Medicare Overview

When are you eligible for Medicare?

Individuals not yet receiving Social Security Benefits will need to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is 3 months before their 65th birthday, including the month of their birthday and the 3 months after their 65th birthday.

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Individuals who are already receiving Social Security Benefits or Railroad Retirement Benefits will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B the first day of the month they turn 65.

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Under age 65 with certain disabilities on Social Security Benefits or Railroad Disability Benefits and/or individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS.

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Original Medicare

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Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care.

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Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services.

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Medicare Advantage Plans

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Medicare Part C

Offered by private insurers and MUST cover all Part A and Part B services offered by Original Medicare.  Plans can offer additional benefits not offered by Original Medicare.  Medicare Advantage Plans include a maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit cost-sharing such as deductibles and co-payments for Part A and Part B where Original Medicare doesn't have a max out-of-pocket.  Some plans include Part D Prescription Drug Coverage.

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Prescription Drug Coverage

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Medicare Part D

A stand alone policy for prescription drugs referred to as a PDP or covered under a Medicare Advantage Plan.

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Medicare Supplement Plans (Medi Gap)

Offered by private insurers to fill in the "gaps" in Original Medicare, which could cover a portion or all of the Part A and Part B cost-sharing, such as co-payments.

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