Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap

Original Medicare: Parts A and B

Part A covers hospital stays and is premium-free for most people who paid Medicare taxes. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care for a monthly premium. Together they have no out-of-pocket maximum and do not cover most prescriptions, dental, vision, or hearing.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement)

Medigap plans are sold by private insurers to pay the deductibles and coinsurance Original Medicare leaves behind. Plans are standardized by letter (G and N are the most common for new enrollees), work with any provider that accepts Medicare, and are paired with a separate Part D drug plan.

You have a six-month open enrollment window starting when Part B begins during which you cannot be declined or rated up for health. After that, most states allow medical underwriting.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Advantage plans replace Original Medicare with a private plan that bundles Parts A, B, and usually D, often with dental, vision, and fitness extras and a low or zero premium. In exchange, you use the plan’s network, may need referrals, and pay copays up to an annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Plans and networks change every year. Review your Annual Notice of Change each fall.

Enrollment periods and penalties

Your Initial Enrollment Period runs three months before to three months after your 65th birthday month. Delaying Part B or Part D without other creditable coverage triggers permanent late enrollment penalties. The Annual Election Period each October 15 to December 7 is when most people change Advantage or drug plans.

Licensed agents who help with Medicare must follow federal marketing rules, including recording enrollment calls and providing required disclosures, which is why our Medicare quote flow includes additional consents.