We built this guide to give you clear, honest answers about how Medicare works, what it covers, and how to choose the right plan - without the pressure.
Medicare is divided into four parts. Each covers different services. Understanding what each part does - and what it doesn't - is the first step to making a confident choice.
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A.
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and mental health services. Standard 2025 premium is $185/month.
An alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. Bundles Parts A, B, and usually D, often with extras like dental, vision, and hearing.
Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, including many recommended vaccines. Available as a standalone plan or bundled into Medicare Advantage.
A licensed advisor can walk you through your options in about 10 minutes.
This is the biggest decision most people face. Both have real benefits and trade-offs. Here's how they stack up.
| Feature | Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Medicare Supplement (Medigap) |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Replaces Original Medicare with a private plan | Works alongside Original Medicare to fill coverage gaps |
| Monthly premium | Often $0/mo (on top of Part B premium) | Varies by plan; typically $50 – $300+/mo |
| Out-of-pocket max | ✓ Yes - built in | ✕ No cap (but cost-sharing is minimal) |
| Doctor network | Must use in-network providers (HMO/PPO) | See any doctor who accepts Medicare |
| Drug coverage | ✓ Usually included | ✕ Need separate Part D plan |
| Dental, vision, hearing | ✓ Often included | ✕ Not included |
| Referrals needed? | Sometimes (HMO plans) | Never |
| Best for | People who want low premiums, extra benefits, and are OK using a network | People who want maximum flexibility and predictable costs |
Tell us a bit about yourself and we'll match you with the right plan type.
Timing matters with Medicare. Miss a window and you could face penalties or gaps in coverage. Here are the enrollment periods you should know about.
Your first chance to sign up for Medicare. This 7-month window is centered around the month you turn 65. Signing up during the first 3 months means coverage starts on your birthday month.
The main window for making changes. You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Advantage plans, or join/drop a Part D drug plan. Changes take effect January 1.
If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare during this period. You can also add a Part D plan if returning to Original Medicare.
Certain events - like moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid - give you a special window to make changes outside the usual periods. No penalty applies.
Medicare is complicated by design. These are the most common missteps we see - and each one is avoidable.
If you don't sign up during your 7-month IEP and don't have qualifying coverage, you may face a 10% Part B premium penalty for every 12 months you were eligible but didn't enroll.
Even if you take no medications now, skipping Part D can cost you. There's a permanent late-enrollment penalty of 1% per month for every month you went without creditable drug coverage.
Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum and doesn't cover dental, vision, or hearing. Without a Supplement or Advantage plan, a serious illness could mean large unexpected bills.
Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks. If your preferred doctors aren't in-network, you could face much higher costs or need to switch providers.
During your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment (starting when you turn 65 and have Part B), insurers can't deny you or charge more for health conditions. After that window, they can.
Plans change their formularies, premiums, and provider networks every year. What worked last year might cost you more - or cover less - this year.
A quick conversation with a licensed advisor can clear things up. No cost, no obligation.
Straight answers to the questions we hear most often.
Most people should sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period - the 7-month window around their 65th birthday. If you're still working and have employer coverage, you may be able to delay without penalty, but it's important to understand the rules specific to your situation.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is the federal program - you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurers and typically includes drug coverage and extras like dental and vision, but requires you to use in-network providers. See our comparison table above for a detailed breakdown.
If you stay on Original Medicare, a Medigap plan can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs by covering deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. The best time to buy Medigap is during your 6-month open enrollment starting when you first enroll in Part B at age 65 - during this window, insurers can't deny you or charge extra for pre-existing conditions.
Most people pay $0 for Part A. The standard Part B premium for 2025 is $185/month (higher earners pay more). Beyond that, costs depend on your choices: Medicare Advantage plans often have $0 premiums but include copays; Medigap plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive care. Part D drug plan premiums vary by plan and location.
Yes. During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), you can switch plans, change from Advantage to Original Medicare, or update your drug coverage. If you have a qualifying life event, you may also get a Special Enrollment Period. The Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) allows Advantage enrollees to make one additional switch.
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services. Many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits as extras. If you choose to stay on Original Medicare, you'd need separate coverage for these services.
Tell us a bit about yourself and a licensed Medicare advisor will help you find the right plan - free of charge.
A licensed Medicare advisor will reach out within 1 business day to review the best plan options in your area. Check your email for a confirmation.
These official resources can help you dig deeper into specific Medicare topics.
The official U.S. government site for Medicare. Find plans, check coverage, and manage your account.
Visit Medicare.govState Health Insurance Assistance Programs offer free, unbiased Medicare counseling in every state.
Find local helpCall the official Medicare helpline 24/7 for answers to your Medicare questions. TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
Call 1-800-633-4227