What Medicare is
Medicare is federal health coverage for people 65+ and some younger people with disabilities. It's built from four parts: Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Medicare Advantage — private plans that bundle A, B, and usually D), and Part D(prescription drugs).
Your enrollment timeline
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday. Start early and your card is in hand before you need it.
- 0190 days before 65Start comparing plans and gathering your doctor/med list.
- 02Birthday monthApply for Part A and Part B through Social Security.
- 03Within 45 daysMedicare card arrives in the mail.
- 04Choose C or Medigap + DEnroll in Medicare Advantage, or Medigap plus a Part D drug plan.
- 05Every fall (Oct 15 – Dec 7)Annual Enrollment Period — we review your plan each year.
The 20% gap
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) generally covers about 80% of approved medical costs. The remaining 20% has no annual limit — so a serious illness can leave you exposed. That's why most people add either a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan. We help you compare which fits your health, doctors, and budget.
Advantage vs Medigap
Two very different ways to close the gap. Here's the side-by-side.
| Feature | Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Medigap (Supplement) |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Usually HMO or PPO with a local network | Any provider that accepts Medicare, nationwide |
| Monthly premium | Often low, sometimes $0 beyond Part B | Higher monthly premium, few surprise bills |
| Copays / cost share | Copays per service; annual out-of-pocket max | Most or all cost-sharing covered depending on plan letter |
| Drug coverage (Part D) | Usually built in | Add a standalone Part D plan |
| Extras | Often includes dental, vision, hearing, gym | Focused on medical cost-sharing — extras added separately |
| Best for | Lower monthly cost, comfortable with a network | Predictable costs, wanting maximum provider freedom |
What we do (free)
- Compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D across many carriers
- Check that your doctors and prescriptions are covered
- Explain trade-offs in plain English, without pressure
- Handle enrollment paperwork with you
- Review your plan every year — networks and drug lists change
- Help with claim questions and ID card issues after enrollment
Our services are free because carriers compensate agents when clients enroll. You pay nothing to work with us.
Medicare Checklist
A one-page checklist for what to do 90, 60, and 30 days before you turn 65 — request a copy and we'll send it over with a short call.
Request the checklistWe do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.