Faith • Care • Guidance
Medicare 101
Medicare can feel confusing. Here are the basics in plain language. When you are ready, we are happy to walk through your options together.
The parts of Medicare
Medicare comes in four parts. Here is what each one covers.
Hospital insurance
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A.
Medical insurance
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, and durable medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium.
Medicare Advantage
An all-in-one alternative offered by private companies that bundles Part A and Part B, usually adds Part D, and often includes extras like dental, vision, and hearing.
Prescription drugs
Stand-alone drug coverage through private plans. Plans differ in which medications they cover and what they cost, so the right fit depends on your prescriptions.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Sold by private companies to work alongside Original Medicare, helping with out-of-pocket costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles so you face fewer surprises.
When can you enroll?
Timing matters with Medicare. These are the main windows.
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Initial Enrollment Period
The 7 months around your 65th birthday: the 3 months before, your birthday month, and the 3 months after.
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Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 to December 7 each year. Change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan; changes take effect January 1.
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Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 to March 31. If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch once or return to Original Medicare.
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Special Enrollment Periods
Triggered by life events such as moving, losing employer coverage, or other qualifying changes.
Dates are general guidance. Your exact eligibility and deadlines depend on your situation, please confirm with us or Medicare.gov.
Common questions
Who is eligible for Medicare?
Generally people age 65 and older. You may also qualify earlier if you have certain disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease, or ALS.
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and a Supplement?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces how you get your Original Medicare and often bundles extra benefits. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to help pay costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. You cannot use both at the same time.
Does it cost anything to work with an agent?
No. Our help is at no cost to you. We are compensated by the insurance carriers, and that does not change your plan premium.
Do I have to enroll in everything at 65?
Not always. If you have qualifying coverage through an employer, you may be able to delay some parts without penalty. We can help you review your situation.
Still have questions?
That is what we are here for. Let us walk through your options together, at no cost.