Approaching age 65 or living with certain disabilities means you may be eligible for Medicare, but choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans can be confusing. We help you understand your options and enroll in the coverage that aligns with your health needs and budget. Medicare plans cover hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs and preventive services, but there are important differences between plan types.
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Part A (Hospital Insurance) — inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and some home health services.
Part B (Medical Insurance) — doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and medical equipment.
Part C (Medicare Advantage) — combines Parts A and B (and often Part D) into a single plan offered by private insurers; may include extra benefits like dental, vision and gym memberships.
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) — helps pay for prescription medications.
Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) — sold by private insurers to cover deductibles, copays and coinsurance that Original Medicare doesn’t pay.
When can I sign up for Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month and ends three months after. If you miss this window, you may have to wait for the General Enrollment Period and pay late-enrollment penalties.
What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Medicare Advantage plans are all-in-one alternatives to Original Medicare, often including prescription drug coverage and extra benefits, but they typically use provider networks. Medigap plans supplement Original Medicare by paying deductibles and copays; you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare but must buy a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.
Do I need prescription coverage?
If you don’t enroll in Part D when first eligible, you may pay a late-enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare. It’s usually best to get drug coverage even if you don’t take medications now.
Next Step: Schedule a Medicare review to compare plans and enroll in the right coverage.
Personalized guidance — we clarify enrollment timelines (Initial Enrollment Period, General Enrollment Period and Special Enrollment Periods) and help you avoid late-enrollment penalties.
Plan comparisons — we compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans based on your doctors, medications and travel plans.
Gap protection — we show how Medigap policies cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t, giving you predictable expenses.
Ongoing support — we review your coverage each year during the Annual Election Period and adjust plans if needed.
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(704) 926-7565
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(980) 206-3356
