Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or qualifying medical conditions. It helps cover hospital care, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other healthcare services.

You can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and continues for 3 months after. Missing this window may result in late enrollment penalties.

Some people are enrolled automatically, while others must sign up.

• If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’re usually enrolled automatically.
• If not, you’ll need to actively enroll through Social Security.​

Medicare is divided into four parts:

• Part A – Hospital insurance
• Part B – Medical insurance (doctor visits, outpatient care)​
• Part C (Medicare Advantage) – Combines Parts A & B and often includes prescription drugs and extra benefits
• Part D – Prescription drug coverage​

• Original Medicare (Parts A & B) allows you to see any doctor that accepts Medicare nationwide.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies and often include added benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, and prescription drugs.​

Medigap plans help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. These plans work only with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage plans.

Original Medicare does not cover most prescriptions. To get drug coverage, you can enroll in:
• A Part D Prescription Drug Plan, or​​
• A Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage​​

Costs vary depending on the coverage you choose. Medicare may include:

• Monthly premiums​
• Annual deductibles​
• Copayments and coinsurance​

Many plans offer low-cost or $0 premium options, depending on eligibility and location.

This depends on the plan you choose:

• With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare.​
• With Medicare Advantage, your doctor must be in the plan’s network (except for emergencies).​

If you have employer coverage, your Medicare options depend on:

• The size of your employer​​
• Whether your employer coverage is considered creditable​​

In some cases, you may delay Medicare Part B without penalty.

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, you can:

• Change Medicare Advantage plans​
• Switch Part D plans​
• Return to Original Medicare​

Changes take effect January 1.

Yes. In addition to the Annual Enrollment Period, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to life events such as moving, losing coverage, or qualifying for financial assistance.

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. However, many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits.

You may face:

• Late enrollment penalties​
• Delays in coverage​

Speaking with a licensed Medicare professional can help you understand your options and avoid unnecessary costs.

Yes. A licensed Medicare agent can:

• Explain your options clearly​
• Compare plans side-by-side​
• Help ensure your doctors and prescriptions are covered​
• Assist at no additional cost to you

The right plan depends on:

• Your healthcare needs​
• Prescription medications​
• Preferred doctors​
• Budget and lifestyle​

A personalized review ensures you’re not overpaying or under-covered.

Original Medicare offers limited coverage outside the U.S. Some Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans provide emergency coverage while traveling.

You should review your coverage every year, especially during Annual Enrollment, because:

• Plans change​
• Costs change​
• Your healthcare needs may change

Yes. If you go without creditable prescription drug coverage for an extended period, you may pay a lifetime late enrollment penalty when you enroll later.

You can enroll through Social Security, or work with a licensed Medicare agent who can guide you step by step and help you enroll with confidence.