Medicare basics, in plain language

This page is a starting point for understanding how Medicare is organized and when you can make changes. It's educational only — for your complete, personal options always check Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

The parts of Medicare

Part A (Hospital Insurance) — helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
Part B (Medical Insurance) — helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some medical equipment.
Part C (Medicare Advantage) — private plans that bundle Part A and Part B, and usually Part D. Plans vary by county and change each year.
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) — helps cover prescription drugs, through a standalone drug plan or included in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) — private policies that help pay some costs Original Medicare doesn't, like copayments and deductibles. In some situations you have guaranteed issue rights when applying.

When you can enroll or make changes

Initial Enrollment Period — The 7 months around your 65th birthday: the 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) — October 15 – December 7 each year. You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan; changes take effect January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period — January 1 – March 31. If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans or return to Original Medicare once.
Special Enrollment Periods — Certain life events — like moving or losing other coverage — can qualify you to make changes outside the regular windows.

Source: Medicare.gov enrollment guidance. Rules have exceptions — confirm your personal enrollment windows with Medicare.

Official help, always free

Medicare.gov — The official U.S. government site for Medicare — compare plans, check what's covered, and manage your Medicare account. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) — 24/7 help from Medicare, including TTY 1-877-486-2048. (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — Free, unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling from your state SHIP office. (Administration for Community Living)
Social Security Administration — Sign up for Medicare, replace your card, and apply for Extra Help with drug costs. (Social Security Administration)

Have a question about your situation?

I'm happy to answer questions about how these rules apply to you. Contact John Riker