Part A — Hospital Insurance
Generally helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
Medicare
Educational Guidance on Medicare Options
Medicare can be confusing. We provide plain-language education so you understand the parts of Medicare and the choices available to you.
Understanding the basics
The Parts of Medicare
Part B — Medical Insurance
Generally helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies. Most people pay a monthly Part B premium.
Part C — Medicare Advantage
Plans offered by private companies approved by Medicare that combine Part A and Part B coverage and often include drug coverage. Networks and rules vary by plan.
Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Offered by private insurers; formularies and costs vary.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Private policies that can help pay some out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as deductibles and coinsurance.
Enrollment Periods
Key windows include your Initial Enrollment Period, the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7), and Special Enrollment Periods. Missing deadlines can result in penalties.
Why people consider it
- Turning 65 or becoming Medicare-eligible
- Retiring from an employer plan
- Reviewing drug costs or doctors each year
- Moving to a new area
Potential benefits
- Understanding how the parts work together
- Help comparing plan types side by side
- Awareness of enrollment deadlines
- A local point of contact for questions
Important limitations
- Not every plan is available in every area
- Plan benefits, networks, and formularies change yearly
- Medigap underwriting may apply outside guaranteed-issue periods
- Late enrollment penalties can apply
Eligibility & pricing
What Affects Cost and Eligibility
Medicare costs include Part B premiums, plan premiums, deductibles, copays, and drug costs. Plan availability and pricing depend on your location, the plan, and your enrollment timing.
Have Questions? Let's Talk Them Through.
Important Disclosures
- We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
- Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
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