Medicare 101
Medicare can be confusing, especially when you're trying to figure out what you actually need. This guide explains the basics in plain English so you can better understand your Medicare choices.
Medicare Basics
Learn what Medicare Parts A and B cover, what they don't, and how the basic Medicare system works.
Turning 65?
Understand when to enroll, the important enrollment periods, and the choices you'll need to make around age 65.
Your Medicare Choices
Learn about Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, prescription drug coverage, and how these options differ.
Understanding Medicare
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is federal health insurance primarily for people age 65 and older, as well as certain people under 65 who qualify because of disability or specific medical conditions.
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. For most people, Part A has no monthly premium if they or their spouse have enough work history.
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B helps cover doctors' services, outpatient care, preventive services, medical equipment, and other medically necessary services. Part B generally requires a monthly premium.
Your Medicare Choices
Medicare Advantage — Part C
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They provide Medicare Part A and Part B coverage and usually include additional benefits. Plans, costs, networks, and benefits vary.
Medicare Supplement-Medigap
Medicare Supplement insurance helps pay some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare and are offered by private insurance companies.
Prescription Drug Coverage — Part D
Medicare Part D helps cover prescription medications. Coverage is available through private Medicare-approved plans, either as a stand-alone drug plan or as part of many Medicare Advantage plans.
Enrollment & Timing
Turning 65
Your Initial Enrollment Period generally begins three months before the month you turn 65 and continues for three months afterward. Your circumstances can affect when you should enroll.
Annual Enrollment Period
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, people with Medicare can make certain changes to their coverage for the following year.
Special Enrollment Periods
Certain life events, such as losing employer coverage or moving, may give you a Special Enrollment Period. The rules and time limits depend on the circumstances.
What Medicare Doesn't Cover
Common Gaps
Original Medicare does not pay for every health care expense. Depending on your situation, you may have out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, coinsurance, dental care, routine vision care, hearing aids, and other services.
Planning for the Costs
Understanding what Medicare covers — and what it doesn't — can help you plan for expenses and evaluate whether additional coverage may be appropriate for your situation.
Have Questions About Medicare?
Medicare is different for everyone. If you'd like to talk through your options, I'm happy to help you understand what your choices mean for you.
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Understand the basic differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage coverage.
Medicare Made Easy
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Working at 65 Medicare & Employer Insurance
Learn how Medicare may work with employer coverage when you're still working at 65.
Medicare Advantage Enrollment Tips
Review important enrollment considerations when choosing or changing Medicare Advantage coverage.
Medicare Advantage Part D
Learn how prescription drug coverage works with Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Plan Costs: What You Need to Know
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Medicare Advantage Networks & Referrals
Understand provider networks, referrals, and why they can matter when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.
Avoiding Medicare Scams: Stay Informed
Learn how to recognize common Medicare scams and protect your personal information.
Have Questions About Medicare?
I'm happy to help you understand your options.
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