Medicare
made simple

A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy works alongside Original Medicare and helps cover costs that Parts A and B don’t. You keep Original Medicare and can see any provider nationwide who accepts it, and you’d add a separate Part D plan for prescriptions. A Medicare Advantage plan delivers your Part A and Part B benefits through a private Medicare-approved company instead, usually with prescription coverage built in and care coordinated through the plan’s network. Which one fits comes down to your doctors, your prescriptions, how much you travel, and how you’d rather handle costs.

With Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement, you can see any provider in the country who accepts Medicare. With a Medicare Advantage plan, care runs through the plan’s network, so it’s important to check that your doctors participate before you enroll. Reviewing your provider list is one of the first things I do with anyone considering Advantage.

Your first opportunity is the seven-month window around your 65th birthday. After that, the Annual Enrollment Period each fall is when most changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are made. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31 gives you another opportunity to switch. Medicare Supplement plans work differently: you may qualify to make a change at any time of year, though acceptance can depend on health questions once your initial window has passed. Certain life events can also open a Special Enrollment Period.

It’s worth considering. If you go 63 days or more without creditable prescription drug coverage after becoming eligible, a late enrollment penalty may be added to your premium if you sign up later, and it can stay with you for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage. Many people enroll in a low-cost plan simply to avoid that.

Original Medicare with a Supplement travels well, since any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare will see you. Medicare Advantage plans are built around regional networks, so travel and relocation are worth talking through before you choose. If you move out of your plan’s service area, that generally opens a Special Enrollment Period.

No. The dental, vision, and hearing plans I offer are standalone. You can start one at any time of year, on Medicare or not.

Not always. Several carriers waive their usual waiting periods if you enroll shortly after losing prior coverage, typically within 30 to 60 days. If you’ve recently lost a plan, it’s worth moving sooner rather than later.

No. Plan premiums are set by the carrier and filed with the state, they’re the same whether you enroll on your own or with my help. Consultation is provided at no cost.