Medicare
All of Medicare: Original, Advantage, Supplement and Part D
Four short questions. A licensed agent explains your options and contacts you to confirm. We do not show prices on screen.
Your situation
First time, already have A and/or B, or helping a family member.
Your coverage today
To avoid gaps or double payments.
Where you live and what interests you
ZIP and plan type.
How to reach you
Phone and email. An agent calls you.
Learn before you decide
The essentials of Medicare, Obamacare and life insurance
General information so you arrive at the call with the right questions. Your agent confirms what applies to your case.
Hospital
Hospital stays, skilled nursing and hospice.
- Hospital stays
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
- Some home health services
It is the base of Original Medicare: it covers care when you are admitted.
- No monthly premium if you or your spouse worked enough (40 quarters)
Medical
Doctor visits, tests and outpatient care.
- Doctor visits
- Tests and lab work
- Outpatient care
- Preventive services
It covers everyday care, which is why it has a monthly premium and a deductible.
- Monthly premium
- Annual deductible
Advantage
Private plans that include A and B and, usually, D.
- Includes Parts A and B
- Usually includes Part D
- Often adds dental, vision and hearing
- Network of doctors and hospitals
It is a private plan: before you choose, confirm your doctors and pharmacy are in the network.
- Often add dental, vision and hearing
- With a provider network
Drugs
Covers prescription drugs.
- Prescription drugs
- Each plan's own drug list (formulary)
- The plan's network pharmacies
- Adds to Original Medicare
Each plan covers different drugs: check yours before you enroll.
- Each plan has its own drug list
- And its own pharmacies
It starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes that month and ends 3 months after.
- −33 months before
- −2
- −1
- 65Your birthday month
- +1
- +2
- +33 months after
Signing up late costs you
If you could have had Part B and didn't sign up on time, the premium rises 10% for each full 12 months of delay, for as long as you have Medicare.
What Original Medicare doesn't cover
Most dental, vision and hearing aids, and it has no annual out-of-pocket cap. That's why many choose Advantage or a Supplement.
You can switch every fall
From October 15 to December 7 you can review your plan and change it for next year.
- Date of birth and ZIP code
- List of your doctors and pharmacy
- Drugs you take today and the dose
- Estimated yearly income (for ACA)
Bronze
Lowest premium; you pay more when you use care.
- Includes the essential health benefits
- Lowest monthly premium
- You pay more when you use care
- The plan pays about 60% of costs on average
Premium help depends on your income and household size. An agent estimates it before you choose.
- Lower premium
- More cost when you use care
Silver
Balanced. May include cost-sharing reductions if you qualify.
- Includes the essential health benefits
- Balanced premium and spending
- May include cost-sharing reductions if you qualify
- The plan pays about 70% of costs on average
Premium help depends on your income and household size. An agent estimates it before you choose.
- Balance of premium and cost
- Possible cost-sharing help if you qualify
Gold
Higher premium, less out-of-pocket spending.
- Includes the essential health benefits
- Higher monthly premium
- Less out-of-pocket spending
- The plan pays about 80% of costs on average
Premium help depends on your income and household size. An agent estimates it before you choose.
- Higher premium
- Less cost when you use care
Platinum
Lowest spending when you use care. Not available in all areas.
- Includes the essential health benefits
- Lowest spending when you use care
- Not available in all areas
- The plan pays about 90% of costs on average
Premium help depends on your income and household size. An agent estimates it before you choose.
- Not available in all areas
The tax credit that lowers your premium is based on your income and household size. A $0 plan is not guaranteed.
- Your income
- Your household
- Your tax credit
- Your premium
No denial for pre-existing conditions
Marketplace plans can't turn you down or charge you more for a condition you already have.
Essential benefits included
Every plan covers doctor visits, emergencies, hospital, maternity, mental health and drugs, among others.
60 days after a life event
A move, marriage, a new baby or losing coverage can open a special window to enroll.
- Date of birth and ZIP code
- List of your doctors and pharmacy
- Drugs you take today and the dose
- Estimated yearly income (for ACA)
Term
Pays a benefit to the people you name if you pass away within the term you choose.
- Payment to your beneficiaries if you pass away during the term
- Fixed premium during the chosen term
- Common terms of 10, 20 or 30 years
- Some policies can be converted to permanent
People often choose it while they have children, a mortgage or debts to protect.
- Lower premium for the same amount
- Does not build cash value
Whole life
Lifelong coverage with a fixed premium and cash value.
- Coverage as long as the premium is paid
- Premium that doesn't rise with age
- Cash value that grows over time
- Can help leave a legacy
The cash value can be used, but it may reduce the benefit; your agent explains how it works.
- Higher premium than term
- Builds cash value
Universal
Lets you adjust the premium and the benefit within the policy's limits.
- Permanent coverage if the policy is kept current
- You can adjust the premium and the benefit
- Cash value based on a rate or an index
- Worth reviewing regularly
If the cash value falls short, the policy can lapse; that is why it is reviewed every year.
- Flexible premium within limits
- Cash value tied to interest or an index
Final expense
A small policy meant to cover funeral costs and outstanding bills.
- Helps with funeral and burial costs
- Covers outstanding medical bills
- Simple health questions in many cases
- Designed mainly for older adults
Some policies have a waiting period before the full benefit; confirm it before you choose.
- Smaller amounts
- Often with simple health questions
The amount and type of policy depend on your family, your debts and your budget. A licensed agent shows you options, with no obligation.
- Your family
- Your debts
- Your budget
- Your coverage
Does anyone depend on your income?
Children, a partner, parents or a shared debt: if someone would be affected without your income, it is worth reviewing your coverage.
The amount is based on your situation
People usually weigh income, debts, the years until their children are independent and final expenses. An agent helps you work it out.
You decide who receives it
You can name and change beneficiaries. It is worth reviewing them after a marriage, a baby or a divorce.
- Your age and ZIP code
- Names of the people who would be your beneficiaries
- Debts or expenses you want to cover
- Approximate monthly budget