Medicare is one of the biggest decisions you will make about your health and your money — and in Charlotte and across North Carolina, someone turns 65 every day. The Jordan Insurance Agency is an independent, full-time, licensed agency that compares Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D options across multiple carriers, in plain English, at no cost to you. Start with the questions below.
Medicare Basics
- What is Medicare and how does it work?
- Who is eligible for Medicare?
- What are the parts of Medicare — Part A, B, C, and D?
- What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
- What does Medicare Part A cover?
- What does Medicare Part B cover?
Choosing Your Coverage
- What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
- What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan?
- Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement — which is better?
- What is Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)?
- Medigap Plan G vs. Plan N — what's the difference?
- Do I need a Medicare Supplement if I have Medicare Advantage?
- Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medigap plan?
- What do Medicare plan star ratings mean — is a 5-star plan better than a 4-star plan?
Enrollment & Timing
- When can I enroll in Medicare?
- How do I apply for and sign up for Medicare?
- What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?
- What is the Medicare late enrollment penalty?
- Do I have to enroll in Medicare at 65 if I'm still working?
- How does Medicare work with my employer or COBRA coverage?
- What is a Medicare Special Enrollment Period?
Costs
- How much does Medicare cost per month?
- How much is the Medicare Part B premium?
- Is Medicare free?
- What is IRMAA (higher premiums for higher incomes)?
- Can I get help paying for Medicare (Extra Help and Savings Programs)?
What Medicare Covers
- Does Medicare cover dental?
- Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
- Does Medicare cover vision, eye exams, and glasses?
- Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?
- Does Medicare cover long-term care or nursing homes?
- Does Medicare cover in-home or home health care?
Your Situation
- Can I get Medicare before 65 (disability)?
- Does Medicare cover me when I travel or move?
- How do Medicare and Social Security work together?
- How does Medicare work with my spouse’s coverage?
- Can I have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible)?
- Can I change my Medicare plan if I’m unhappy?
Choosing a Medicare Agent
- How do I choose a good Medicare agent?
- Do I pay more using a Medicare broker?
- How do I compare Medicare Advantage plans in Charlotte?
Ready to compare coverage? Review our Medicare guidance and plan support for available options and personal guidance.
How to Prepare for a Medicare Coverage Review
A Medicare comparison is more accurate when it begins with personal facts rather than a carrier brochure. Gather the doctors, hospitals, medications, pharmacies, travel patterns, current coverage, and retirement dates that could affect the decision. Then compare Original Medicare with optional Supplement and Part D coverage against available Medicare Advantage plans.
Build a provider and prescription list
Include the exact name and location of each physician, specialist, clinic, hospital, and pharmacy. For every prescription, include dosage, frequency, and preferred pharmacy. Medicare Advantage networks and Part D formularies can change, so verify the exact plan year and do not assume participation based only on the carrier.
Coordinate enrollment dates
Turning 65, retiring after 65, losing employer coverage, moving, and qualifying for assistance can create different enrollment opportunities. Confirm whether current employer drug coverage is creditable and when group benefits end. Late-enrollment penalties and gaps can occur when dates are misunderstood, so keep written confirmation of effective dates.
Compare total exposure
Review premiums, deductibles, medical copays, coinsurance, drug costs, network rules, prior authorization, travel coverage, and the annual out-of-pocket maximum where applicable. Extra dental, vision, hearing, fitness, or transportation benefits can be useful, but they should not outweigh the medical and prescription fit.
Review coverage every year
Plan benefits, premiums, networks, and formularies may change. Read the Annual Notice of Change, confirm medications and providers, and compare available options during the appropriate enrollment period. A plan that worked this year should be reviewed before automatically renewing.
Use the questions throughout this guide, visit the agency's Medicare coverage page, and schedule a Medicare conversation for plan-specific help.
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