Every Medicare topic, in plain English.
Pick a topic to see straightforward explanations, common questions, and helpful tips.
Getting Started
Coverage
Part A
Hospital insurance — what's covered and what it costs.
Part B
Doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services.
Part C (Advantage)
Medicare Advantage plans from private insurers.
Part D
Prescription drug coverage and how to choose a plan.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Fills the gaps in Original Medicare — deductibles, copays, coinsurance.
Prescription Drugs
Formularies, tiers, and the coverage gap.
Money
Costs
Premiums, deductibles, copays — plain-English breakdown.
Penalties
Late enrollment penalties for Part A, B, and D — how to avoid them.
IRMAA
Income-related monthly adjustment amounts for Part B and D.
Late Enrollment
What happens if you miss your window — and how to fix it.
Income Rules
How income affects what you pay for Medicare.
Timing
Special Enrollment Periods
Life events that let you enroll or change plans outside AEP.
Annual Enrollment
October 15 – December 7. Compare, switch, or stay.
Open Enrollment
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – March 31).
Changing Plans
When and how to switch between Original Medicare, Advantage, and Part D plans.
Life Situation
Retirement
How Medicare fits with retirement, pensions, and 401(k)s.
Working After 65
Delaying Medicare while covered by employer insurance.
Employer Insurance
Employer size matters — 20+ employees vs. under 20.
COBRA
Why COBRA is not creditable coverage for Medicare.
Spouse Coverage
Covering a spouse who isn't yet 65.
Special
Veterans Benefits
How VA benefits work with Medicare.
TRICARE
TRICARE for Life and Medicare — how they coordinate.
CHAMPVA
Coverage for spouses and children of qualifying veterans.
Medicaid
Dual eligibility — having both Medicare and Medicaid.
Social Security
How Social Security enrollment interacts with Medicare.
Disability
Qualifying for Medicare under age 65 through disability.