Medicare Made Clear
Medicare has a lot of moving parts: enrollment deadlines, penalties, provider networks, and drug lists that change every year. We help you understand your choices and pick coverage that fits your health, your doctors, and your budget.
The Parts of Medicare
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, and preventive services.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): plans from private insurance companies that combine Parts A and B, and usually Part D, often with extra benefits.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): helps pay for the medications you take.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap): helps pay costs Original Medicare does not, such as deductibles and coinsurance.
Two Main Paths
Original Medicare with a Supplement and Part D
See any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. You pay a higher monthly premium in exchange for more predictable out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Advantage
Often a lower monthly premium and extra benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing coverage, with a provider network and copays as you use care.
Neither path is right for everyone. The right fit depends on your doctors, your prescriptions, how often you travel, and how you prefer to pay for care.
Key Enrollment Windows
- Initial Enrollment Period: seven months around your 65th birthday: the three months before, your birthday month, and the three months after.
- Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 – December 7, to switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for the coming year.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31, if you are in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch plans or return to Original Medicare.
- Special Enrollment Periods: after certain life events, such as moving or losing employer coverage.
- Medigap Open Enrollment: the six months starting when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this time you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state without medical underwriting.
Timing matters. Missing your window can mean a late-enrollment penalty for Part B or Part D that may last as long as you have coverage. If you are turning 65 or leaving an employer plan, talk with us a few months ahead.
How a Plan Review Works
- We talk about your doctors, prescriptions, preferred pharmacies, and budget.
- We compare the plans we offer in your area side by side.
- We explain the trade-offs in plain language and answer every question.
- If you decide to enroll, we complete the application with you and follow up after your coverage starts.
Why Work With Us
- No cost to you. Agents are paid by the insurance companies they represent.
- No pressure. You decide if and when to enroll.
- Ongoing support with questions, billing or claims issues, and a review every year.
- Personal service from Mary Brown, one-on-one.
Have questions about your options? Let’s talk. Your consultation is free, and there is no obligation.