Medicare plans
Medicare, explained plainly
The pieces of Medicare, how they fit together, and when you can sign up or make changes.
The four parts of Medicare
Part A
Hospital insurance
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing after a qualifying stay, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A.
Part B
Medical insurance
Doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, preventive services, and medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium.
Part C
Medicare Advantage
Private plans that replace Parts A and B, often with drug coverage and extras like dental or vision. Most use provider networks.
Part D
Prescription drugs
Stand-alone drug plans that pair with Original Medicare. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs and pharmacy network.
Your two main paths
Most people choose between keeping Original Medicare (adding a Supplement and a Part D plan) or moving to a Medicare Advantage plan. Neither is right for everyone.
| Original Medicare + Supplement + Part D | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors | Any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare | Usually a local network (HMO or PPO) |
| Monthly cost | Part B premium plus Supplement and Part D premiums | Plan premium is often low or $0. You still pay your Part B premium. |
| Cost when you get care | Low and predictable, depending on the Supplement | Copays as you go, up to a yearly out-of-pocket limit |
| Drug coverage | Separate Part D plan | Usually built in |
| Extras | Generally not included | Often dental, vision, hearing, or fitness |
| Travel | Works anywhere in the U.S. | Routine care is limited outside the network |
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Supplement plans help pay the costs Original Medicare leaves behind, like deductibles and coinsurance. Plans are standardized by letter, so a Plan G from one company covers the same benefits as a Plan G from another. Price and customer service are what differ.
The best time to buy a Supplement is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that window, companies can’t turn you down or charge more because of your health. After it ends, medical questions may apply.
Part D prescription plans
Every Part D plan has a formulary, its list of covered drugs, and those lists change each year. Part D now includes a yearly cap on what you pay out of pocket for covered drugs. If you go without creditable drug coverage for 63 days or more after you first become eligible, a late enrollment penalty can be added to your premium for as long as you have Part D.
When you can enroll or make changes
- Around your 65th birthdayInitial Enrollment Period
Seven months: the three months before your birthday month, the month itself, and the three months after.
- Oct 15 – Dec 7Annual Enrollment Period
Anyone with Medicare can switch Advantage or Part D plans, or move between Original Medicare and Advantage. Changes take effect January 1.
- Jan 1 – Mar 31Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
If you are in an Advantage plan, you can switch to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare once.
- Jan 1 – Mar 31General Enrollment Period
If you missed your first chance to sign up for Part B, you can enroll now. Late penalties may apply.
- When life changesSpecial Enrollment Periods
Moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help can open a window to enroll or switch.
Not sure which window applies to you? That is one of the most common questions we answer. A short call settles it.
Get help, no cost to you
Medicare is a big decision. You don’t have to make it alone.
We compare plans from several carriers side by side and explains the tradeoffs in plain language. You decide.