How to Enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage Plan

Choosing between a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan or a Medicare Advantage plan can be one of the most important decisions you make after enrolling in Original Medicare.
Here’s a simple guide to help you sign up for the right coverage and avoid common mistakes!

Step 1: Understand Your Medicare Options

Before enrolling, it’s important to know the difference:

• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) helps pay costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles not covered by Original Medicare.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one plan that often includes drug coverage.

Need a refresher? Learn more about the Four Parts of Medicare.

Step 2: Enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A & B) First

You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B before you can buy a Medigap policy or join a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Just getting started? Visit How do I sign up for Medicare for step-by-step instructions. 

Step 3: Decide Which Plan Type Fits Your Needs

Ask yourself:

• Do you want the flexibility of choosing any doctor that accepts Medicare? (👉 Choose Medigap.)
• Do you want an all-in-one plan?(👉 Choose Medicare Advantage.)

If you’re unsure, talk to a licensed health insurance broker to explore your best options.

Step 4A: How to Enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

• Enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period: a six-month window that starts the month you’re 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
• During this time, you can buy any Medigap plan available in your state without medical underwriting (no health questions).
• Apply directly through a private insurance company offering Medigap plans. Timothy can assist you with finding the right Medigap for your needs and making the application process as easy as possible! 

✅ Tip: If you are interested in a Medicare Supplement, enrolling during this time is ideal, as attempting to enroll later will subject you to medical underwriting which could possibly diminish your ability to qualify for Medigap coverage.  

Step 4B: How to Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan

• Enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period (around your 65th birthday) or the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7 each year).
• Shop and review plans in your area through:
  • Medicare.gov
  • Private insurance companies
  • Licensed health insurance brokers (like Tim!) 

✅ Tip: Make sure your preferred providers and medications are covered under the plan network!

Want to see this year’s key dates? Visit Important Medicare Deadlines.

Step 5: Confirm Your Coverage

Once you’ve chosen your plan:

• Receive confirmation from the insurance carrier.
• Review your policy documents carefully.
• Keep track of your effective coverage start date