Medicare Basics

Medicare consists of 4 different parts that cover different types of health benefits. These are referred to as Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. The term "Original Medicare" refers to Medicare Parts A & B.

Part A: Hospital Visits

Part A covers hospital stays, nursing home stays, some home care, and hospice care. Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A, but there is a deductible.

Learn more about Part A

Part B: Medical Services

Part B covers medical services such as doctor visits and outpatient care. You pay a monthly premium for Part B, plus additional medical service costs.

Learn more about Part B

Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans

Part C covers all the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) plus additional benefits and services. The cost of a Part C or Medical Advantage plan varies depending on the plan. Many people choose to add Part C because it provides more complete coverage than just Original Medicare

Learn more about Part C

Part D: Prescription Drugs

Part D covers many commonly used brand name and generic prescription drugs. Original Medicare does not include any coverage for prescription drugs. The cost of a Part D plan varies depending on the type of plan you choose. Part D can be included with a Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan or purchased separately as a stand-alone Part D plan.

Learn more about Part D

It’s important to remember that enrolling in Part A and B is just the first step in the process. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) may not provide enough coverage. You will want to consider adding a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) and prescription drug coverage (Part D) for complete coverage. There is a penalty for not adding Part D when you are first eligible.

Am I eligible for Medicare?

If you are nearing age 65 or if you are 65 or older, you may be eligible for Medicare if you meet certain criteria.

Learn more about eligibility requirements for Medicare

When Can I Enroll in Medicare?

What are the different enrollment times throughout the year and when can you enroll? Remember, enrolling late could cause you to pay penalties.

Learn more about when you can enroll

After I enroll in Medicare, when does my coverage begin?

When you enroll in Medicare will impact your coverage date.

Learn more about when your Medicare coverage might begin

Ready to enroll in Medicare?

It's time to enroll.

Learn how to enroll in Medicare and possible penalties if you're late

Every person's situation is different, but when choosing your coverage, it's helpful to keep in mind that there are 3 main options:

1. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and a separate prescription drug plan (Part D)
2. Add a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) that includes prescription drug coverage (Part D)
3. Add a Medicare Supplement plan and separate prescription drug plan (Part D)

Learn more about these 3 Medicare plan options

We offer meetings designed to help you understand the Medicare program and your coverage options, as well as meetings to assist you with you finding and enrolling in a Medicare plan that will fit your needs. Meetings are available both in-person and online.

Find and register for an upcoming meeting