Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older. People under age 65 may qualify if they have certain disabilities. Individuals of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant) are eligible as well.

You’re not required to enroll in Medicare at 65 if you already have other health coverage. However, once you become eligible, it’s a good idea to compare your current plan with Medicare. You may find that Medicare offers similar or better coverage at a lower cost, whether or not you’re still working or haven’t started receiving Social Security benefits.

If you’d like help understanding your Medicare options, we can connect you with a local licensed insurance agent. They can explain plan-specific benefits, let you know when to enroll, and help guide you toward the coverage that best fits your health and financial needs.

Once your enrollment is complete, your Medicare plan generally becomes effective on the first day of the following month. If you enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7), your new coverage will begin on January 1 of the following year.

Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is a type of Medicare plan offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. It combines Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), and often includes extra benefits such as vision, dental, hearing, fitness programs, and more. Some plans also include Part D (prescription drug coverage).

Generally, prescription drugs are not covered under Original Medicare (Parts A and B), with limited exceptions (such as medications given during hospital stays or in outpatient settings). To get prescription drug coverage, you can enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan offered by private insurers, as long as you have Part A and/or Part B.

Medicare is not free. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B, which is often deducted from their Social Security check. You may also pay deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance, typically 20% of the cost for covered services. The exact cost depends on the plan you choose and your income level. Purchasing supplemental insurance (such as Medigap or a Medicare Advantage plan) can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

1. What are my monthly premiums, deductibles, and other costs?
2. How will I pay for services like hospital stays or doctor visits?
3. Is there a yearly limit on what I’ll pay out-of-pocket for medical care?

No. You’re not committed to one Medicare plan for forever. You can make changes each year during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15–December 7). You may also be able to change plans during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if certain life events occur—such as retiring and losing employer-sponsored coverage or moving outside your plan’s service area.

It’s a good idea to review your coverage annually to make sure it still meets your healthcare needs.