Company vs company · San Bernardino County, CA · 2027 plan year
Kaiser Permanente vs UnitedHealthcare 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 $175 to $321 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 $175 a month and Wellcare Value Script (PDP)
$7,143 a year
- Premiums
- $4,676
- Medical costs
- $292
- Drugs
- $2,175
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $4,968.
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO)
HMO from Kaiser Permanente
$3,803 a year
- Premiums
- $2,514
- Medical costs
- $725
- Drugs
- $564
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $5,014.
AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC CA-32P (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS from UnitedHealthcare
$4,324 a year
- Premiums
- $2,034
- Medical costs
- $540
- Drugs
- $1,750
Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $3,033.
With these settings, Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO) costs about $521 less a year than AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC CA-32P (HMO-POS).
Tipping point for Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO): with this drug use, the plan costs less than Original Medicare with Plan G at every level of medical care.
Tipping point for AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC CA-32P (HMO-POS): 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 Inland Empire (HMO)
$0
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS)
$0
Specialist visit
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO)
$0
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO)
$15
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorization
Lab tests
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO)
$0
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorization
MRI or CT scan
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO)
$15-$300
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO)
$25-$300
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS)
$0-$100
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS)
$0-$100
Prior authorization
Emergency room
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO)
$150
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO)
$150
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS)
$150
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS)
$150
Urgent care
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO)
$0
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS)
$0-$65
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS)
$0-$65
Outpatient surgery
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO)
$200
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO)
$375
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorization
Ground ambulance
Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G
$0
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO)
$350
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO)
$350
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS)
$200
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS)
$200
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 Inland Empire (HMO)
$1,450
for a 5-day stay
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO)
$1,950
for a 5-day stay
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS)
$0
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorizationAARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS)
$0
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 Inland Empire (HMO) | Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Part B $209.50 + Medigap Plan G $175 + drug plan $5.30 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $0 + Part B $209.50 | $0 (pays back $12 a month of your Part B premium) + Part B $209.50 | $0 + Part B $209.50 |
| Yearly limit on what you pay | You pay the $292 Part B deductible. Plan G pays the rest. | $2,500 in network | $4,450 in network | $999 in network | $999 in 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 | $0 copay | $15 copay | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 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 | $15-$300 copay | $25-$300 copay | $0-$100 copayPrior authorization | $0-$100 copayPrior authorization |
| X-rays | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $15 copay | $25 copay | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Emergency room | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $150 copay | $150 copay | $150 copay | $150 copay |
| Urgent care | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0-$65 copay | $0-$65 copay |
| Outpatient hospital | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$200 copay | $0-$375 copay | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Surgery center | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $200 copay | $375 copay | $0 copayPrior authorization | $0 copayPrior authorization |
| Ground ambulance | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $350 copay | $350 copay | $200 copayPrior authorization | $200 copayPrior authorization |
| Hospital stay | $0, Plan G pays the $1,788 Part A deductible | $290 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 | $390 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 | $0 per stayPrior authorization | $0 per stayPrior 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 | $0 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 21-100Prior authorization |
| Mental health visit | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization | $0-$25 copayPrior authorization |
| Physical therapy | $0, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible | $0-$10 copayPrior authorization | $0-$20 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 | 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 | $595 | $595 |
| 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: $0 copayPreferred Brand: $47 copayNon-Preferred Drug: $100 copaySpecialty Tier: 31% coinsuranceVaccines: $0 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: $47 copayNon-Preferred Drug: $100 copaySpecialty Tier: 31% coinsuranceVaccines: $0 copay | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 22% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 27% coinsurance | Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $0 copayPreferred Brand: 22% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 27% coinsurance |
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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 Bernardino County
Kaiser Permanente
- 2 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 $2,500 to $4,450
- Star ratings 4.5 to 4.5
- Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $2,500
- Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $4,450
UnitedHealthcare
- 5 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
- 5 with a $0 premium; 4 pay back part of your Part B premium
- Yearly limits from $999 to $5,900
- Star ratings 3 to 3
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $999
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $999
- AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC CA-32P (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $999
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-022P (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $999
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx CA-MA1P (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $5,900
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 Inland Empire (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 5 services
Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (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 5 services
Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS
- You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
- 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
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS)
HMO-POS
- You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
- 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 Inland Empire (HMO) | Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS) | AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental | No | Preventive only | Preventive only | Comprehensive, up to $1,000 a year | Comprehensive, up to $1,500 a year |
| Eye exam | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasses or contacts | No | No | Yes, $250 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance | Yes, $200 allowance |
| Hearing aids | No | No | Yes, up to $1,000 | Yes, up to $1,000 | Yes, up to $700 |
| Over-the-counter allowance | No | $160 a year | $240 a year | $100 a year | $300 a year |
| Fitness benefit | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rides to care | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Meals after a hospital stay | No | No | No | No | No |
| Emergency care abroad | Plan G and Plan N pay 80% after a $250 deductible | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Part B premium giveback | No | No | No | $12 a month | No |
What changed for 2027
Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H0524-015-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $1,300 to $2,500
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$200 copay to $15-$300 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$100 copay to $0-$200 copay
- Ground ambulance: $325 copay to $350 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $100 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $290 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $150 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
Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H0524-081-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $2,500 to $4,450
- Specialist visit: $10 copay to $15 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $10-$250 copay to $25-$300 copay
- Outpatient hospital: $0-$230 copay to $0-$375 copay
- Inpatient hospital: $230 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $390 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90
- Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $150 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
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H0543-170-0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $800 to $999
- Drug deductible up from $355 to $595
- Part B giveback up from $0 to $12
- Urgent care: $0-$20 copay to $0-$65 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0 copay to $0-$100 copay
- Yearly OTC allowance down from $160 to $100
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
- Overall star rating down from 4 to 3
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS)
Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H0543-166-0
- Monthly premium down from $12 to $0
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $800 to $999
- Drug deductible up from $355 to $595
- Urgent care: $0-$20 copay to $0-$65 copay
- Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0 copay to $0-$100 copay
- Eyewear allowance down from $300 to $200
- Worldwide emergency coverage removed
- Overall star rating down from 4 to 3
More 2027 plans in San Bernardino County
- Imperial Dynamic Plan (HMO), H5496-012 (page for Los Angeles County, CA)
- Astiva Health Savings Plan (HMO), H1993-001 (page for Los Angeles County, CA)
- SCAN Classic (HMO), H5425-009
- Clever Care Longevity (HMO), H7607-014 (page for Los Angeles County, CA)
- Alignment Health Smart 013 (HMO), H3815-013 (page for Los Angeles County, CA)
- Alignment Health My Choice 050 (HMO), H3815-050 (page for Los Angeles County, CA)
- Humana Gold Plus H5619-191 (HMO) (page for Riverside County, CA)
- Humana Gold Plus H5619-178 (HMO) (page for Riverside County, CA)
County guide: 2027 plans in San Bernardino 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 92277. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.
- Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Inland Empire (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- Kaiser Permanente Sr Advantage Inland Empire Value (HMO) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-006P (HMO-POS) on Medicare.gov · plan website · drug list · doctor directory
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0015 (HMO-POS) 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.