Medicare Resources
Understanding Medicare — in plain language.
Everything you need to know about Medicare, from the basics to enrollment deadlines, explained clearly and without the jargon.
Medicare basics
The four parts of Medicare.
Medicare is divided into four parts, each covering different types of care. Understanding what each part does — and doesn't — cover is the first step to choosing the right plan.
The foundation: Traditional Medicare
Original Medicare is the federal health insurance program administered directly by the U.S. government. It is made up of two parts — Part A and Part B — and serves as the foundation for all Medicare coverage. You can use Original Medicare with any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare, with no referrals required. Most people are automatically enrolled in Original Medicare when they turn 65 if they already receive Social Security benefits.
Original Medicare includes
- Part A — Hospital Insurance
- Part B — Medical Insurance
See the Part A and Part B cards below for full details.
What Original Medicare does not cover
- ✕Prescription drugs (Part D)
- ✕Routine dental care
- ✕Routine vision care and eyeglasses
- ✕Hearing aids and exams
- ✕Long-term custodial care
- ✕Most care received outside the U.S.
Many people add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap), standalone Part D plan, or Medicare Advantage plan to help fill these gaps.
Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Inpatient hospital care
- Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care after a qualifying hospital stay
- Hospice care
- Some home health care
- Most people don't pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years
Medical Insurance
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medically necessary services.
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Outpatient hospital services
- Preventive screenings and vaccines
- Durable medical equipment (DME)
- Mental health services
- Part B has a monthly premium (amount varies by income)
Medicare Advantage
An alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers that bundles Parts A and B — and often Part D — into one plan.
- Combines Part A and Part B coverage
- Often includes Part D drug coverage
- May include dental, vision, and hearing benefits
- Uses provider networks (HMO, PPO, etc.)
- Plans vary by carrier and location
- Must still pay your Part B premium
Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Available as a standalone plan or included in a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Covers prescription medications
- Offered by private insurance companies
- Each plan has its own formulary (drug list)
- Costs vary by plan, drug tier, and pharmacy
- Available as a standalone PDP or bundled in Medicare Advantage
- Late enrollment penalty applies if you delay without creditable coverage
Medicare Supplement
What is Medigap?
Medicare Supplement insurance — also called Medigap — is sold by private companies to help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap policies are standardized and labeled by letter (Plan G, Plan N, etc.). They work alongside Original Medicare, not as a replacement.
Key things to know about Medigap
- Helps cover out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare
- Standardized plans — same benefits regardless of insurer
- Works with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare
- Cannot be combined with Medicare Advantage
- Best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period
Enrollment periods
When can you enroll in Medicare?
Missing an enrollment window can result in late penalties or gaps in coverage. Here are the key periods to know.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your first chance to sign up for Medicare. It begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. This is the most important window — missing it can trigger late enrollment penalties.
General Enrollment Period (GEP)
If you missed your IEP and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the General Enrollment Period each year. Coverage begins July 1. Late enrollment penalties may apply.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you or your spouse are still working and covered by employer insurance, or if you experience certain life events. This allows you to enroll outside of standard windows without penalty.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Each fall, you can switch, drop, or add Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Changes take effect January 1. This is the time to review your current plan and make sure it still fits your needs.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP)
If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare once during this period.
Frequently asked questions
Common Medicare questions, answered.
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