Medicare
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What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, as well as specific younger individuals with disabilities. It’s composed of several parts, each addressing different aspects of your healthcare needs.

• Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance

Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A.

• Medicare Part B – Medical Insurance

Covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, lab tests, and medical equipment. Part B does have a monthly premium.

• Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage

Offered by private insurance companies, these plans bundle Parts A and B and often include Part D. Many plans also offer additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage.

• Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage

Helps pay for the medications your doctor prescribes. Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Also known as Medigap or Medicare Bridge, Medicare supplement insurance helps cover some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t pay, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. It’s essential to note that Medigap insurance is regulated by the government but sold by private insurance companies.

For those with Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance, Medicare first pays an approved amount for covered health care costs. Then, Medigap pays an approved amount on the remaining costs. After both policies are applied, there may be remaining costs that you will need to pay out of pocket.

To learn more about Medigap insurance, visit our Medigap page.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and typically bundle hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage into one convenient plan.

Many Medicare Advantage plans also include extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like routine dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, and more.

While Advantage plans may have lower monthly premiums than Medigap, they typically operate within a specific provider network and often require referrals for specialists. These plans also come with an annual out-of-pocket maximum, which can help limit your total costs for the year.

To join a Medicare Advantage plan, you still need to be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. You’ll continue paying your Part B premium, but your coverage will be provided and managed through the Advantage plan instead of directly through the federal Medicare program.

What Is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These standalone plans help pay for the medications your doctor prescribes, including both brand-name and generic drugs.

Each Part D plan has a list of covered medications (called a formulary), and most plans group drugs into different tiers that determine how much your medication costs. Depending on the insurance provider, plans may also have varying premiums, deductibles, and pharmacy networks.

Part D is optional, but if you don’t enroll when you’re first eligible and choose to do so later, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

Here to Help – Every Step, Every Question.

Trusted Expertise

Our licensed advisors stay up to date with Medicare rules and plan changes, so you get reliable, current guidance you can count on.

Step-by-Step Guidance

From enrollment to paperwork, we break down the process into simple, manageable steps. You’ll never feel like you're doing it alone.

Here When You Need Us

Our support doesn’t stop after you start working with us. We’re available year-round to answer questions and help you adjust your coverage if circumstances change.

Focused on Value

We’ll help you find plans that balance solid coverage with smart savings, so you can get the most from your Medicare benefits without overspending.