Part A: Hospital
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing after a hospital stay, hospice and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A.
New to Medicare
Turning 65 or leaving an employer plan? Start here.
If your mailbox is filling up with Medicare offers, you're not alone. This page covers what Medicare is, the deadlines that matter, your two main choices, and the mistakes that cost people money. When you're ready, we'll walk you through the entire process at no cost to you.
Your timeline
Your Initial Enrollment Period is seven months long.
It starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. Signing up early in that window means your coverage starts on time.
3 months before you turn 65
Your enrollment window opens. Call us and we'll simplify your new adventure into the world of Medicare.
Sign up for Parts A and B
Go to www.ssa.gov (the official Social Security website). There you can create an account and sign up for Medicare Parts A and B.
We work for you
We research every Medicare Supplement, Prescription plan, and Advantage plan in your area to find the best solutions for you. Enrollment made easy!
Review every fall
Plans change every year. Call us to review your coverage each fall during Annual Enrollment (October 15 – December 7).
The basics
The four parts of Medicare.
Part B: Medical
Doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, tests and preventive services. Part B has a monthly premium, usually taken from your Social Security check.
Part C: Medicare Advantage
Private plans approved by Medicare that combine Parts A and B, and usually D, into one plan, often with extra benefits like dental and vision.
Part D: Prescription Drugs
Prescription drug coverage from private insurance companies. Each plan covers different drugs at different prices.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) pays most, but not all, of your medical costs. There's no yearly limit on what you could pay out of pocket. That's why most people add more coverage.
Your two choices
Two ways to get your Medicare coverage.
There's no single best choice. It depends on your health, your doctors, your budget and how much you like to travel. Here's how they compare.
| Original Medicare + Supplement + Part D | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors and hospitals | Any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare | Usually a network (HMO or PPO) |
| Monthly premium | Supplement premium plus Part D premium | Often low or $0 |
| Costs when you get care | Low or none, depending on your plan | Copays as you go, up to a yearly maximum |
| Prescription drugs | Separate Part D plan | Usually included |
| Dental, vision, hearing | Not included (can be added separately) | Limited benefits |
| Referrals | Not required | Sometimes required (HMO plans) |
| Good fit if you | Want predictable costs and freedom to see any doctor | Want a lower premium and all-in-one coverage |
One important difference: if you choose Medicare Advantage now and later want a Medicare Supplement, you may have to answer health questions and could be turned down. Your best chance to get a Supplement with no health questions is your 6-month Medigap open enrollment period, which starts when your Part B begins.
Still working at 65?
You may be able to wait on
Part B.
If you or your spouse are still working and covered by a group health plan from an employer with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay Part B without a penalty. Many people still take Part A, since it's usually premium-free.
When the job or the coverage ends, you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B without a penalty. Don't wait for COBRA or retiree coverage to end; those don't count as coverage from current employment.
The rules are different for smaller employers and for health savings accounts (HSAs), so call us before you decide.
Avoid costly mistakes
Penalties that last a lifetime.
Missing a deadline can raise your premiums for as long as you have Medicare.
Part B late penalty
If you don't sign up when you're first eligible and you don't have employer coverage, your Part B premium goes up 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had it.
Part D late penalty
If you go 63 days or more without Part D or other creditable drug coverage after your enrollment period ends, Medicare adds a penalty to your drug plan premium for as long as you have Part D.
Losing your Medigap rights
After your 6-month Medigap open enrollment period ends, insurance companies can ask health questions and charge more or turn you down.
Getting ready
What to have ready when we talk.
- Your red, white and blue Medicare card, or your Part A and B start dates
- A list of your doctors and the hospital you prefer
- A list of your prescriptions, with dosage and how often you take them
- Your preferred pharmacy
- Your current coverage, if you have any (employer, retiree, or another plan)
We'll walk you through it
Let's make Medicare simple.
Tell us a little about yourself and we'll explain your options and compare plans in your county. You'll usually hear from us within a couple of business days.