Medicare

Plan year: the Medicare information on this page describes the current contract year and is reviewed at least annually. Specific plan benefits, premiums, formularies and networks change each contract year — we confirm the details for your plan year before you enrol.

Understand the four parts

Most of the confusion around Medicare comes from four letters: A, B, C, and D. Here's what they actually mean:

Part A — Hospital Insurance

Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health. For most people, Part A is premium-free if you've paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Part B — Medical Insurance

Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. There's a monthly premium based on your income.

Part C — Medicare Advantage

Private plans that bundle Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Often include dental, vision, and hearing — but use carrier networks and may require referrals. Medicare Advantage is a separate product from Medicare Supplement (Medigap); the two cannot be held at the same time.

Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage

Standalone prescription plans that work with Original Medicare. Choosing the wrong Part D plan can cost hundreds extra per year — we run your medication list against every plan in your zip code.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) — a separate line of coverage

The section below describes Medicare Supplement insurance. It is a different product from the Medicare Advantage plans described above, sold by different carriers under different rules.

If you stay on Original Medicare (A & B), a Medigap policy can cover the deductibles, coinsurance, and copays Medicare doesn't. Lettered plans (G, N, etc.) are standardized — the benefits are the same across carriers, only the price varies. We compare every available carrier for you.

Original Medicare vs. Advantage — the real trade-off

Both have legitimate uses. The right answer depends on:

• Whether you travel or live in multiple states (Original + Medigap travels with you better)
• Whether your doctors are in the Advantage plan's network
• Your prescription drug needs and pharmacy preference
• Your tolerance for managed-care rules (prior authorization, referrals)
• Your budget for monthly premiums vs. potential out-of-pocket

Annual review

Plans change every year. Drug formularies shift, premiums adjust, and provider networks add or drop. We review your coverage every Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), when you can change your plan for the following contract year, and tell you whether your current plan is still the right one.