Michael C. Torres

No — there is no cost to you for using a licensed Medicare insurance agent. Agents like Michael Torres are compensated by the insurance carriers, not by you. You pay the exact same premium whether you enroll directly or through an agent. In fact, working with an agent typically results in a lower overall cost because we compare multiple plans across all available carriers to find the option that best reduces your out-of-pocket expenses.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the federal government's program covering hospital and medical services, accepted by most doctors nationwide. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurers approved by Medicare and typically includes dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage that Original Medicare does not provide. Most Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums but use a provider network. Michael Torres can compare both options for your specific situation at no cost.

Southern California seniors have access to a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans, including SCAN Health Plan — consistently one of the highest-rated plans in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Available plan types include HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans (SNPs). Michael Torres specializes in helping Whittier, East Los Angeles, and surrounding community residents find the right plan for their doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Contact Michael for a free county-level comparison.

There are three main enrollment windows. The Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday — it opens 3 months before your birthday month. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7 each year, when you can switch or join a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Special Enrollment Periods apply if you lose employer coverage, move out of a plan's service area, or qualify for Medicaid. Missing your Initial Enrollment Period can result in permanent late-enrollment penalties.

A Scope of Appointment (SOA) is a federally required form mandated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It must be completed before a licensed Medicare agent can discuss specific plan details with you. The SOA documents which Medicare product types — Advantage plans, Supplement plans, or Part D drug plans — you agreed to discuss. It must be signed at least 48 hours before your appointment, unless you initiated contact the same day. Michael uses a secure digital SOA process that takes under 30 seconds.

Yes. Michael C. Torres holds California Insurance License #0K82548 and National Producer Number (NPN) 17897299, issued by the California Department of Insurance and the National Insurance Producer Registry respectively. You can verify his license at the California Department of Insurance website. Michael is also a certified SCAN Health Plan specialist and has served Southern California Medicare-eligible seniors for over 20 years.