Approaching Medicare
Ask when to enroll and how Medicare may work with coverage you already have.
MINAL PATEL INSURANCE · NC / SC / FL
General Medicare resources.
New to Medicare, reviewing coverage, or helping a parent? Organize your questions before making a decision.
Where are you starting?
Already enrolled
Write down what is working, what is changing, and any questions about your current coverage.
Leaving work coverage
Bring the expected end date of employer coverage and questions about the transition.
Helping a parent
Include your parent in the conversation and ask about any permission or authorization needed.
Make sense of the names.
Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is a private-plan alternative. Part D refers to prescription drug coverage. Medicare Supplement insurance, or Medigap, helps with certain costs under Original Medicare.
A Medigap policy and a Medicare Advantage plan are not the same thing.
Official resource: Medicare coverage options.
Questions worth bringing.
- How does my employer, retiree, or other coverage affect my next step?
- What enrollment dates apply to my situation?
- How can I check my doctors, hospital, prescriptions, and pharmacy?
- What should I understand about total costs and coverage rules?
Use Medicare.gov or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program for personalized Medicare plan help. These resources are general education and do not offer Medicare plan selection or enrollment services.
Looking for help with costs?
Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs may assist eligible people. Eligibility and the type of assistance vary; the responsible program determines whether you qualify.
Need personalized Medicare help?
Visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.