Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals who are 65 and older, as well as certain people who qualify due to disability or other qualifying conditions.

Medicare has different parts:

Part A: Helps cover hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and some home health services.

Part B: Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies.

Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurance company.

Part D: Prescription drug coverage.

Most people become eligible for Medicare around age 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and continues for three months afterward. Timing matters. Enrolling at the right time can help you avoid potential penalties or gaps in coverage.

It depends on your specific situation, including whether you have employer coverage, the size of your employer, and your current benefits. We can help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision.

Both options can work alongside Medicare, but they work very differently: Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C): Replace Original Medicare as your way of receiving Medicare benefits Offered by private insurance companies Usually combine Part A, Part B, and often prescription drug coverage into one plan May include additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, transportation, fitness programs, or other extras Typically use a network of doctors and hospitals Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap): Work alongside Original Medicare Help pay some of the costs Original Medicare does not fully cover, such as deductibles and coinsurance Do not usually include prescription drug coverage (a separate Part D plan may be needed) Generally allow you to see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare Do not typically offer the extra benefits that Medicare Advantage plans may provide The right choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel needs, and how you prefer to receive your healthcare. Will my doctors and specialists be covered? Every Medicare plan has different rules and provider networks. Before choosing a plan, we help review your doctors, specialists, hospitals, and preferred providers.

Prescription coverage varies by plan. We can review your medications and help you understand which plans may cover your prescriptions and what your costs may look like.

Extra Help is a Medicare program that may help lower prescription drug costs for people who meet certain income and resource requirements.