New to Medicare?
Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). From there, you have choices about how to receive your benefits and cover some of the costs Original Medicare leaves to you.
Your enrollment timing depends on your situation, including when you become eligible and whether you have coverage through current employment. Melinda can help you understand the questions to ask before taking your next step.
Who can get Medicare?
Medicare generally serves people age 65 and older. Some younger people also qualify due to disability, End-Stage Renal Disease, or ALS. Eligibility and enrollment rules depend on individual circumstances.
When do you enroll?
For people first eligible at 65, the Initial Enrollment Period generally lasts seven months: three months before the birthday month, that month, and three months after. Other enrollment periods may apply to your situation.
The General Enrollment Period runs January 1–March 31; coverage starts the month after you enroll. It is separate from the fall Annual Enrollment Period for plan changes.
Source: Medicare.gov: enrollment and coverage start dates.
The coverage options,
a little clearer.
Medicare Advantage · Part C
A private-plan alternative for receiving your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. Many plans include prescription drug coverage. Networks, costs, benefits, and service areas vary by plan.
Medicare Supplement · Medigap
Insurance that helps pay certain out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare. It works alongside Original Medicare, rather than with a Medicare Advantage plan. Enrollment protections and underwriting rules depend on your circumstances.
Prescription drug coverage · Part D
Coverage to help with prescription drug costs. Compare the specific medications you take, the plan’s covered-drug list, pharmacy network, and cost-sharing rules.
Dental insurance
Interested in separate dental coverage? Ask Melinda about the options she represents and how their benefits, waiting periods, and costs compare.
Understand the costs, too.
Premiums are only one part of the picture. Learn what deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance mean when you compare coverage.
Explore Medicare costsLearn more from Medicare.gov’s getting started guide. This overview is general; coverage details depend on the plan and your eligibility.