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Medicare 101

Understand the basics. Know your choices.
Ask Hank & Shelly whenever questions come up.

Start with the letters

A

Part A hospital coverage

Part A includes covered inpatient hospital care, qualifying skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home health care.

B

Part B medical coverage

Part B includes covered doctor and outpatient services, medical equipment, and preventive care.

C

Medicare Advantage plan basics

A private plan provides your Part A and Part B benefits. Most plans also include Part D.

D

Part D drug coverage

Part D helps pay for covered medicines. It comes through a separate drug plan or most Medicare Advantage plans.

Read the overview here

Your coverage choices

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage are two ways to receive Medicare benefits. Medigap and separate drug plans can add coverage to Original Medicare.

PARTS A + B

Original Medicare coverage basics

Coverage managed by the federal government. You can visit doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare across the United States.

  • Medicare pays its portion of covered services; you pay your share.
  • Part B usually leaves a 20% share after its deductible.
  • There is no annual cap on your medical spending without additional coverage.
  • You can add a separate Part D drug plan and may buy Medigap.
Read the overview here
PART C

Medicare Advantage plan basics

A Medicare-approved private insurance plan delivers your Part A and Part B benefits. You must have both to enroll.

  • Most plans include prescription drug coverage.
  • Plans may include dental, vision, hearing, or other extras. Benefits vary.
  • Check networks, specialist referrals, and prior-approval rules.
  • Plans set an annual limit for covered medical out-of-pocket costs. Premiums and Part D drug costs are separate.
  • You generally keep paying your Part B premium, even with a $0 plan premium.
Read the overview hereCompare the two coverage paths
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT

Medigap supplement coverage basics

Private insurance that helps pay certain costs left by Original Medicare, such as coinsurance and deductibles.

  • Lettered plans, such as G or N, have standardized basic benefits in Arkansas.
  • Premiums vary by insurer and policy. You also keep paying Part B.
  • New Medigap policies do not include prescription drugs; a separate Part D plan can provide them.
  • Generally, routine dental, vision, hearing aids, and long-term care are not covered.

Your enrollment timing matters. See the Medigap FAQ below before making a change.

Read the overview here
STAND-ALONE PART D

Prescription drug plan basics

A PDP is a separate prescription drug plan offered by a Medicare-approved private insurer. It is commonly paired with Original Medicare.

  • Check its formulary (covered-drug list), tiers (cost groups), and pharmacy prices.
  • Premiums, deductibles, and prescription costs differ among plans.
  • You generally need Part A or Part B to join a separate drug plan.
  • Most Medicare Advantage plans already include Part D. Adding a separate PDP to many Advantage plans can affect your health coverage.
Read the overview hereHow drug coverage fits your coverage choice

Compare what matters to you

Your doctors and medicines

Doctors, hospitals, medicines, and where you travel.

Your total yearly costs

Monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, and expected yearly spending.

Your health plan’s rules

Networks, referrals, approvals, and coverage limits.

Before changing coverage, check how it works with any employer, retiree, military, or other insurance you already have.

Read the overview here
QUESTIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

Frequently asked questions

Tap a question to open its answer.

Who can get Medicare?

Medicare mainly serves eligible people age 65 and older. Some people qualify sooner because of a disability, ALS, or end-stage renal disease. Some enroll automatically; others must apply.

Read the overview here
When should I first sign up?

For most people turning 65, the initial window lasts seven months: the three months before their birthday month, that month, and the three months afterward. Job-based coverage may affect timing. Check your situation before delaying enrollment.

Read the overview here
When can I change my health or drug plan?

October 15–December 7 is the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, generally for changes beginning January 1. If you already have Medicare Advantage, January 1–March 31 offers a limited opportunity to change that coverage. Certain life events may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

Read the overview here
Can I use Medigap with Medicare Advantage?

Medigap supplements Original Medicare. It cannot pay Medicare Advantage copayments or deductibles. If you are considering a switch back to Original Medicare, check your enrollment rights and Medigap eligibility before dropping your current plan.

Read the overview here
Is Medigap enrollment the same as fall Open Enrollment?

No. Your one-time federal Medigap Open Enrollment period lasts six months, starting when you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that window, insurers cannot reject you because of health conditions. Later, health questions, higher prices, or denial may apply unless you have a protected right or applicable state protection.

Read the overview here
Does a $0 premium plan mean all my care is free?

No. A $0 plan premium is only one part of the cost. You generally still pay your Part B premium and may owe deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. Compare expected yearly costs as well as the monthly premium.

Read the overview here
Do I need Part D if I take no medicines?

Consider it even if you currently take no prescriptions. If you go 63 days or longer without Part D or other creditable drug coverage after your initial enrollment period, a late penalty may apply when you enroll later. Creditable coverage is expected to pay, on average, at least as much as standard Medicare drug coverage.

Read the overview here
How do I check my doctors and medicines?

Before joining, confirm your doctors and hospitals with the plan and providers. Review each medicine, its dose, the plan’s covered-drug list, and your pharmacy. Costs and coverage can change each year, so review the next year’s details too.

Read the overview here
Will Medigap cover both me and my spouse?

Each Medigap policy covers one person. You and your spouse need separate policies if both of you want this coverage.

Read the overview here
What if Medicare costs are hard to afford?

Depending on your income and resources, Medicare Savings Programs may help with Medicare premiums and other costs, and Extra Help may reduce Part D costs. Hank and Shelly can help you understand where to check eligibility.

Read the overview here

A quick Medicare overview

Information reviewed September 30, 2026. Read a simple overview here without leaving MedicareHank.com.

Getting startedCompare coverageMedigap basicsPart D basicsEnrollment periodsMedicare costs
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