Guide
Medicare 101: everything you need to know
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older, younger people with certain disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Here's how it works — in plain English.
Medicare health insurance
What is Medicare?
Medicare is federal health insurance with four parts. Understanding how they fit together is the first step to choosing the right coverage.
Who is eligible?
- Adults 65 and older
- Younger people with certain disabilities
- People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Part A: Hospital / Hospice Insurance
Covers inpatient care. Most people pay no premium for Part A.
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
- Some home health care
Timing matters
Medicare enrollment periods
Missing a window can mean gaps in coverage or lifelong late-enrollment penalties.
- 01
Initial Enrollment Period
7 months around your 65th birthday
Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after.
- 02
Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 – December 7
Switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, or move between Original Medicare and Advantage.
- 03
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 – March 31
Already in an Advantage plan? Switch to another Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare.
- 04
Special Enrollment Periods
When life changes
Moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Medi-Cal can open a window to make changes.
Your options
Explore Medicare plans
- Medicare AdvantagePart C plans that bundle Original Medicare with extras like prescription, dental, vision and hearing coverage.
- Medicare SupplementMedigap plans F, G and N that pay the deductibles and copays Original Medicare leaves you with — see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
- Special Needs PlansC-SNP, D-SNP and I-SNP Advantage plans tailored to chronic conditions, dual eligibility or institutional care.
- Medicare & Employer CoverageStill working at 65? We help you coordinate Medicare with your or your spouse's employer plan and avoid penalties.
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 your options.
FAQ
Medicare questions, answered
Straight answers to the questions we hear most. Don't see yours? Just ask.
What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces how you receive Original Medicare benefits through a private plan with networks and an annual out-of-pocket limit, often with extras. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to pay deductibles and copays, lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare, and is usually paired with a Part D plan.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare at 65 if I'm still working?
Not always. If you have coverage through your own or your spouse's current employer with more than 20 employees, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty. See our Medicare and Employer Coverage guide or give us a call.
Will I be enrolled automatically?
If you already receive Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65. Otherwise you'll need to sign up through Social Security.
Does Medicare cover dental and vision?
Original Medicare generally doesn't cover routine dental, vision or hearing. Many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits, or you can add stand-alone dental and vision plans.
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