Medicare Insurance Plans for Seniors: Explore Your Options with Palmetto Mutual
Medicare 101: A Simple Guide for Seniors in 2025
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, though it also covers some individuals under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions like ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). If you’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, you likely qualify for premium-free hospital coverage under Part A.
Created in 1965, Medicare was designed to protect seniors from overwhelming medical costs in retirement. Today, it covers over 65 million Americans and continues to serve as the foundation of senior health coverage.
What Are the Parts of Medicare?
Medicare is made up of four main parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and mental health services.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): A private alternative to Original Medicare that combines Parts A and B (and often Part D) into one plan. Many Advantage plans also offer dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps pay for prescription medications through private plans regulated by Medicare.
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Most people choose between two main Medicare paths:
- Original Medicare (Part A & B): Provided by the federal government. You can see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare. Often paired with a Medigap plan and Part D drug coverage.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offered by private insurance companies. These plans bundle coverage and often include extras like dental, vision, and gym memberships — but you may be limited to a provider network.
To explore the pros and cons of each option, read our full guide comparing Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap →
When Can You Enroll in Medicare?
There are four key enrollment windows:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year. You can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans.
- General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 – March 31 for those who missed IEP.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): For life events like retiring or moving. Allows you to enroll or make changes outside of the standard windows.
Want more detail? Explore our Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained guide →
What Does Medicare Cost in 2025?
Here’s what most people can expect in 2025:
- Part A: Free for most (if you worked 40 quarters)
- Part B: $185/month standard premium
- Part D: Varies by plan; national average ~$36.78/month
- Medigap Plans: Varies by plan and zip code; commonly $100–$200/month
- Medicare Advantage Plans: Many start at $0/month (you still pay Part B)
Check out our full 2025 Medicare Cost Guide →
What If I Need Extra Help?
If your income is limited, you may qualify for:
- Medicare Savings Programs: Can help pay Part B premiums and deductibles
- Extra Help (LIS): Reduces Part D premiums and copays
- Dual Eligibility: If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, you may receive enhanced benefits with $0 premiums and copays
Learn more in our Medicare Extra Help & Savings Programs guide →
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We’re your local Medicare ally.
Let’s make this simple. Get clear answers from a local expert.
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Explore Medicare Topics
1. Medicare Basics
- [What Is Medicare? A Simple Guide for Seniors]
- [Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained (IEP, SEP, AEP, GEP)]
- [Avoid Medicare Penalties: The Complete 2025 Guide]
2. Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- [What Is Medicare Advantage?]
- [What Do Part C Plans Cover?]
- [Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap]
- [Best Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina (2025)]
3. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
- [Top Medigap Plans for 2025]
- [Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: What’s the Difference?]
- [When to Enroll in a Medigap Plan]
- [Medigap Plan G vs. Plan N Comparison]
4. Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
- [What Is Medicare Part D and How Does It Work?]
- [Part D MOOP Cap for 2025 Explained]
- [Choosing the Right Part D Plan]
5. Medicare Cost & Savings Programs
- [2025 Medicare Cost Guide]
- [What Is the IRMAA and Will It Affect Me?]
- [Medicare Extra Help & Savings Programs]
- [Dual Eligibility: Medicare and Medicaid Explained]
6. Additional Benefits & Coverage
- [Dental, Vision & Hearing Coverage for Seniors]
- [Hospital Indemnity, Cancer, and Critical Illness Plans]
- [OTC & Grocery Allowance Benefits in Medicare Advantage]
FAQs About Medicare
- When can I sign up for Medicare?
- What’s the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
- Can I have Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time?
- How much does Medicare cost in 2025?
Why Choose Palmetto Mutual for Medicare Help?
- Independent local agency — not tied to any one company
- Experts in both SC and NC Medicare plans
- Personalized support — by phone or face-to-face
- Helped thousands of seniors find better coverage
CTA Banner
We’re your local Medicare ally.
Let’s make this simple. Get clear answers from a local expert.
[Button: Get Help Now]