Medicare, explained in plain English.
Turning 65 or reviewing the plan you have? Our licensed agents will help you understand your choices and compare plans from several insurance companies. No cost, no pressure.
I'm turning 65
When to sign up, what to sign up for, and how to avoid late penalties. A simple checklist.
Turning 65 checklist → ComparingI'm weighing my options
Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage? See how the two paths really differ.
Compare the two paths → Already enrolledI want a plan review
Plans change every year. Let's make sure yours still covers your doctors and prescriptions.
See key dates →The four parts of Medicare
Medicare comes in parts. Here's what each one does, in one sentence each.
Hospital
Helps pay for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and hospice. Part of Original Medicare.
Medical
Helps pay for doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. Part of Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage
Private plans approved by Medicare that combine Parts A and B, and usually D, in one plan.
Prescriptions
Helps pay for prescription drugs. Sold by private insurance companies, on its own or inside an Advantage plan.
Two ways to get your Medicare
Most people choose one of these two paths. Neither is "best." It depends on your doctors, your health, your budget, and how you like to travel.
| Original Medicare + Supplement + Part D | Medicare Advantage (Part C) | |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors & hospitals | Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. | Usually a network of doctors and hospitals. Rules vary by plan type (HMO, PPO). |
| Out-of-pocket costs | Usually low and predictable, depending on the Supplement plan you pick. | Copays and coinsurance as you use care, up to a yearly out-of-pocket limit. |
| Monthly cost | A Supplement premium and a Part D premium, plus your Part B premium. | Your Part B premium, plus the plan's premium if it has one. Varies by plan and county. |
| Prescriptions | Add a separate Part D plan. | Many plans include drug coverage. |
| Travel | Coverage goes with you anywhere in the U.S. | Non-emergency care outside the network may cost more or not be covered. |
| Extras | Doesn't typically include dental, vision, or hearing. These can be added separately. | Some plans include extra benefits. These vary by plan. |
| Switching later | Outside certain windows, you may have to answer health questions to buy or change a Supplement. | You can change plans each year during Annual Enrollment. |
The Medicare calendar, simplified
Timing matters with Medicare. Missing a window can mean penalties or fewer choices.
A 7-month window: the 3 months before your birthday month, the month itself, and the 3 months after.
Starts the month you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. It's the best time to buy a Supplement.
Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Changes start January 1.
If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans or return to Original Medicare once.
What we'll cover on your call
- Which doctors and hospitals you want to keep
- Your prescriptions, and what they'd cost on each plan
- Your budget: monthly premium vs. costs when you use care
- Whether a Supplement or an Advantage plan fits you better
- Your enrollment dates, so nothing slips through the cracks
Get your free Medicare review
Tell us a little about your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. We compare the plans we offer in your area against what matters to you, and then a licensed agent calls you to walk through your options. There's no cost and no obligation to enroll.
- We check whether your doctors are in network
- We look up how your prescriptions are covered
- A licensed agent calls to explain your options. You decide if and when to enroll
Questions we hear every week
Does it cost anything to work with you?
No. Insurance companies pay our agency when you enroll, and a plan costs the same whether you enroll through us or on your own.
Are you tied to one insurance company?
No. We're an independent agency, so our agents can compare plans from the companies we represent and recommend what fits you.
I already have a plan. Should I review it?
Yes, every year. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change their costs, networks, and drug lists each January.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a Supplement?
Often, yes, but timing matters and you may need to answer health questions. Your agent will walk you through your options before you make a move.
When should I start if I'm turning 65?
About 3 months before your 65th birthday month. See the turning 65 checklist.
Is my information safe?
Yes. We use your information only to help you with your coverage, and we never sell it.
Ready for a second opinion on your Medicare?
Book a free 15-minute review. If your current plan is still the best fit, we'll tell you.