When do I sign up for Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window that starts 3 months before you turn 65. Missing this window can result in permanent late enrollment penalties. If you are still working and covered by an employer plan, different rules may apply.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare?

Original Medicare is the federal program covering Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative offered by private insurers that bundles A and B and usually adds Part D drug coverage plus extras like dental and vision. Advantage plans often have $0 premiums but use provider networks.

Do I need a Medigap plan?

Original Medicare pays approximately 80% of approved costs. Without a Medigap (supplement) plan, you are responsible for the remaining 20% with no out-of-pocket maximum. A Medigap plan covers most or all of that gap and gives you freedom to see any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide.

Medicare Made Simple | Parts A, B, C, D & Medigap

The Basics

What Medicare Actually Is

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for Americans age 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with qualifying disabilities or conditions. It is divided into four parts — A, B, C, and D — each covering different aspects of your healthcare.

Here's the catch: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) only covers about 80% of your approved medical costs . The other 20% falls on you — with no out-of-pocket maximum. One serious illness could cost tens of thousands of dollars. That gap is why most people need additional coverage.

The good news: we help you find the right plan to fill that gap, compare every option available in your area, and make sure you enroll correctly to avoid costly penalties.

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Enrollment deadlines matter. Missing your Initial Enrollment Period can result in permanent late penalties added to your monthly premium for as long as you have Medicare. Don't wait — call us before your 65th birthday.

Couple reviewing Medicare options together

The Four Parts Explained

Medicare A, B, C & D — In Plain English

Here's exactly what each part covers and what it costs in 2026.

Medicare Part A — Hospital Insurance

Covers you when you're admitted to a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or hospice. Think of it as your inpatient coverage.

Inpatient hospital stays
Skilled nursing facility care (after a qualifying hospital stay)
Home health services
Hospice care

2026 Cost: $0 monthly premium for most people (if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years). A per-benefit-period deductible applies before coverage begins.

Verify current deductible at cms.gov/medicare

Medicare Part B — Medical Insurance

Covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and medical equipment. Think of it as your outpatient coverage.

Doctor and specialist visits
Outpatient surgeries and procedures
Lab tests and X-rays
Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, CPAP, etc.)
Physical, occupational & speech therapy
Preventive screenings and annual wellness visits

2026 Standard Premium: $202.90/month (deducted from Social Security; higher earners pay more via IRMAA). After your annual deductible, Medicare pays 80% and you pay 20% — with no out-of-pocket cap unless you have supplemental coverage.

Medicare Part C — Medicare Advantage

An all-in-one private insurance alternative that replaces Original Medicare. Bundles Parts A & B and usually includes Part D drug coverage plus extras Original Medicare doesn't cover.

Everything Part A & B covers
Often includes prescription drug coverage (Part D)
Frequently adds dental, vision, and hearing benefits
Many plans offer $0 or low monthly premiums
May include gym memberships and over-the-counter allowances

Important trade-offs: Advantage plans use provider networks (HMO or PPO). You may need referrals and prior authorizations. Coverage outside your network can be limited. We compare every plan in your area to find the best fit for your doctors and medications.

Medicare Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage

Covers the cost of most prescription medications. If you stay on Original Medicare, you add Part D separately. Most Advantage plans include Part D automatically.

Most brand-name and generic prescription drugs
Drugs organized into "formulary tiers" affecting your cost
Out-of-pocket maximum applies (2026 cap: $2,000)
Available as a standalone plan or bundled with Advantage

Critical: A late enrollment penalty applies if you go 63 or more days without creditable drug coverage after you are first eligible. This penalty is permanent and added to your monthly premium for life. Enroll on time.

Closing the Gap

Medigap — Your Protection Against the 20%

Original Medicare leaves you paying 20% of every covered service with no annual cap. A single hospital stay can cost thousands out of pocket. A Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan covers most or all of that exposure.

Why Medigap Matters

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Predictable costs

You know your maximum out-of-pocket before any medical event occurs.

