Understand Medicare Parts
2-4 hoursLearn Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Medicare Advantage), Part D (prescriptions), and Medigap supplemental options.
Intermediate2-4 weeks
Medicare Enrollment Guide
Free step-by-step medicare enrollment for Americans turning 65. Plan medicare enrollment with calculators and checklists covering understand medicare parts.
Americans turning 65early retirees losing employer coveragecaregivers helping parents enroll
Workflow
Choose Coverage Path
3-5 daysDecide Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D vs Medicare Advantage (all-in-one). Consider doctor networks, travel, and prescription needs.
Enroll On Time
1-2 weeksEnroll during Initial Enrollment Period (3 months before to 3 months after 65th birthday). Avoid lifetime Part B late enrollment penalty.
Review During Open Enrollment
Annual (Oct-Dec)Compare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans each October 15 - December 7. Formulary and networks change yearly.
Tools Used
- Health Insurance Cost-Sharing CalculatorPrimary
Compare Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage total costs. · Compare Part D plans by medication formulary.
- Social Security CalculatorSupporting
Coordinate Medicare enrollment with Social Security claiming.
- Budget CalculatorPrimary
Budget Part B, D, and Medigap premiums in retirement.
- HSA CalculatorReference
Plan HSA use before Medicare enrollment at 65.
Checklist
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Timing
Decision
Enrollment
Maintenance
Reference Materials
Medicare Enrollment PeriodsTable
Key deadlines for Medicare enrollment.
| Period | When | What You Can Do | Penalty If Missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial (IEP) | 3 mo before to 3 mo after 65 | Enroll in A, B, D, Medigap | Part B: 10%/yr permanent |
| General (GEP) | Jan 1 - Mar 31 | Enroll Part B if missed IEP | Part B penalty applies |
| Annual (AEP) | Oct 15 - Dec 7 | Switch MA or Part D | N/A |
| Medigap OEP | 6 mo after Part B | Guaranteed Medigap issue | Medical underwriting after |
Original Medicare vs Medicare AdvantageStandard
Original: any Medicare doctor, Medigap fills gaps, separate Part D. Advantage: HMO/PPO network, often includes drug coverage, out-of-pocket max, may need referrals.
Do Not Miss Part B
The 10% permanent penalty per year without Part B adds up fast — a 2-year delay means 20% higher premiums for life.
Medigap Window Is One Shot
Six months after Part B is your only guaranteed Medigap enrollment — pre-existing conditions cannot be excluded during this window.
Use Free SHIP Counseling
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs offer free unbiased Medicare help — call 877-839-2675.
Safety Notes
- Never give Medicare number to unsolicited callers — Medicare scam calls peak during open enrollment.
- Verify any Medicare plan at Medicare.gov before enrolling — agents may not show all available options.