Empowering you with the knowledge to make
informed Medicare decisions for your future.
Medicare Learning Center
Our mission is simple: to provide plain-language guides that cut through the noise. We help people and their families understand Medicare with confidence, ensuring you feel prepared for every step of the journey.
Start with the Basics
What Is Medicare?
Medicare began in 1966. It is federal health insurance for people 65 or older and some younger people with disabilities. It is divided into different parts to cover hospital stays (Part A), medical services (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D). Medicare Advantage (Part C) is Medicare benefits delivered through a private insurer.
When Can I Enroll?
Most people sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period, a seven-month window around their 65th birthday (3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after). Missing this window can lead to late penalties, so timing is key for proper coverage. Policies can be changed every year during the Annual Enrollment Period as well as during certain periods known as Special Election Periods.
Understanding Your Options
There are many ways to configure your benefits. You can enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A & B). You can add a standalone drug plan (Part D). You can combine all of those with a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). Or you can add additional benefits to your Original Medicare with a Supplemental plan.
Common Questions, Clear Answers
What happens if I miss my initial enrollment window?
Deep breaths—missing a window isn't the end of the road. There are General Enrollment periods every year, and some life changes might qualify you for a Special Enrollment period. We can help you identify exactly when you can sign up to avoid or minimize late fees.
Can I change my plan if my health needs shift later?
Absolutely. Your coverage should grow and change with you. During the Annual Enrollment Period each fall, you can review and switch your plans. Our goal is to ensure you always have the right protection for your current stage of life, giving you one less thing to worry about.
I am healthy and do not take many prescriptions. Do I have to sign up for Part D?
Short answer is no, you are not required to sign up. However, if you do not maintain credible coverage, you will incur a late enrollment fee equal to 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($38.99 in 2026) for every month you do not enroll. This can add up fast. For example, if you go 5 years without coverage (60 months), you would owe a lifetime premium addition of $23.34 ($38.99 x 60%). It is often better to maintain minimal coverage that you can change later if your needs change.
How do I know if I have credible coverage?
If you are still working, you can ask your HR representative if the coverage you have is credible. To be credible, the benefits must be equal to or better than Medicare. Some insurance coverage is considered credible for some parts of Medicare, but not others.
What premiums and deductibles do I pay for Part A and Part B?
Most people enjoy a Part A premium free. However, you have had to work 40 quarters (10 years) and paid Medicare taxes during that time to qualify for Part A premium free. If you have not worked 40 quarters, you can still be eligible for Part A, but will have to pay a premium depending on how long you have worked. In 2026, the Part A Deductible was $1,736 per benefit period. If you go 60 days between in-patient hospital visits, your deductible will reset.
In 2026, the Part B Premium is $202.90 per month. There is also an annual deductible of $283.
For Part A & B, once you have paid your deductible, Medicare covers 80% of all remaining costs and you still owe 20%. There is no maximum out-of-pocket.
What is the difference between Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare is only Part A and Part B coverage. You can have Original Medicare and still sign up for a stand-alone Part D plan. However, being that there is no max out-of-pocket for Original Medicare, you leave yourself at risk for a lot of costs if you do not obtain additional coverage.
Medicare Supplement plans, or Medigap Plans, are designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare. They come in a variety of standardized plans depending on the amount of additional coverage you need and can help cover premiums, deductibles, and reduce your overall cost share. All providers that accept Original Medicare will accept Medicare Supplement. Medigap does not cover rountine dental or vision.
Medicare Advantage Plans, or Part C, picks up where Original Medicare left off. It comes with a lot of different options and can include additional benefits such as gym memberships, dental and vision coverage, and even cover OTC drug costs. They can come with or without Part D coverage. However, you will typically have a network of providers you must see, or you will pay an increased amount.
You cannot have a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan. You also cannot have a Medicare Advantage plan and a stand-alone Part D Plan. You must have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D benefits, or have your Part D benefits from another credible source. You can have a Medicare Supplement Plan and a stand-alone Part D plan.