Medicare Made Simple - Understand Your Options

You can first enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — the 7-month window that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after. If you miss this, you may face late penalties unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. If not, you’ll need to sign up through Social Security.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one plan from private insurers that usually includes prescription drugs and extras like dental or vision. Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) helps pay deductibles, copays, and coinsurance for Original Medicare but does not include extras.

Part D is separate coverage for prescriptions. Each plan has a formulary (list of covered drugs) with tiers that affect your copay. Choosing the right plan depends on your current medications.

Yes. During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7), you can switch between Medicare Advantage, Original Medicare, or change drug plans. Coverage starts January 1.

If you have employer coverage, you may delay Part B (and Part D) without penalty. Once you retire or lose employer coverage, you’ll get a Special Enrollment Period to sign up.

If you don’t sign up for Part B or Part D when you’re first eligible — and don’t have other creditable coverage — you may face a permanent penalty added to your premium.

Yes. In many cases, Medicare works as secondary insurance while your employer plan pays first. The rules depend on your employer’s size. We’ll help you understand which pays first.

Original Medicare does not cover routine dental or vision. Many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits, or you can buy standalone dental/vision coverage.

No. Our licensed advisors are compensated by the insurance carriers, not by you — so you get expert help at no additional cost.