Medicare Made Simple

Your initial enrollment period starts three months before you turn sixty-five and lasts through three months after your birthday month. If you miss this window, you might face late enrollment penalties that last as long as you have Medicare. Some people can delay Part B without penalty if they have creditable coverage through work. We'll help you figure out the right timing for your situation.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) lets you see any doctor that accepts Medicare nationwide. You typically add a Part D plan for drugs and maybe a supplement plan to cover gaps. Medicare Advantage bundles everything together, often with extra benefits, but you're usually limited to a network of doctors and need referrals for specialists. There's no one-size-fits-all answer-it depends on your health, budget, and whether you value flexibility or extra benefits more.

Most people don't pay a premium for Part A. Part B costs a standard amount monthly, though higher earners pay more. Part D and Medicare Advantage premiums vary by plan. Then there are deductibles, copays, and coinsurance to consider. A Medigap supplement adds another monthly premium but can save you money on out-of-pocket costs. We'll help you calculate total costs for different coverage combinations so you can compare apples to apples.

Yes, during specific enrollment periods. The main one is from mid-October through early December each year when you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change drug plans, or add or drop coverage. There are other special enrollment periods for certain life events like moving. Understanding when you can make changes is important because you're generally stuck with your choice until the next enrollment period.

Original Medicare generally doesn't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services. Some Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits, which is one reason people choose them. You can also buy separate dental and vision insurance if you stick with Original Medicare. We'll show you what's covered under different plan options and help you decide if the extra benefits are worth it for your situation.