
- Yearly OTC allowance down from $1,200 to $1,080
- Overall star rating down from 4 to 3.5
Alignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO)
Consolidated Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H8832-001-0
- Monthly premium up from $45 to $70
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $4,201 to $4,451
- Emergency care: $90 copay to $120 copay
- OTC allowance removed
More 2027 plans in San Joaquin County
- Imperial Dynamic Plan (HMO), H5496-012 (page for Los Angeles County, CA)
- SCAN Classic (HMO), H5425-128 (page for Sacramento County, CA)
- Humana Community (HMO), H5619-159
- Wellcare Simple (HMO), H5087-035
- Blue Shield Inspire (HMO), H0504-047 (page for Santa Clara County, CA)
- Sutter Senior Advantage, a SCAN Medicare Plan (HMO), H5425-127
- Humana Gold Plus H5619-026 (HMO)
- Imperial Courage Plan (HMO), H5496-016 (page for Los Angeles County, CA)
County guide: 2027 plans in San Joaquin CountyState guide: California
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Sources and method
Plan data comes from the CMS 2027 Plan Benefit Package and landscape files. The data is from 2026-10-10. We checked a sample of plans field by field against Medicare.gov. Original Medicare amounts are the 2027 projections in the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report (Tables V.E1 and V.E2). CMS sets the final amounts in November. Medigap prices come from California Department of Insurance, Medicare Supplement rate guide, pulled 2026-10-13. They are for ZIP 95304. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Basic SnJoaq (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Enhanced SnJoaq (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Alignment Health Advantage 001 (PPO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Medigap prices: California Department of Insurance, Medicare Supplement rate guide
- CMS Plan Benefit Package files, 2027
- CMS 2027 landscape files (premiums and limits)
- CMS 2027 plan crosswalk
- CMS 2027 Star Ratings
- 2026 Medicare Trustees Report: projected 2027 Part A and Part B amounts (Tables V.E1 and V.E2)
- CMS 2026 Part A and Part B amounts
- Medicare.gov: Medigap guaranteed issue rights
These are estimates, not quotes, and they are for education only. Check every number with Medicare and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Plans can change their benefits, premiums, drug lists, and networks each year.
Pinnie is not an insurance agent or broker and does not sell Medicare plans. Pinnie is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For all your options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048.