Medicare Doesn’t Have to Be Confusing

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window: 3 months before you turn 65, your birthday month, and 3 months after. For coverage starting on your birthday month, enroll during the 3 months before. If you’re still working with employer coverage, different rules may apply — we can help you navigate this.

If you’re receiving Social Security, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A & B. If you have employer coverage through your or your spouse’s current job, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty. However, most people should at least enroll in Part A (which is free) since it doesn’t affect employer coverage.

Medicare Supplements (Medigap) work WITH Original Medicare to cover your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) REPLACES Original Medicare with a private plan that often includes extra benefits but requires using network providers. You cannot have both.

With Original Medicare + Supplement, any doctor who accepts Medicare will see you — that’s 97% of doctors nationwide. With Medicare Advantage, you must verify your doctors are in-network. We always check your specific doctors and medications BEFORE recommending any plan.

Everyone pays the Part B premium ($185/month in 2025). Part A is free for most people. Beyond that, costs depend on your choice: Medicare Supplements range from $80-$300/month but have minimal out-of-pocket costs. Many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums but have copays and deductibles when you use care.

Even if you take no medications now, enrolling in Part D is highly recommended to avoid late penalties. If you delay Part D and don’t have creditable drug coverage, you’ll pay a penalty of 1% per month for every month you were eligible but didn’t enroll — for life. Medicare Advantage plans typically include drug coverage.

Yes! Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can be changed every year during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). Medicare Supplements are different — while you can apply anytime, you may face health questions and higher rates after your initial enrollment period. That’s why choosing the right Supplement initially is important.

Insurance companies pay licensed agents like us to help people enroll — you pay the exact same premium whether you use our help or not. Our compensation is the same regardless of which plan you choose, so we have no incentive to push any particular option. We succeed when you’re happy with your coverage.