Medicare, explained in plain English
Whether you’re turning 65, retiring from an employer plan, or reviewing the coverage you already have, we’ll walk you through your options side by side so you can choose with confidence.
Your coverage options
Original Medicare
Hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage from the federal government. You can see any provider that accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage
Plans from private insurers that combine Parts A and B, and often Part D, into one plan. Many include extra benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing.
Medicare Supplement
Works alongside Original Medicare to help pay deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that Medicare doesn’t cover.
Prescription Drug Plans
Stand-alone drug coverage for people on Original Medicare. We check your medications and pharmacies against each plan’s drug list.
D-SNP & C-SNP Plans
Plans designed for people with both Medicare and Medicaid, or with certain chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
Savings Programs
If you have limited income, you may qualify for Extra Help with drug costs or a Medicare Savings Program that helps pay your Part B premium.
Key enrollment dates
| Period | When | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period | 7 months around your 65th birthday (3 months before, your birthday month, 3 months after) | Sign up for Medicare for the first time |
| Annual Enrollment Period | October 15 – December 7 | Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the next year |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | January 1 – March 31 | If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, switch to another one or return to Original Medicare |
| Special Enrollment Periods | Throughout the year | Make changes after certain life events, such as moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid |
How we help
- Listen first. We review your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, budget, and what matters most to you.
- Compare side by side. We explain how the plans available in your county differ, in plain language.
- Enroll with confidence. We help you complete your enrollment and make sure nothing is missed.
- Stay with you. We review your coverage every year and are here when you have questions or claims issues.
Ready to review your Medicare options?
There’s no cost for our help. Meet in person, by phone, or virtually.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 6 organizations which offer 292 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.