How do I sign up for Medicare?

Medicare enrollment depends on your situation. If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B at age 65. If you're not receiving Social Security, you'll need to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after.

What are the four parts of Medicare?

Medicare has four parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, and hospice care. Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies. Part D covers prescription drugs.

Are there penalties and fees to watch for?

Yes, Medicare has late enrollment penalties if you don't sign up when first eligible. The Part B penalty is 10% of the premium for each 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't sign up. Part D also has a penalty that's added to your premium permanently. Additionally, high-income earners may pay IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) surcharges.

I'm still working. Do I need to sign up for Medicare?

If you're still working at 65 with creditable employer coverage (from an employer with 20+ employees), you can typically delay Medicare enrollment without penalty. However, if your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes primary and you should enroll at 65. Always verify your coverage is creditable to avoid future penalties.

Should I choose a licensed insurance broker or licensed insurance agent?

A licensed insurance broker represents you, the consumer, and can shop multiple insurance companies to find the best plan for your needs. They work with many carriers and are paid the same regardless of which plan you choose. This provides unbiased guidance and more options compared to a captive agent who represents only one insurance company.

How do I sign up for Medicare Advantage or Medigap?

To enroll in Medicare Advantage or Medigap, you must first be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. For Medicare Advantage, you can enroll during Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) or during a Special Enrollment Period. For Medigap, the best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starting when you turn 65 and have Part B.

What are the important dates and deadlines?

Key Medicare dates include: Initial Enrollment Period (3 months before through 3 months after your 65th birthday month), Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7 for plan changes), Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 - March 31), and various Special Enrollment Periods triggered by qualifying life events. Missing these deadlines can result in coverage gaps and penalties.

I don't like my current plan. Can I change it?

Yes, you can change your Medicare plan during specific enrollment periods. Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) allows you to switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change plans. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 - March 31) lets you switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare. Special Enrollment Periods may also apply based on qualifying events.

You cannot contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) once you enroll in any part of Medicare. You should stop HSA contributions 6 months before enrolling in Medicare due to retroactive enrollment rules. However, you can still use existing HSA funds tax-free for qualified medical expenses, including Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays.

Medicare Advantage HMO vs. PPO: Which Is Right for You?

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans typically offer lower premiums and require you to use network providers and get referrals for specialists. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans offer more flexibility to see out-of-network providers without referrals, but usually cost more. Choose HMO for lower costs with a coordinated care approach, or PPO for provider flexibility and out-of-network coverage.

Woman deciding between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage: Which Should You Choose?

Q: Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works with Original Medicare and covers gaps like copays and deductibles, allowing you to see any doctor that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, often including prescription drug coverage and extra benefits, but typically requires using network providers. The choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and preference for provider flexibility.

Choosing between a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan and a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan is an important decision for your health and budget.
Each option offers different coverage, costs, and flexibility.
Let’s break it down to help you make the right choice for your situation.

Understanding the Basics

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies help pay the “gaps” in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) — like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are private plans that replace Original Medicare and often bundle drug coverage.

🧠Need a refresher? Check out our Four Parts of Medicare overview.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Medicare Supplement (Medigap)	Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Doctor Access	Any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide	Network-based (HMO/PPO/PFFS plans)
Drug Coverage	Buy separate Part D plan	Often included
Monthly Premium	Higher premium, lower out-of-pocket costs	Lower premium, pay-as-you-go costs
Best for	Frequent travelers, doctor choice importance	Lower upfront cost, bundled benefits

🛡️ Want more details? Learn how to enroll in Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage.

2026 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan Chart

Here’s a quick look at standardized 2026 Medigap plans:

Services	A	B	D	G	HDG	K	L	M	N
Medicare Part A Coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%
Medicare Part B Coinsurance or Copayment	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%*	50%	75%	100%	100%***
Blood (first 3 pints)	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%*	50%	75%	100%	100%
Part A hospice care Coinsurance or Copayment	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%*	50%	75%	100%	100%
Skilled nursing facility Coinsurance			100%	100%	100%*	50%	75%	100%	100%
Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)		100%	100%	100%	100%*	50%	75%	50%	100%
Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)			100%
Part B excess charges				100%
Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits)			80%	80%	80%*			80%	80%
Out-of-pocket limit					$2,950	$8,000	$4,000

*High Deductible Plan G (HDG): You must pay the first $2,950 of Medicare-approved costs (the deductible) before the plan pays anything. After you meet the deductible, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year. HDG premiums are significantly lower than standard Plan G.

***Plan N: Plan N has a copayment of up to $20 for doctor’s visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don’t lead to inpatient admission.

How to Decide: Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Do you want to avoid networks, even if it means a higher fixed premium?
👉 A Medicare Supplement may be better.
Are you looking for the lowest possible monthly premium for your plan?
👉 A Medicare Advantage plan could be ideal.
Do you prefer predictable costs when receiving medical care?
👉 Medigap offers more stability.
Are you okay with using a plan network and needing referrals?
👉 Medicare Advantage plans often require this.

Important Enrollment Periods to Know

Medigap Open Enrollment: 6 months after your Part B start date — no health questions asked!
Medicare Advantage Enrollment: Initial Enrollment Period (around your 65th birthday) or the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7).

📅 Check out our guide to Medicare Important Dates and Deadlines.

Ready to Review Your Options?

Choosing between a Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage doesn’t have to be confusing. Let’s find the plan that fits your health needs, your doctors, and your budget.

👉 Schedule Your Free Consultation Today with a Licensed Insurance Agent!

Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage?