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Editorial Policy | Medicare California
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Our Commitment to Accuracy and Transparency
At Medicare California, we believe accurate information is the foundation of good Medicare decisions. This editorial policy outlines how we create, review, update, and maintain all content on our platform. We're committed to accuracy over marketing, transparency about our sources, and regular updates to keep pace with changing Medicare rules.
Core Principle: Every article is written and reviewed by licensed Medicare professionals. We don't outsource Medicare expertise to general writers. We cite official sources. We update annually. We mark revisions transparently.
How We Create Medicare Content
1
Research and Sourcing
All content starts with official Medicare data. We review current information from CMS.gov, Medicare.gov, and state health agencies. We consult California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) regulations for state-specific information. For plan comparisons, we access official plan documents and CMS plan comparison databases.
2
Expert Writing
Articles are written by licensed Medicare insurance professionals with on-the-ground experience helping beneficiaries. Susana Marcos, our founder, brings 15+ years of direct client experience. This isn't theoretical—it's informed by thousands of real conversations with seniors making Medicare decisions.
3
Peer Review
Every article is reviewed by at least one other licensed Medicare professional before publication. We check for accuracy, completeness, and clarity. We verify all facts against official sources. We ensure recommendations are practical and align with actual beneficiary situations.
4
Bilingual Review Process
For Spanish-language content, we conduct the full review process in Spanish. Translation isn't sufficient for Medicare information. Nuance, terminology, and regulatory language require native Spanish expertise. Both English and Spanish versions are reviewed by native speakers.
5
Publication and Dating
Every article includes a publication date and modification date. These appear at the top of the article and in the page metadata. You'll know exactly when the content was created and when it was last reviewed and updated.
Our Primary Sources
Official Government Sources
- CMS.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) - Official Medicare rules, regulations, and plan data
- Medicare.gov - Official Medicare enrollment, plan comparison, and beneficiary information
- California DHCS (Department of Health Care Services) - Medi-Cal, dual-eligible, and state Medicare regulations
- Federal Register - Changes to Medicare rules and regulations
- Social Security Administration - Information about Social Security and Medicare interaction
Authoritative Industry Sources
- CMS Plan Data Archives - Official Medicare Advantage and Medigap plan documents
- State Insurance Commissioners - California state-level insurance regulations
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) - Insurance standards and consumer information
- Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) - Analysis of Medicare program and policy
Citation and Attribution Standards
We cite our sources. When we reference specific statistics, regulations, or plan details, we link to or attribute the official source. You should be able to follow our references and verify information yourself.
Our articles include:
- Inline links to official CMS or Medicare.gov pages where relevant
- Direct quotes from regulations marked with quotation marks and source attribution
- References to specific plan years (e.g., "2026 Medicare Advantage plans") with links to official data
- Author credentials so you know who wrote the content
How We Update and Revise Content
Annual Updates
Medicare rules change every year. 2026 costs differ from 2025. New plans launch. IRMAA thresholds adjust. We review every major article annually to ensure accuracy for the current year. Each article will have a clear "updated" timestamp showing when it was last reviewed.
Revision Notes
When we make significant revisions to an article, we note what changed. For example, if enrollment periods shift or costs change substantially, we mark that in the article so readers know what's new. This prevents confusion between outdated information and current facts.
Major Policy Changes
If major Medicare policy changes occur mid-year (e.g., new regulations from CMS or California DHCS), we update affected articles immediately rather than waiting for the annual review cycle.
Reader Feedback
If readers identify inaccuracies or outdated information, we review and correct promptly. You can contact us at [email protected] to flag any content concerns.
What We Don't Do
We don't publish medical advice. We explain Medicare coverage and benefits. We don't recommend specific treatments, medications, or doctors. That's between you and your healthcare providers.
We don't prioritize marketing over accuracy. Some insurance agents might suggest plans that pay higher commissions. We recommend plans that align with your actual needs based on your doctors, medications, and budget.
We don't guarantee specific outcomes. Medicare is complex. We provide accurate information and expert guidance, but individual situations vary. Plan availability, pricing, and coverage details can change. Always verify current details at Medicare.gov and contact the plan directly for specific questions.
Our Business Model and Relationships
Transparency also means being clear about how we make money. Medicare California earns commissions when you enroll in Medicare plans through us. This is standard industry practice and disclosed to all beneficiaries.
However, this doesn't influence our content:
- We recommend the plan that's best for you, not the plan with the highest commission
- All carriers pay similar commissions, so commission differences don't drive recommendations
- Our 15-year reputation is built on trust and word-of-mouth referrals, not marketing claims
- Losing a client's trust costs more than any single commission
We have no financial relationships with insurance carriers that would bias our content. We're independent advisors, not company representatives.
Questions About Our Editorial Standards?
We believe transparency builds trust. If you have questions about how we create content, our sources, or any specific article, please reach out:
Alejandra Brizuela
Chief Product Officer, Medicare California
[email protected]
(310) 597-9142
Questions about Medicare? Talk to a Real Person
All our information is backed by expert knowledge and official sources. But Medicare is personal. Let's discuss your specific situation.
Medicare California
Susana Marcos, Founder
(310) 597-9142
[email protected]
Free consultation. No obligation. Bilingual English/Spanish.
Este artículo también está disponible en español.
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