Medicare guidance
Medicare, explained without the sales pitch
Whether you're turning 65, retiring, moving to the Space Coast, or reviewing a plan you already have, here's a clear starting point — followed by a free conversation whenever you're ready.
The building blocks
The parts of Medicare in plain English
Hospital insurance
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A because of their work history.
Medical insurance
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, and durable medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium set each year by Medicare.
Medicare Advantage
A private plan approved by Medicare that provides your Part A and Part B benefits, usually with drug coverage and often with extra benefits. Plans typically use provider networks.
Prescription drug coverage
Private plans that help pay for prescription medications. Each plan has its own formulary, pharmacy network, and cost tiers.
Medicare Supplement
A policy that works with Original Medicare to help cover costs such as coinsurance and deductibles, depending on the standardized plan letter you choose.
For a complete, official description of every option available to you, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Timing matters
Key enrollment windows
Initial Enrollment Period
The 7 months around your 65th birthday — 3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after.
Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 – December 7. Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Changes start January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 – March 31. If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may make one change.
Special Enrollment Periods
Triggered by life events such as moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help.
Want the longer version? Read the full enrollment periods guide.
Common questions
Questions I hear every week
- When should I sign up for Medicare?
- Your Initial Enrollment Period is the seven months surrounding your 65th birthday — three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and three months after. If you are still working with employer coverage, different rules may apply, so it is worth a quick call to confirm your dates.
- Does it cost anything to work with you?
- No. There is no cost or fee to you for a review or for enrolling through a licensed agent. Agents are compensated by the insurance carrier when a policy is issued. You are never obligated to enroll in anything.
- Can I keep my own doctors?
- That depends on the plan. Medicare Supplement policies let you see any provider who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans use networks, so we verify each of your doctors and your preferred hospital against a plan before you enroll.
- What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement?
- A Medicare Advantage plan replaces the way you receive your Part A and Part B benefits through a private plan, usually with a network and copays. A Medicare Supplement works alongside Original Medicare to help pay costs it leaves behind, with no network but a separate monthly premium and separate Part D coverage.
- What happens during the Annual Enrollment Period?
- From October 15 through December 7 you may join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D prescription drug plan, with changes effective January 1. Plans can change benefits, networks, and formularies every year, so an annual review is worthwhile.
- I just moved to Florida. What do I need to do?
- A permanent move typically opens a Special Enrollment Period because plan service areas are local. Update your address with Social Security, then review whether your current plan still serves your new Brevard County address before your window closes.
Bring these to your review
- Your Medicare card (or your Part B start date)
- A list of your doctors and preferred hospital
- A list of your prescriptions with dosages
- Your preferred pharmacy
- Any current plan ID card
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. This site is operated by a licensed insurance agent, not by a government agency.
This page is for general educational purposes and is a solicitation for insurance. A licensed insurance agent may contact you. Enrollment in a plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare.
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