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Medicare Resources & Guides
Plain-English explainers, guides, and answers to the most common Medicare questions — written by licensed agents, reviewed for accuracy.
Understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C & D
Medicare is divided into four parts. Each covers different services and has its own costs and rules.
Medicare Part A
Hospital Insurance
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people pay no premium for Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Medicare Part B
Medical Insurance
Part B covers outpatient medical services — doctor visits, preventive care, lab tests, outpatient surgery, mental health services, and durable medical equipment. You pay a monthly premium for Part B.
Medicare Part C
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. They bundle Part A and Part B coverage — and usually Part D — into one plan, often with extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
Medicare Part D
Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D plans help cover the cost of prescription drugs. They are offered by private insurers and can be purchased as a standalone plan (with Original Medicare) or bundled into a Medicare Advantage plan.
Filling the Gaps
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Original Medicare covers about 80% of approved costs — you're responsible for the remaining 20% with no out-of-pocket maximum. A Medigap policy is private insurance that helps fill those gaps.
- Standardized plans labeled A through N — same benefits regardless of insurer
- Plan G is the most comprehensive plan available to new enrollees
- Accepted by any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare — no networks
- Best time to enroll: during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period
80%
Original Medicare covers approximately 80% of approved costs. You're responsible for the remaining 20% — with no out-of-pocket maximum.
A Medigap plan can cover most or all of that 20%, giving you predictable costs and the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider in the country.
Timing Matters
Enrollment Periods at a Glance
Missing an enrollment window can mean permanent penalties or gaps in coverage. Know your windows.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
7-month window around your 65th birthday3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after. This is your first and most important window.
General Enrollment Period (GEP)
January 1 – March 31 each yearFor those who missed their IEP. Coverage starts July 1. Late enrollment penalties may apply.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Triggered by qualifying life eventsLosing employer coverage, moving, or other qualifying events can open a Special Enrollment Period.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 – December 7 each yearSwitch, join, or drop Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Changes take effect January 1.
Still Have Questions?
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