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Medicare, explained simply.
Whether you’re turning 65 or reviewing your plan for next year, we’ll walk you through your choices from the companies we work with.
The parts of Medicare
A
Hospital insurance
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and some home health care.
B
Medical insurance
Doctor visits, outpatient care, lab tests and preventive services.
C
Medicare Advantage
Plans from private companies that bundle Parts A and B, and often drug coverage and extra benefits.
D
Prescription drugs
Helps pay for your medications. Available on its own or inside many Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement?
These are the two main ways to round out your coverage. Neither is right for everyone. Here’s how they generally compare.
| Medicare Advantage | Medicare Supplement | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | An all-in-one plan from a private company that replaces how you get Parts A and B. | Works alongside Original Medicare and helps pay costs it doesn’t cover. |
| Doctors | Usually a network of doctors and hospitals (HMO or PPO). | Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. |
| Drug coverage | Often included. | Not included. You add a separate Part D plan. |
| Costs | Copays when you get care, with a yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs. | A monthly premium in exchange for lower costs when you get care. |
| Extras | Some plans include dental, vision or hearing benefits. | Generally no extra benefits. |
Have these ready for your review
- Your red, white and blue Medicare card
- A list of your doctors and specialists
- Your prescriptions, with doses
- Your preferred pharmacy
- Your current plan’s card, if you have one
Common questions
Does it cost anything to work with you?
No. The insurance companies pay us, so there’s no charge to you for our help.
Can you help if I have Medicare and Medicaid?
Yes. There are plans designed for people who qualify for both, and we can review which ones are available where you live.
When can I change my plan?
Most people can make changes during Annual Enrollment, Oct 15 – Dec 7. Some life events also allow changes at other times.
Will I have to change doctors?
Not necessarily. We check whether your doctors are covered before you choose a plan.