New to Medicare
Welcome & Introduction
Welcome to Medicare 101 — we're glad you're here.
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, and for certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease. It is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
When to Enroll
Your Initial Enrollment Period — or IEP — is a 12-month window surrounding your 65th birthday or Medicare Part B effective date, in which you can enroll in a Medigap plan, Medicare A and/or B, and Part D.
Step 1 — Enrolling in Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Your IEP window for Medigap is a 12-month window. It starts 6 months before the month you turn 65 or start Part B, includes your birthday month, and extends 5 months after. This is your golden window and missing it can mean being denied for Medigap insurance or paying higher premiums.
Step 2 — Enrolling in Medicare A and/or B 7-month window starting 3 months before your 65th birthday month or intended Part B start date. It includes your birthday month, and extends 3 months after. If you are drawing Social Security prior to age 65, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare A and B and can skip this step.
Step 3 — Enrolling in Part D This step has the same 7-month window as Part A and B, but you must have a Medicare number before applying, so it must be done after Step 2.
Past Age 65 and Leaving Employer Coverage
Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you have employer coverage, you may delay Medicare A and/or B without penalty. When you decide to retire or drop your employer plan past 65, the same 3-step process applies to you.
Already enrolled and heading into the fall switching season? See the 2027 Annual Enrollment Period guide.
The Parts of Medicare at a Glance
| Part | What It Covers | Provider | Premium (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Hospital, skilled nursing, hospice | Federal government | Usually $0 |
| Part B | Doctor visits, outpatient care | Federal government | $202.90/mo |
| Medigap | Fills gaps in Original Medicare | Private insurers | Varies by plan & age |
| Part C | Medicare Advantage, an alternative to Original Medicare | Private insurers | Often $0 |
| Part D | Prescription drugs | Private insurers | Varies by plan |
Want the full breakdown of Parts A, B, and D, including 2026 cost tables? See The Basics: A, B & D.
Unsure which enrollment window applies to you? A licensed advisor will map it out in one free call.
How to Choose the Right Coverage
Choosing the right Medicare coverage is not one-size-fits-all. The best plan depends on your health, finances, lifestyle, and the doctors you want to keep. Use this page and the information presented today to help inform your decision.
The best time to enroll in Medigap is during your Open Enrollment window — when you cannot be denied for any reason.
Do I have specific doctors I want to keep?: Medigap offers the largest network available, allowing you to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Original Medicare. Advantage will require you to stay in-network.
How often do I use medical care?: Frequent users often benefit more from Medigap's predictable costs.
Do I travel frequently?: Medigap works nationwide. Most Advantage plans are regionally restricted.
What's my budget?: Advantage often has lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket exposure when you need care.
Am I okay with taking risk?: By opting for Medicare Advantage you risk not being able to see your doctors, having claims denied, and not being able to obtain a Medigap plan in the future.
Why Work with an Independent Broker?
We offer a free, no-obligation one-on-one consultation where we review your specific situation — your doctors, medications, health history, and budget — and help you find the plan that makes the most sense for you.
As an independent broker, we work with multiple carriers and offer all Medicare plans. We have no allegiance to any particular company. Our job is to find you the best coverage at the best price.
Your Next Step
Enroll in your Medicare Supplement plan
This can be done up to 6 months before your 65th birthday month or your intended Medicare start date. Enrolling early locks in your coverage and guarantees acceptance during your Open Enrollment Period — no medical underwriting required.
Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B
This can be done up to 3 months prior to your 65th birthday month or intended Medicare start date. Your Part B effective date is what triggers your Open Enrollment Period and activates your Medigap coverage.
Enroll in Part D (prescription drug coverage)
This can be done 1 to 3 months prior to your Medicare start date. Your Medicare number is needed for this step — you will receive it once enrolled in Parts A and B. Even if you take few medications, enrolling avoids a lifetime late-enrollment penalty.
Medigap Tips
- Choose the right plan letter: For most new enrollees, Plan G is the gold standard — it covers everything except the $283 Part B deductible. If you want a lower premium and are comfortable with small copays, Plan N is an excellent option. If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, ask about Plan F.
- Shop by price — the benefits are identical: All Medigap plans with the same letter are federally standardized — a Plan G from Blue Cross Blue Shield or AARP covers the exact same benefits as a Plan G from Mutual Of Omaha, Aetna, or Cigna. The only difference is the monthly premium. As an independent broker, we shop all carriers to find you the lowest rate for identical coverage.
Key Reminders
- Medigap does not cover dental, vision, or hearing — consider a separate DVH plan
- Once your OEP closes, switching to Medigap requires medical underwriting — you can be denied
- Your Medigap premium may increase slightly as you age, but your benefits never decrease
- As independent brokers, we are not tied to any carrier — we work for you
Common Questions from New Beneficiaries
This is a common concern, but once you understand how Medicare and a Medigap plan work, you'll feel at ease. Medicare will be your primary insurance, meaning you have access to over 90% of doctors, hospitals, and specialists nationwide. If you choose a Medigap plan, you can continue to keep your current network and gain access to an even larger network of doctors and facilities.
Free Medicare guides
Written by our advisors. Yours free.
Two plain-English guides. Pick the one that fits your situation, enter your details, and the download unlocks instantly.
Medicare 101: A Complete Introduction
New to Medicare: turning 65, retiring, or enrolling in Part B for the first time
The Medicare Review Guide
Already on Medicare: make sure your plan is still the right one, at the best price
Turning 65 soon? Don't navigate it alone.
Your Initial Enrollment Period only comes once. Get it right the first time, free.
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