WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR MEDICARE JOURNEY?
NEW TO MEDICARE?
Approaching 65, retiring, or becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time? We can help you understand what happens next and what decisions you may need to make.
ALREADY HAVE MEDICARE?
Already enrolled in Medicare but reviewing your current coverage? We can help you understand your existing coverage and the Medicare insurance options available to you.
UNDERSTAND YOUR MEDICARE INSURANCE OPTIONS
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE
PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT (MEDIGAP)
Medicare Advantage plans provide your Part A and Part B benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare. Many plans include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits. Costs, provider networks and benefits vary by plan.
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT (MEDIGAP)
PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT (MEDIGAP)
Medicare Supplement insurance works alongside Original Medicare and can help pay some out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay. With most Medigap policies, you can use any provider that accepts Medicare.
PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
Medicare Part D helps cover prescription medications. Plans differ in formularies, pharmacy networks, premiums and what you pay for your prescriptions.
How Medicare Coverage Fits Together
There are two main ways to receive your Medicare coverage. Understanding the difference is an important first step.
ORIGINAL MEDICARE PATH
Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. You may also choose a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to help with certain out-of-pocket costs and a separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PATH
Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive your Part A and Part B benefits through a private insurance company. Many plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage and additional benefits.
AN IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works with Original Medicare. It does not work with a Medicare Advantage plan.
WHEN CAN I ENROLL OR MAKE CHANGES?
Initial Enrollment Period
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Initial Enrollment Period
When you first become eligible for Medicare, you generally have a seven-month enrollment period surrounding your 65th birthday. Different rules may apply if you qualify for Medicare for another reason.
Annual Enrollment Period
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Initial Enrollment Period
October 15 – December 7
You can join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage for the coming year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 – March 31
If you’re already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.
Special Enrollment Periods
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Certain life events or changes in coverage may allow you to enroll in Medicare or make changes outside the regular enrollment periods.