Which Medicare Plan Fits Me?Medicare Advantage, Supplements And Part D, Compared Plainly.
Maartin lays your options side by side, using your doctors, your prescriptions and the way you live. You choose, and you enroll directly with the insurance company.
The Short Answer
Medicare has two main paths. Original Medicare lets you use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, and you can add a Medigap supplement and a Part D drug plan. Medicare Advantage plans bundle your coverage through a private plan with a network and a yearly limit on what you pay. Your doctors, prescriptions and travel decide the better fit.
Source: Medicare.gov
Three Dates Worth Knowing
- 7 Months
- Your first window to sign up, from 3 months before the month you turn 65 to 3 months after it.
- 6 Months
- Medigap Open Enrollment, starting the first month you have Part B at 65 or older. Insurers can’t charge you more for health problems.
- Oct 15 – Dec 7
- Open Enrollment each year to join or switch a Medicare Advantage or drug plan, with coverage from January 1.
Two Paths
Original Medicare Or Medicare Advantage?
Six questions decide it for most people. Here is how each path answers them, in Medicare’s own terms.
| Question | Original MedicareAdd Medigap And Part D If You Choose | Medicare AdvantagePrivate Plans Approved By Medicare |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors And Hospitals | Any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. | You may need to use providers in the plan’s network and service area for non-emergency care. |
| Seeing A Specialist | In most cases, no referral needed. | You may need a referral. |
| Yearly Out-Of-Pocket Limit | No yearly limit on what you pay. A Medigap policy can help cover those costs. | Plans have a yearly limit on what you pay for covered Medicare services. |
| Prescription Drugs | Join a separate Part D drug plan. | Most plans include Part D drug coverage. |
| Medigap Supplement | You can buy Medigap to help pay costs Medicare leaves to you. | Medigap can’t be used with Medicare Advantage. |
| Travel Outside The U.S. | Generally not covered. | Generally not covered. Some plans add emergency and urgent care abroad as an extra benefit. |
The better fit comes down to your doctors, your prescriptions and how you travel. That is exactly what Maartin compares with you. Source: Medicare.gov
Timing
Your First Window Is Seven Months Long.
It opens three months before the month you turn 65 and closes three months after it. Starting early gives you time to compare without a deadline pressing.
- 3 MonthsBefore
- 2 MonthsBefore
- 1 MonthBefore
- Your 65thBirthday Month
- 1 MonthAfter
- 2 MonthsAfter
- 3 MonthsAfter
Still Working At 65?
Coverage through your own or your spouse’s current job can change when you need Part B. Maartin walks through the timing with you before you decide.
Waiting Can Cost You.
Medicare adds an extra 10% to your Part B premium for each year you could have signed up and didn’t, for as long as you have Part B.
Working With Maartin
A Medicare Review, Start To Finish.
- 01
Bring Your List
Your doctors, your prescriptions and the pharmacy you use. That list drives everything that follows.
- 02
See Your Options Side By Side
Maartin compares the plans he represents in your ZIP code against your list, in plain English.
- 03
Choose With Time To Think
Ask every question you have. The decision stays yours, on your timeline.
- 04
Enroll With The Carrier
In California you enroll directly with the insurance company. Maartin stays beside you through every step.
Medicare plan conversations are recorded, as federal rules require.
Questions
Common Questions
When can I sign up for Medicare?
Your first window runs seven months: from 3 months before the month you turn 65 to 3 months after it. Coverage through a current employer can change the timing.
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement?
A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare and helps pay costs Medicare leaves to you. Medicare Advantage replaces how you receive Original Medicare with a private plan, usually with a network, a yearly out-of-pocket limit and drug coverage built in. The two can’t be combined.
Do I need a separate drug plan with Medicare Advantage?
Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D drug coverage, so a separate drug plan is usually unnecessary. With Original Medicare, you join a separate Part D plan.
Can I change plans later?
Each year from October 15 to December 7 you can join or switch a Medicare Advantage or drug plan, with coverage from January 1. Medigap works differently: your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is when insurers must sell you any policy they offer without charging more for health problems. Maartin explains how the timing works for you.
Can I enroll through this website?
In California you enroll directly with the insurance company. Maartin helps you choose and walks you through the carrier’s enrollment.
Medicare Disclaimer
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 6 organizations which offer 87 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Turning 65 Soon?
Medicare, Chosen
With Care.
Bring your doctors and prescriptions. Leave with your options side by side and a clear next step.
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