Medicare 101
New to Medicare? Start here.
Medicare has four parts, a few important deadlines, and more choices than most people expect. Here's the plain-English version — and a free call when you want a human to walk you through it.
The four parts of Medicare
Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A if they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
Medical Insurance
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium that most people pay, and an annual deductible.
Medicare Advantage
An all-in-one alternative from private insurance companies that bundles Parts A and B, and usually Part D. Many plans add dental, vision, hearing and fitness benefits.
Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps pay for medications. Offered through private plans, either stand-alone or built into a Medicare Advantage plan. Enrolling late can mean a permanent penalty.
Your first four steps
Know your timeline
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday month. Missing it can mean late penalties that last as long as you have Medicare.
Sign up for Parts A & B
You enroll in Original Medicare through Social Security — online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local office. If you already receive Social Security benefits, you may be enrolled automatically.
Choose how to get coverage
Decide between Original Medicare (with the option to add a Supplement and Part D plan) or a Medicare Advantage plan. This is the choice an agent can help you compare.
Review every year
Plans change their costs and benefits each January. The Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7, is your chance to switch.
Turning 65 soon?
The months around your 65th birthday are the best time to compare plans — you'll have the most choices and the strongest protections. A licensed agent can check what's available in your ZIP code in one free call.
Get Medicare right from day one
Free, no-obligation plan review. Mon–Fri 8am–9pm ET, Sat 9am–5pm ET. Deaf or hard of hearing? Dial 711 for free relay service.
Call (888) 555-0142