Medicare Made Simple
Free, independent guides to help you understand Medicare, compare your options, and enroll with confidence — no sales calls, no pressure.
New to Medicare? Start here:
- Confirm eligibility (age 65 or qualifying disability)
- Understand Parts A, B, C, and D
- Decide: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
- Check your enrollment window — missing it has permanent penalties
- Add drug coverage (Part D)
- Consider a Medigap supplement if choosing Original Medicare
The 4 Parts of Medicare
Medicare is divided into four parts. Most beneficiaries use a combination depending on their health needs and budget.
Hospital Coverage
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services.
2025 cost: $0 premium for most. $1,676 deductible per benefit period.
Learn about Part AMedical Coverage
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, mental health, DME, and lab work.
2025 cost: $185.00/month premium + $257 deductible, then 20% coinsurance.
Learn about Part BMedicare Advantage
Private plans replacing Original Medicare. Often includes Part D, dental, vision, and hearing extras.
2025 cost: Often $0 additional premium. Annual out-of-pocket maximum caps exposure.
Learn about AdvantagePrescription Coverage
Covers prescription drugs via standalone plan or bundled in Medicare Advantage.
2025 cost: ~$40/month avg premium. New: $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on drugs.
Learn about Part DMedicare Supplement Plans
Private insurance that pays after Original Medicare — covering deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Cannot be used with Medicare Advantage.
Most popular (Plan G): Covers nearly everything except the $257 Part B deductible. Premiums typically $100–$300/month depending on age, location, and insurer.
Medigap Explained →Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
The most important choice you'll make. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the two paths.
| Feature | Original Medicare (Parts A + B) | Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | Federal government | Private insurance companies |
| Provider network | Any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide | Usually limited network (HMO/PPO) |
| Referrals required | No | Often yes (HMO plans) |
| Out-of-pocket maximum | None — unlimited exposure | Yes — capped by law ($9,350 in-network, 2025) |
| Prescription drugs | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included (MAPD) |
| Dental / Vision / Hearing | Not covered | Often included as extra benefit |
| Typical monthly cost | $185 (Part B) + ~$150 Medigap + ~$40 Part D | Often $0 beyond Part B premium |
| Can add Medigap | Yes — greatly reduces out-of-pocket risk | No |
| Travel coverage | Works anywhere in the U.S. | Emergency coverage only outside service area |
Plans vary. Always review a plan's Evidence of Coverage before enrolling. Full Medicare Advantage guide →
New to Medicare — Your Checklist
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday. Missing it results in permanent late enrollment penalties. Here's what to do:
- Check eligibility — Confirm you qualify based on age or disability.
- Learn the 4 parts — Understand what A, B, C, and D cover and cost.
- Make the big choice — Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D, or Medicare Advantage?
- Check employer coverage — If still working, you may delay without penalty.
- Enroll during your IEP — Sign up at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
- Add drug coverage — Choose Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drugs.
- Consider Medigap — Buy during your guaranteed-issue open enrollment window (no medical questions).
Key 2025 Medicare Costs
| Part A premium (most people) | $0/month |
| Part A hospital deductible | $1,676 per benefit period |
| Part B premium (standard) | $185.00/month |
| Part B annual deductible | $257 |
| Part B coinsurance | 20% after deductible |
| Part D OOP cap (new 2025) | $2,000 |
Key Enrollment Dates
| Initial Enrollment (IEP) | 7 months around 65th birthday |
| Open Enrollment (OEP) | Oct 15 – Dec 7 annually |
| General Enrollment (GEP) | Jan 1 – Mar 31 annually |
| MA Open Enrollment | Jan 1 – Mar 31 annually |
Frequently Asked Questions
Click any question for the full answer.
- What is Medicare?
- When should I sign up for Medicare?
- How much does Medicare cost per month in 2025?
- What happens if I miss my enrollment window?
- Does Medicare have an out-of-pocket maximum?
- What is IRMAA and does it apply to me?
- Can I get Medicare if I'm still working at 65?
- What are Medicare Savings Programs?
- What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
- How can I reduce my Medicare costs?
Not sure where to start?
Our Medicare Basics guide covers everything from the ground up — clearly, without jargon, and without any sales pressure.
Read the Medicare Basics Guide → Browse the FAQ