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Licensed Medicare guidance across 33 states
Medicare decisions start with your dates, coverage and costs.
Find the rule that applies to you, verify it with Medicare or Social Security, then compare the plans available in your area.
Get a Medicare Quote →Turning 65: establish your enrollment dates
For most people first eligible at 65, the Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months: the three months before the birthday month, that month, and the three months after. Your coverage start depends on when you sign up. Some people already receiving Social Security benefits are enrolled automatically; others apply through SSA. Confirm your actual Part A and Part B start dates before choosing a private plan.
Medicare.gov: When coverage starts ↗ · SSA.gov: Sign up for Medicare ↗ · New to Medicare guide →
Still working: identify who pays first
Coverage through your or your spouse’s current employment may affect when you need Part B. Employer size and the source of the coverage matter. If you qualify for the current-employment Part B Special Enrollment Period, it generally ends eight months after employment or group coverage ends, whichever happens first; COBRA and retiree coverage do not extend that period. Before leaving work, check the payer order and your Part B application timing.
Medicare.gov: Working past 65 ↗ · Medicare.gov: Who pays first ↗ · SSA.gov: Part B only ↗ · Working past 65 guide →
Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare is Part A and Part B; separate Part D drug coverage and Medigap are distinct decisions. Medicare Advantage is an alternative through a private Medicare-approved plan that includes Part A and Part B and usually Part D. Advantage plans may use provider networks and prior approval, and they have an annual limit on covered Part A and Part B out-of-pocket costs. Compare the actual doctors, hospitals, drugs and plan rules rather than a plan type alone.
Medicare.gov: Compare coverage paths ↗ · Advantage versus Medigap guide →
2026 costs: start with verified figures
Most people pay the standard $202.90 monthly Part B premium in 2026; the annual Part B deductible under Original Medicare is $283. Part A’s inpatient deductible is $1,736 per benefit period. Higher income, penalties, plan premiums and service-specific cost sharing can change what you pay. An Advantage plan has its own cost schedule, so its actual numbers must come from that plan’s current documents.
Medicare.gov: Official 2026 costs ↗ · Build an annual cost estimate →
Already enrolled: compare next year’s changes
Review your plan’s Annual Notice of Change, including premiums, benefits, network and service area. Check that your prescriptions and preferred pharmacy still work with the new-year coverage. Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15–December 7; elections generally take effect January 1. If you review your options and are satisfied, you generally do not need to make a change to keep your current coverage.
Medicare.gov: Your yearly Medicare review ↗ · Annual review guide →
Compare available plans for your ZIP code
Open the plan finder →We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent organizations that offer products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for information on all of your options.