Medicare Plans β€” Elderhood.info
πŸ›‘οΈ Medicare & Financial Security

Medicare Made
Simple & Clear

Compare every Medicare plan option β€” Parts A, B, C and D, Advantage, Supplement and more β€” explained in plain English so you can choose the right coverage with total confidence.

The Basics

Understanding the Four Parts of Medicare

Medicare is made up of four parts β€” each covering different aspects of your healthcare. Here's what each one means for you.

A
Medicare Part A
Hospital Insurance

Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no monthly premium for Part A.

  • Inpatient hospital stays
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Hospice care
  • Some home health services

View Part A Plans β†’
B
Medicare Part B
Medical Insurance

Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment. Standard premium is around $185/month in 2026.

  • Doctor visits & specialist care
  • Outpatient procedures
  • Preventive screenings
  • Durable medical equipment

View Part B Plans β†’
C
Medicare Advantage
All-In-One Alternative

Private plans that bundle Parts A and B β€” and often Part D β€” into one. May include dental, vision, and hearing not covered by Original Medicare.

  • Combines Parts A, B (and often D)
  • May include dental & vision
  • Managed care β€” HMO or PPO
  • May have lower out-of-pocket costs

View Advantage Plans β†’
D
Medicare Part D
Drug Coverage

Adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare. Offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. Premiums vary by plan and drugs covered.

  • Covers prescription medications
  • Varies by formulary (drug list)
  • Can be added to Parts A & B
  • Often included in Advantage plans

View Part D Plans β†’
Side-by-Side

Original Medicare vs. Advantage vs. Medigap

Compare the three main coverage paths β€” then find your perfect plan with one click.

Feature
Original Medicare
Parts A + B
Medicare Advantage
Part C
Medigap Supplement
+ Original
Monthly Premium
Part B only (~$185)
Varies ($0–$200+)
$100–$400+ extra
Doctor Choice
βœ“ Any Medicare doctor
⚠ Network only
βœ“ Any Medicare doctor
Dental & Vision
βœ— Not covered
βœ“ Often included
βœ— Not covered
Drug Coverage
⚠ Separate needed
βœ“ Often bundled
⚠ Separate needed
Out-of-Pocket Max
βœ— No cap
βœ“ Annual cap set
βœ“ Gaps filled
Travel Coverage
⚠ US only mostly
⚠ Limited abroad
βœ“ Some plans abroad
Best For
Flexibility & travel
Extra benefits, low cost
Predictable costs
Key Dates

Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained

Missing an enrollment window can result in permanent late penalties. Know your dates β€” then act immediately.

IEP
Initial Enrollment
Initial Enrollment Period

A 7-month window around your 65th birthday β€” 3 months before, your birth month, and 3 months after. Your first chance to sign up without penalty.

Enroll Now β†’
OEP
Open Enrollment
Annual Open Enrollment

Oct 15 – Dec 7 every year. Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change your Part D drug plan.

View Plans β†’
SEP
Special Enrollment
Special Enrollment Period

If you have employer insurance past 65, you get a Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends β€” no late penalty applies.

Check Eligibility β†’
GEP
General Enrollment
General Enrollment Period

Jan 1 – Mar 31 each year if you missed your IEP. Coverage starts July 1. A 10% late penalty may apply for each year you delayed.

Enroll Now β†’
Find Your Plan

Which Medicare Plan Is Right for You?

The best Medicare plan depends on your health needs, budget, preferred doctors, and whether you travel. Use our free tool to find your perfect match instantly.

  • βœ“ Do you want to keep your current doctors?
  • βœ“ Do you need dental, vision, or hearing coverage?
  • βœ“ Do you take regular prescription medications?
  • βœ“ Do you travel frequently or live in multiple states?
  • βœ“ What monthly premium can you comfortably afford?
Find My Perfect Plan πŸ›‘οΈ
Quick Plan Finder
Select what matters most to you:
Find My Plan β†’
Common Questions

Medicare FAQs Answered

When should I sign up for Medicare?
+
You should sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period β€” a 7-month window that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday. Enrolling on time helps you avoid late enrollment penalties. If you have employer coverage past 65, you can delay without penalty and enroll when that coverage ends.
What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare?
+
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is run by the federal government and lets you see any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurers β€” it bundles A and B, often adds dental, vision, and drug coverage, but typically restricts you to a network of providers.
Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing?
+
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. However, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include these benefits. If you're on Original Medicare, you'll need to purchase separate supplemental coverage or pay out-of-pocket for these services.
What is Medigap and do I need it?
+
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) fills the gaps in Original Medicare β€” like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. If you choose Original Medicare over Medicare Advantage, a Medigap policy can make your healthcare costs more predictable. It's sold by private companies but standardised by the government.
What happens if I miss my enrollment window?
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If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period without a qualifying Special Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31), but you may face a permanent 10% late enrollment penalty for each full 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll in Part B.
Medicare Guides

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