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See any Medicare doctor in the country

Unlike Advantage plans, Medigap has no networks. Travel freely and see any Medicare-accepting provider.

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No referrals needed

See specialists directly without needing primary care approval.

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Standardized by federal law

Plan G from Company A covers exactly the same things as Plan G from Company B — only the premium differs.

The Most Popular Plans

Original Medicare + Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Neither option is universally better — it depends entirely on your health, budget, and lifestyle.

Factor	Original Medicare + Medigap	Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Monthly Premium	Part B premium + Medigap premium (varies by plan/age)	Often $0 additional premium (beyond Part B)
Provider Choice	Any Medicare-accepting doctor or hospital nationwide	Network-based (HMO or PPO); out-of-network may cost more
Referrals Required	No	Often yes (HMO plans); PPO plans more flexible
Out-of-Pocket Predictability	Very high — Medigap covers most of your exposure	Annual out-of-pocket maximum limits (varies by plan)
Prescription Drugs	Requires a separate Part D plan	Usually bundled in
Extra Benefits	Generally none (dental/vision separate)	Often includes dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowance
Travel Flexibility	Excellent — use coverage anywhere in the U.S.	Limited outside your plan's service area
Best For	People who value predictability, frequent travelers, those with ongoing health needs	People who want simplicity, lower premiums, and extra benefits in a stable network

The right choice depends on your specific health needs, medications, doctors, and budget. We compare every plan available in your area — at no cost to you.

Don't Miss Your Window

Medicare Enrollment Periods

Getting the timing wrong can mean permanent penalties. Here's what you need to know.

IEP

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

A 7-month window: 3 months before your 65th birthday month, the month of your birthday, and 3 months after. This is your primary opportunity to enroll without penalties.

SEP

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you're covered by an employer plan when you turn 65, you may qualify for an SEP that lets you enroll penalty-free after your employer coverage ends. Rules are strict — call us before making changes to your employer coverage.

GEP

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

If you missed your IEP, you can enroll January 1–March 31 each year — but a permanent late enrollment penalty will be added to your premium for as long as you have Part B.

OEP

Annual Open Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7)

Every fall you can change Medicare Advantage plans or Part D drug plans. This is also your chance to review whether your current plan still covers your doctors and medications at the best price.

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Still working at 65? You may be able to delay Medicare enrollment without penalty if you have qualifying employer coverage. But the rules are specific — call us before your birthday to make sure you won't face a penalty later.

We Do the Heavy Lifting

We compare every Medicare plan available in your ZIP code — premiums, network doctors, drug formularies, and out-of-pocket costs — and present your options clearly. Our Medicare guidance is completely free . Insurers compensate us for plan enrollments, so there is no cost to you.

Get Your Free Medicare Review

Common Questions

Medicare Questions We Hear Every Day

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after. That's a 7-month window. If you are still covered by a qualifying employer plan, you may be able to delay without penalty — but the rules are strict. Call us before your 65th birthday to be safe.

Original Medicare is the federal program. Advantage is a private insurance alternative that bundles A, B, and usually D with extras like dental and vision — often at $0 premium. The trade-off: Advantage plans use provider networks, may require referrals, and have service area restrictions. Original Medicare plus a Medigap plan gives you more freedom but usually costs more per month. Neither is universally better — we help you find the right fit for your situation.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. Many Medicare Advantage plans do include these benefits, which is one reason Advantage has become so popular. If you stay on Original Medicare, you would need separate standalone coverage for dental and vision.

Yes, during the Annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), you can switch Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans for the following year. However, switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare and then adding a Medigap plan can be tricky — insurers may be able to deny your Medigap application or charge higher rates based on your health history. This is why getting it right the first time matters, and why we work through every option with you before you enroll.

Generally, Original Medicare does not cover healthcare received outside the U.S. Some Medigap plans (Plans D, G, M, and N) include foreign travel emergency coverage up to plan limits. Medicare Advantage coverage is also typically limited outside your service area. If you travel internationally, this is an important factor in your plan selection.

Medicare Doesn't Have to Be Confusing.