Start with your enrollment timing
Your Initial Enrollment Period generally surrounds the month you turn 65. Some people may be able to delay parts of Medicare when they have qualifying employer coverage. Because late-enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage can occur, confirm your timing before making changes.
The four parts of Medicare
Each part covers a different category of care.
- Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care and certain facility or home health services.
- Part B helps cover physician services, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment.
- Part C—Medicare Advantage—is another way to receive Part A and Part B benefits through a private plan.
- Part D helps cover outpatient prescription drugs.
Two common coverage paths
You can keep Original Medicare and consider a Medicare Supplement policy plus separate Part D coverage, or receive Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan. The better fit depends on your doctors, prescriptions, travel, budget, and comfort with networks and cost sharing.
What to gather before comparing
Bring your Medicare card if you have it, a current medication list, preferred pharmacies, the names of your physicians and facilities, and a realistic view of your healthcare budget. Good comparisons begin with accurate information.