Medicare Made Simple
Medicare doesn't have to be confusing. We break down every part, compare your options, and help you enroll in the plan that delivers the best coverage for your health and budget.
Understanding the Parts of Medicare
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
- Inpatient hospital care
- Skilled nursing facility (after qualifying hospital stay)
- Hospice care
- Home health care (limited)
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medically necessary services.
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Outpatient procedures
- Preventive screenings
- Durable medical equipment
An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. Often includes dental, vision, and hearing.
- All Part A and Part B benefits
- Often includes Part D drug coverage
- May include dental, vision, hearing
- Out-of-pocket maximum protection
Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Available as a standalone plan or included in Medicare Advantage.
- Formulary of covered drugs
- Tiered cost-sharing structure
- Coverage gap (donut hole) protections
- Catastrophic coverage after high out-of-pocket costs
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
Original Medicare leaves you responsible for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. A Medigap policy covers most or all of those out-of-pocket costs, giving you predictable healthcare expenses.
The most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new enrollees. Covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs except the Part B deductible.
Ask About Plan GLower premiums than Plan G with small copays for some office visits and ER visits. A great value for healthy seniors.
Ask About Plan NThe most comprehensive plan available — but only to those who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Ask About Plan FMedicare Advantage vs. Medigap
| Feature | Medicare Advantage | Medigap Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | Often $0 (varies) | Typically $100–$300+ |
| Network | Usually HMO or PPO network | Any doctor that accepts Medicare |
| Extra Benefits | Often includes dental, vision, hearing | No extra benefits |
| Out-of-Pocket Max | Yes — annual cap on costs | Minimal out-of-pocket with Plan G/F |
| Drug Coverage | Usually included | Requires separate Part D plan |
| Best For | Those wanting low premiums & extra perks | Those wanting predictable costs & flexibility |
Medicare FAQs
When can I enroll in Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65. You can also enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) or a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.
What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that often includes extra benefits. Medigap supplements Original Medicare by covering cost-sharing gaps. They cannot be used together.
Do I need Part D if I don't take many prescriptions?
It's generally wise to enroll in Part D when first eligible even if you take few drugs. Delaying enrollment can result in a permanent late enrollment penalty.
Can I change my Medicare plan each year?
Yes. During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7), you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch to Original Medicare, or change your Part D plan.
Is Medicare free?
Part A is free for most people. Part B has a monthly premium (~$174.70 in 2024). Medicare Advantage and Part D plans have their own premiums, deductibles, and copays.
Let's Find Your Perfect Medicare Plan
Medicare decisions can have lasting financial consequences. Let us compare plans from multiple carriers and walk you through every option — at no cost to you.