Compare & Enroll in Medicare Advantage, Part D & ACA Plans

Medicare has four main parts: Part A covers hospital care, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient services, Part C (Medicare Advantage) combines Parts A and B with extra benefits, Part D covers prescription drugs.

Medicare covers hospital stays, doctor visits, preventive care, and medical supplies. It usually does not cover long-term care, dental, vision, hearing aids, or most prescription drugs unless you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.

You can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts seven months. Apply online through the Social Security Administration or visit your local Social Security office.

You can change your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) each year, or during Special Enrollment Periods if you qualify due to certain life changes like losing employer coverage or moving.

If you’re still working and have employer insurance, Medicare often acts as secondary coverage. You can delay enrolling in Part B without penalty as long as you have qualifying employer health coverage.

Original Medicare includes Parts A and B and lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurers and may include dental, vision, hearing, and prescription benefits not covered by Original Medicare.

Sign up for Medicare Parts B and D as soon as you’re eligible, unless you have other creditable coverage. Delaying enrollment without coverage can result in permanent premium penalties.

Coverage usually begins the first day of the month you turn 65. If you enroll later, it starts the month after your application is approved.

Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov or contact licensed insurance agents. Compare premiums, coverage, drug formularies, and provider networks to choose a plan that fits your health needs and budget.

The donut hole is a temporary coverage gap in Part D drug plans where you pay a higher share for medications after reaching a spending limit, until you qualify for catastrophic coverage.