Medicare · nationwide
Medicare, made clear — and compared for your ZIP code.
Turning 65, retiring, or reviewing your plan for next year? A licensed agent compares Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Part D plans available where you live, and checks your doctors and prescriptions.
- Your doctors checked
- Prescriptions priced
- No cost to you
The basics
The parts of Medicare, in plain English
Original Medicare
Part A — Hospital
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice. Most people pay no premium.
Original Medicare
Part B — Medical
Doctor visits, outpatient care and preventive services. Has a monthly premium.
Alternative
Part C — Medicare Advantage
Private plans that bundle A, B and usually D, often with extras like dental and vision.
Drug coverage
Part D — Prescriptions
Standalone drug plans that pair with Original Medicare or a Medigap plan.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
| Topic | Medicare Advantage | Medicare Supplement (Medigap) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Often low or $0 (plus Part B) | Higher (plus Part B) |
| Out-of-pocket costs | Copays; a yearly maximum applies | Low and predictable |
| Doctor choice | Usually a network (HMO/PPO) | Any provider that accepts Medicare |
| Drug coverage | Usually included | Add a Part D plan |
| Extras | Often dental, vision, hearing | Generally not included |
Timing matters
Key Medicare enrollment periods
Turning 65
Initial Enrollment Period
A 7-month window around your 65th birthday: 3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after.
Every fall
Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 – December 7. Switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for coverage starting January 1.
Early year
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 – March 31. If you're on an Advantage plan, you can switch plans or return to Original Medicare once.
Once
Medigap Open Enrollment
6 months starting the month you're 65+ and enrolled in Part B. Federal law guarantees you can buy any Medigap plan sold in your state, regardless of health.
Medicare FAQ
Does it cost anything to work with you?
No. We're paid by the insurance companies, and plan prices are the same whether you enroll with us or directly.
What is the Part D late enrollment penalty?
If you go 63 days or more in a row without Part D or other creditable drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period ends, a penalty may be added to your Part D premium for as long as you have Part D coverage.
Plan G vs. Plan N: which Medigap plan is better?
Both cover most gaps in Original Medicare. Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible. Plan N usually has a lower premium, also leaves the Part B deductible to you, and has copays of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don't lead to admission, and it doesn't cover Part B excess charges.
Can I keep my doctor on Medicare Advantage?
Most Advantage plans use networks (HMO or PPO). We check whether your doctors are in network before you enroll. Original Medicare with a Medigap plan lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare.
I'm still working at 65 — do I need to sign up?
It depends on your employer's size and coverage. If you have group health coverage based on your (or your spouse's) current employment, you can usually delay Part B without a penalty and sign up within 8 months after that job or coverage ends. We'll walk through your situation.
Sources
Last reviewed by a licensed agent. Figures change each year — confirm current amounts at the sources above.
Let us compare your Medicare options.
Licensed agents · Plans in your ZIP · No cost to you.