Understand Your Medicare Benefits
Everything you need to know to get started - in plain English.
Compare PlansIt also covers people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. It is administered by the U.S. federal government (CMS - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and is divided into parts: A, B, C, and D.
Part A - Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people pay $0/month for Part A if they worked 10+ years and paid Medicare taxes.
Part B - Medical Insurance
Covers doctor visits, specialists, labs, imaging (X-rays, MRIs), and medical equipment. The standard 2025 premium is $185/month, deducted from Social Security. Annual deductible is $257.
Part C - Medicare Advantage
Plans from private insurers that replace Original Medicare (A + B) and usually include extras: dental, vision, hearing, gym, and transportation. Many have $0/month premiums. Requires using the plan's doctor network.
Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage
Covers prescription medications. Purchased as a separate plan (with Original Medicare) or already included in many Medicare Advantage plans. Costs vary by plan and the medications you take.
Medigap plans are added to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to cover costs that Medicare doesn't fully pay: deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. They don't replace Medicare - they supplement it. You can see any doctor in the country that accepts Medicare, with no network restrictions. They have an additional monthly premium, but can significantly reduce unexpected expenses.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
7 months around your 65th birthday: 3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after. This is your main window to enroll without penalties.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 – December 7. You can change your Medicare Advantage plan or your prescription drug plan (Part D). Changes take effect January 1.
Annual Enrollment Period (OEP)
January 1 – March 31. If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can change it once or switch back to Original Medicare.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Certain life events give you a special enrollment window: moving to a new area, losing employer coverage, changes in Medicaid, or your plan leaving your area. Generally lasts 60 days from the event.
Which one is right for you? It depends on your health, doctors, and budget.
Not sure which plan is right for you? We help you find out - free.
Compare PlansMedicare Advantage (Part C)
All-in-one plans that include hospital, doctor, and sometimes vision, dental and medications. Many with $0 premium.
Part D (Prescriptions)
Prescription drug coverage. We help you find the plan that covers YOUR medications at the lowest cost.
Medigap (Supplement)
Insurance that covers what Original Medicare doesn't pay: copays, deductibles, and emergencies outside the country.