Hospital insurance
Helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
A
THE MEDICARE FIELD GUIDE
A big decision.
A clearer starting point.
You don’t have to become an expert in Medicare.
Start with the building blocks. We’ll help with the rest.
START WHERE YOU ARE
What’s on
your mind?
Choose the situation that sounds most like you.
YOUR FIRST MEDICARE CONVERSATION
Start with the pieces.
Then see the whole picture.
We’ll help you understand the parts of Medicare and the questions to ask before choosing coverage.
- Talk about your enrollment timing.
- Understand Original Medicare and your other coverage choices.
- Bring a list of your doctors, prescriptions, and current coverage to your appointment.
This guide is general information. Your eligibility and enrollment options depend on your circumstances.
FIRST, THE FOUNDATION
Original Medicare.
Two parts to know.
Original Medicare is provided by the federal government. It includes Part A and Part B.
B
Medical insurance
Helps cover doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical equipment, and preventive services.
Learn more from Medicare.gov: the parts of Medicare ↗.
THEN, UNDERSTAND YOUR CHOICES
Different ways to build
your coverage.
01 / PART C
Medicare Advantage
An alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private plan. Medicare Advantage includes Part A and Part B, and most plans include Part D drug coverage.
What we’ll talk about
Your doctors, provider networks, prescriptions, and how the plan’s costs and rules work for you. Some plans include benefits such as dental, vision, or fitness programs; benefits and limits vary by plan. We help check whether your doctor or clinic participates before you choose.
02 / MEDIGAP
Medicare Supplement
Private insurance that helps pay certain out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare. Medigap works with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage.
What we’ll talk about
Your coverage priorities, premiums, eligibility, and the timing of your application. Medigap policies have their own premiums and do not include Part D prescription coverage. Ask about the protections that may apply when you buy or change a policy.
03 / PART D
Prescription drug coverage
Helps cover prescription drug costs. You can join a separate drug plan with Original Medicare, or receive drug coverage through most Medicare Advantage plans.
What we’ll talk about
Your prescription list, the plan’s covered drugs, your preferred pharmacy, and your expected costs.
For an official overview, visit Medicare.gov: your coverage options ↗.
COMPARE THE BIG PICTURE
Two paths.
Different things to consider.
The right conversation includes access to care and your total costs—not just a plan’s monthly premium.
| What to compare | Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| How you receive benefits | Part A and Part B through the federal program. | Part A and Part B through a private Medicare-approved plan. |
| Doctors and hospitals | Generally any provider in the U.S. who takes Medicare. | Plan networks and rules may affect which providers you use and your costs. |
| Prescription drugs | Usually a separate Part D plan. | Most plans include Part D; check the specific plan. |
| Supplement insurance | You may be able to buy Medigap to help pay certain costs. | Medigap cannot pay Medicare Advantage cost-sharing. |
| Annual cost protection | No yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs for Part A and Part B services unless you have supplemental coverage. | A yearly limit applies to out-of-pocket costs for covered Part A and Part B services. |
Source: Medicare.gov’s coverage comparison. Plan terms, exclusions, and eligibility matter.
HELP WITH THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
From the first application
to finding your care.
We help you understand Social Security’s online account and Medicare application process, then explain your insurance choices. If you need a primary-care doctor or clinic, we can help you explore options and check plan participation.
Enrollment steps and important datesLook beyond the premium.
- Premium: what you pay to maintain coverage.
- Deductible: what you may pay before certain benefits begin.
- Copay or coinsurance: your share when you receive a covered service.
- Drug costs: check your medications, pharmacy, and plan rules.
A plan with a $0 additional premium can still have other costs. We’ll talk through the details of the options available to you.
A LITTLE PREPARATION HELPS
Bring your questions.
And a few useful details.
Have these available for your private appointment. Please don’t send medical information or identification numbers in a general email.
- 01Your doctors and preferred hospitals
- 02Your prescriptions and dosages
- 03Your preferred pharmacy
- 04Your current coverage and questions
YOU DON’T HAVE TO SORT IT OUT ALONE.