Hospital Insurance
Part A generally helps cover inpatient hospital care and certain other facility-based services, subject to Medicare rules and cost sharing.
Medicare resources
A simpler starting point for learning Medicare.
Use these plain-English guides to understand common Medicare concepts before your consultation. Rules and personal eligibility can vary, so use this information as education rather than individualized advice.
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Medicare 101
The building blocks
Medical Insurance
Part B generally helps cover physician services, outpatient care, preventive services, and other medically necessary services and supplies.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive Part A and Part B benefits through a Medicare-approved private plan.
Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D helps cover prescription drugs and is available through stand-alone drug plans or many Medicare Advantage plans.
Medigap
Medigap policies supplement Original Medicare by helping with certain out-of-pocket costs, depending on the standardized plan selected.
Employer Coverage & Medicare
How Medicare coordinates with employer or retiree coverage can depend on your situation. Review timing carefully before making changes.
Key enrollment windows
Three Medicare time periods to recognize.
Special Enrollment Periods can also apply when certain qualifying events occur.
Initial Enrollment Period
For many people turning 65, this is a seven-month window that begins three months before the month they turn 65 and ends three months after that month.
Annual Open Enrollment
A yearly period when eligible beneficiaries can make certain changes to Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage for the next year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
People already in Medicare Advantage generally have a limited opportunity to make one plan change or return to Original Medicare during this period.
Consultation checklist
What to gather before a plan review.
- Your Medicare card information
- A current medication list with dosages
- Preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals
- Your current insurance plan documents
- Questions about travel or out-of-area care
- Any recent Annual Notice of Change or plan letters
Do not send sensitive personal or health information through an unsecured website form. An advisor can explain a secure process when needed.
Have a Medicare question that is specific to you?
Educational resources are a start. A personal conversation helps put the pieces together.