Part A Hospital insurance
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A.
Medicare 101
Medicare, explained in plain English
The basics you need before your first conversation with us. No jargon and no sales pitch. Just the parts, the paths, and the dates that matter.
The building blocks
The four parts of Medicare
Original Medicare is Parts A and B. Parts C and D are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
Part B Medical insurance
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, and durable medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium and an annual deductible.
Part C Medicare Advantage
Private plans that bundle Parts A and B, usually Part D, and often extras like dental, vision, and hearing. They use provider networks and replace Original Medicare.
Part D Prescription drug coverage
Stand-alone plans from private insurers that cover prescription drugs. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs (a formulary) and pharmacy network.
Two ways to go
Original Medicare with a Supplement, or Medicare Advantage?
Most people end up on one of these two paths. Neither is better. The right one depends on your doctors, your prescriptions, your budget, and how you like to travel.
| Feature | Original Medicare + Supplement | Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premiums | Part B premium, plus a Supplement premium and usually a Part D premium. | Part B premium, plus a plan premium that is often $0. |
| Doctors and hospitals | Any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. No networks and no referrals. | A plan network (HMO or PPO). Going out of network may cost more or not be covered. |
| Out-of-pocket costs | Very predictable. The Supplement pays most of what Original Medicare does not. | Copays and coinsurance as you use care, capped by an annual out-of-pocket maximum. |
| Prescription drugs | A separate Part D plan. | Usually built into the plan. |
| Dental, vision, hearing | Generally not included. Stand-alone plans are available. | Often included as benefit allowances. |
| A good fit if you | Travel often, want the widest provider choice, and prefer a predictable monthly cost. | Want one bundled plan with lower monthly premiums and extra benefits, and are comfortable with a network. |
These are general characteristics. Specific plan costs and benefits vary by county and by year. We'll walk through the actual numbers for your situation.
Mark your calendar
When you can enroll or make changes
Missing a window can mean penalties or waiting a year. These are the dates we help clients keep track of.
Ask about your dates- 7 months around your 65th birthday
Initial Enrollment Period
Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after. This is when most people first sign up for Parts A and B.
- October 15 to December 7
Annual Enrollment Period
Change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for the coming year. New coverage begins January 1. This is when we do your free annual review.
- January 1 to March 31
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare once during this window.
- Triggered by life events
Special Enrollment Periods
Losing employer coverage, moving out of your plan area, or other qualifying events can open a window to enroll or change plans outside the normal dates.
Where we come in
What we help with
Every service below is free. We're paid by the insurance carriers, never by you.
Turning 65
Your first Medicare decision is the biggest one. We walk you through every step, starting 3 to 4 months before your birthday.
- Explain Parts A, B, C, and D in plain English
- Map out your enrollment window so you avoid penalties
- Compare plans that include your doctors and prescriptions
Advantage vs. Supplement
Two very different ways to cover what Original Medicare does not. We show you the real trade-offs so you can choose with confidence.
- Side-by-side comparison of costs and coverage
- Network and travel considerations
- Extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing
Prescription Drug Coverage
The cheapest premium is not always the cheapest plan. We run your actual medications through every plan to find your true cost.
- Part D and Medicare Advantage drug comparisons
- Pharmacy network and mail-order options
- Alerts when a plan changes its drug list
Free Annual Plan Review
Plans change every year. Every fall we review your coverage and switch you only if something better is available.
- Review benefits, costs, and provider networks
- Check that your doctors and drugs are still covered
- Handle the paperwork if a change makes sense
Still Working Past 65
Keeping employer coverage? You may still need to enroll in part of Medicare. We help you decide what to take now and what to delay.
- Coordinate Medicare with employer or spousal coverage
- Avoid late enrollment penalties
- Plan your transition when you do retire
Dental, Vision & Hearing
Original Medicare does not cover them. Many Medicare Advantage plans include allowances for all three. We find the ones that fit.
- Compare allowances and provider networks
- Understand what is and is not included
- Stand-alone options when they make sense
This page is a general overview, not a complete description of benefits. For official information visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Have a question about your situation?
Every Medicare decision is personal. Tell us about your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget, and we'll show you the options that fit. Always free.