Let's Find Your Best Medicare Option

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, and certain younger people with disabilities.

Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers hospital stays, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility care. Most people pay no premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor visits, specialist visits, and outpatient services. The 2026 standard monthly premium is $202.90, with an annual deductible of $283.

Important: Original Medicare (Parts A & B) only covers about 80% of your medical expenses. It does not cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing.

Medicare Advantage (also called Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

• Low or no monthly premiums — the government pays into these plans through taxes.
• Copays for doctor visits, specialists, and hospital stays instead of the 20% coinsurance.
• Can include extras like dental, vision, hearing, and over-the-counter (OTC) benefits.
• Many plans include prescription drug coverage (called MAPD plans).
• Max out-of-pocket protection — limits your total yearly costs.
• Network-based — HMO plans have lower copays; PPO plans offer more flexibility.
• No medical underwriting — you cannot be denied coverage.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans help pay the costs that Original Medicare does not cover, like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

• No networks — see any doctor or specialist that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country.
• Higher monthly premiums than Medicare Advantage, but generally lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.
• Plan G is the most popular — covers nearly everything except the annual Part B deductible ($283).
• Plan N has a lower premium but includes copays of up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for ER visits.
• Medical coverage only — you will need a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.
• Guaranteed Issue for the first 6 months after enrolling in Part B. After that, medical underwriting may apply.

Part D is Medicare's prescription drug coverage. It is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

• Helps cover the cost of prescription medications.
• Each plan has its own list of covered drugs (called a formulary) and its own costs.
• If you have a Medigap/Medicare Supplement plan, you will need a standalone Part D plan for drug coverage.
• Many Medicare Advantage plans already include Part D coverage (MAPD).