Medicare Basics

Navigating the world of Medicare can often feel like trying to solve a puzzle with a thousand pieces. It is completely natural to feel a bit overwhelmed, but the good news is that it doesn't have to be complicated. Our goal is to clear away the confusion and provide a straightforward roadmap so you can focus on what matters most: your health and peace of mind.

Here is a simple to understand breakdown of how the different "parts" and "plans" work together to protect you.

The Four Basic Parts of Medicare

Part A: Hospital Insurance

Think of Part A as your foundation. It generally helps cover the "big" things:

Inpatient hospital stays
Skilled nursing facility care
Hospice care
Some home health care

Part B: Medical Insurance

Part B is for your everyday health needs. It covers services and supplies that are medically necessary to treat your condition, such as:

Doctor visits and outpatient care
Preventive services (like flu shots and screenings)
Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers)

Note: Parts A and B together are known as Original Medicare, which is provided by the federal government.

Part C: Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is an "all-in-one" alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. They include everything in Parts A and B and often provide extra benefits Original Medicare doesn't cover, like:

Vision, hearing, and dental care
Wellness programs or gym memberships
Built-in prescription drug coverage

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Part D helps cover the cost of your medications. These are standalone plans run by private insurance companies. Even if you don’t take many medications now, having Part D ensures you are protected from high costs down the road.

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

If you choose to stay with Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you might notice there are "gaps" in coverage, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Medicare Supplement plans (labeled by letters like Plan G or Plan N) are designed to "fill" those gaps. They work alongside Original Medicare to pay your share of the costs, giving you more predictable monthly expenses and the freedom to see any doctor in the country who accepts Medicare.

Understanding Enrollment Periods

Timing is everything when it comes to Medicare. Knowing these dates helps you avoid late-enrollment penalties and ensures your coverage starts exactly when you need it.

Initial EnrollmentPeriod (IEP)The 7-month window around your 65th birthday.Join Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D for the first time.

Annual Enrollment (AEP)October 15 – December 7 Allows you to switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, or change drug plans.

General Enrollment (GEP)January 1 – March 31 Allows you to sign up for Part A or B if you missed your initial window (penalties may apply).

Special Enrollment (SEP)Triggered by specific life events (e.g., moving or retiring).Sign up for or change coverage outside of standard windows.

Making the Complex Simple

You don’t have to be an insurance expert to get the best care. We take the "complex" and turn it into a conversation. By looking at your specific needs, your preferred doctors, and your budget, we help you find the right fit—no stress, no obligation, just clear answers.

Whether you’re just turning 65 or looking to review your current coverage, we’re here to make the process simple, easy, and entirely about you.

Take the First Step with Confidence

We know that choosing a plan is a big decision, but you don't have to make it alone. Whether you have a quick question about your enrollment window or want a full comparison of the plans available in your area, we are here to help every step of the way.

Getting started is easy and completely free of charge. Simply fill out the form below to request your no-obligation consultation. We will reach out to listen to your needs, answer your questions, and help you find the Medicare solution that gives you the most peace of mind.

*Required Medicare Disclaimer*

"We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.This site is for educational purposes only. Moffat Financial is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or any other government agency."