Hospital Insurance
Helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
Two main paths
The first choice. Everything else flows from it.
Most people choose between Original Medicare (with optional Medigap and Part D) or Medicare Advantage. Once you know which path makes sense for you, we review specific plans—checking your doctors, your prescriptions, your budget, and whether the plan covers your life as you actually live it.
Confidence starts with clarity.
The four parts
What each letter means in your coverage.
Medical Insurance
Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and more.
Medicare Advantage
Private plans approved by Medicare that bundle Part A and B and may include drug and extra benefits.
Prescription Drugs
Private prescription drug coverage, either stand-alone or included with some Medicare Advantage plans.
| Question | Original Medicare + options | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor access | Broad access to providers who accept Medicare; Medigap can help with cost sharing. | Network-based; must verify doctors, hospitals, and referrals. |
| Prescription drugs | Usually add a separate Part D plan. | Often included, but formularies and pharmacies must be checked. |
| Monthly premium vs usage | May have higher monthly premium if Medigap is added, with more predictable costs. | May have lower premium, with copays and out-of-pocket limits. |
| Fit | Often valued for flexibility and travel. | Often valued for bundled benefits and local network coordination. |
Enrollment windows
Miss the deadline, miss your chance.
Initial Enrollment
The seven-month window around your 65th birthday is where many first decisions happen.
Annual Enrollment
October 15 through December 7 is a common review window for Medicare Advantage and Part D changes.
Special Enrollment
Moving, losing coverage, and other life changes may open special windows. Verify before acting.
Plain English.
Medicare has a lot of moving pieces. We break it down so you understand what you're choosing and why it matters for your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
Español claro.
Medicare tiene muchas piezas. Las explicamos para que entienda qué está eligiendo y por qué importa para sus doctores, medicinas y presupuesto.
Questions / Preguntas
Clear answers, no pressure.
What is the biggest Medicare decision?
Most people choose between Original Medicare with optional Medigap/Part D coverage and a Medicare Advantage plan.
When should I ask for help?
Start before your Initial Enrollment Period or before Annual Enrollment if you want to review coverage for the next year.
Can I keep my doctor?
That depends on the plan type and network. A good review checks doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, travel, and budget.