MEDICARE 101
Medicare, Explained in Plain English
Everything you actually need to know. No 200-page handbook required.
The four parts, in 60 seconds
Part A: Hospital
Hospital coverage. Inpatient stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health. Most people pay no premium for Part A.
Part B: Medical
Medical coverage. Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment. Comes with a monthly premium and an annual deductible.
Part C: Advantage
Medicare Advantage. A private-plan alternative that bundles A and B, usually with D, often adding dental, vision, and hearing extras.
Part D: Drugs
Prescription drug coverage from private insurers. Enroll when first eligible or you could face a late-enrollment penalty down the road.
Your two main paths
Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D
See any doctor that takes Medicare, nationwide. Add a Medigap plan to help with deductibles and coinsurance, plus a Part D drug plan. Higher premiums, maximum flexibility.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
One private plan replaces A and B, usually bundling drugs and extras like dental and vision. Often low or $0 premiums, but you’ll use plan networks and pay copays as you go.
When to enroll
Initial Enrollment Period
The 7 months around your 65th birthday. Miss it and you could face penalties or gaps.
Annual Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
Review and change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan every fall.
Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 31)
One switch per year if you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Special Enrollment Periods
Moving, losing employer coverage, and other life events can open a window.
Three mistakes to avoid
Skipping Part D
Even if you take no prescriptions today, going without creditable drug coverage can mean a permanent late penalty.
Assuming your doctors are covered
Advantage plans have networks. Always verify your doctors and drugs before you enroll. We do this with you.
Setting it and forgetting it
Plans change every year. A free annual review keeps you from overpaying for coverage that no longer fits.
Still have questions? That’s what we’re here for.
Call or text 954-562-8766, or grab a free consultation. It costs nothing and there’s zero pressure.
Insurance solicitation from Devin Barta. A licensed insurance producer will contact you about Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug plans. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Not affiliated with the U.S. government or federal Medicare program.