Medicare
Compare Medicare Plans and Coverage Options
Compare Medicare insurance options to explore available coverage and plan features. Simple Insured helps you compare available plans to find coverage that meets your healthcare needs.
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a federally run health insurance program available mostly to individuals 65 or older. Eligibility for Medicare is also extended to some younger persons with qualifying disabilities or conditions.
Medicare can assist with costs of hospital care, medical services, and prescription drugs, with different coverage options. Understanding these options can help you compare Medicare insurance plans and find coverage that fits your needs.
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Coverage Parts for Medicare
Hospital Insurance
Inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility services, hospice care, and some home health services.
Medical Insurance
Doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive and other medically necessary services.
Medicare Advantage
A and Part B benefits that are offered through a private insurance company.
Prescription Drug Coverage
Prescription Drugs through Participating Private Insurance Plans
Medicare Plans Available
Medicare based on your eligibility and healthcare needs.
Original Medicare
Covers hospital and medical services through Part A and Part B. Allows visits to doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare.
Medicare Advantage
Private insurance plans that provide Part A and Part B benefits, often including drug, dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
Medicare Supplement
Helps cover out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Medicare Part D
Helps pay for approved prescription medications through standalone plans or Medicare Advantage plans.
Compare Medicare Plans
Examine your coverage, costs, provider access, and extra benefits in order to decide among the Medicare options.
| Feature | Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage | Medicare Supplement Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital Coverage | Part A | Part A benefits | Supplements Part A |
| Medical Coverage | Part B | Part B benefits | Helps cover costs |
| Prescription Drugs | Separate Part D | Often included | Separate Part D |
| Provider Access | Medicare providers | Network-based | Medicare providers |
| Additional Benefits | Limited | Dental, vision, hearing | Cost-sharing support |
Who Is Eligible for Medicare?
Medicare based on their age, disability, and specific medical conditions. You may qualify if you:
Age 65+
Meet the required age and eligibility criteria.
Under 65
Receive Social Security Disability Insurance for the required number of months.
Medical Conditions
Qualify with End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS.
Residency Requirements
Meet applicable citizenship, lawful residency, and work history requirements.
Medicare Enrollment
Be aware of what the Medicare enrollment periods are so you don't have unnecessary delays and costly late enrollment penalties.
Initial Enrollment
Starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after your birthday month.
General Enrollment
January 1 – March 31 for those who missed their initial enrollment period.
Special Enrollment
Allows eligible individuals to enroll after qualifying events, such as losing employer coverage..
Annual Enrollment
October 15 – December 7 to change existing Medicare coverage.
Medicare Advantage Enrollment
January 1 – March 31 for individuals already enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
Medigap Enrollment
A six-month period that begins when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare varies depending on the parts and plans you choose.
Hospital Care
Eligible inpatient hospital services under Part A.
Doctor Visits
Medical care and other services covered by Part B.
Preventive Care
Eligible screenings, vaccines, and preventive services.
Skilled Nursing
Certain qualifying skilled nursing facility services.
Home Health Care
Eligible medically necessary home health services.
Hospice Care
Covered hospice services for eligible beneficiaries.
Medicare Costs
Medicare costs depend on the coverage you choose, your eligibility, income-related adjustments, and healthcare usage.
Monthly Premiums
Payments for applicable Medicare coverage.Deductibles
Amounts you pay before certain coverage begins.Copayments
Fixed payments for eligible services.Coinsurance
Your share of covered medical expenses.Benefits and Drawbacks of Medicare
- Provides access to eligible healthcare services.
- Offers different coverage options.
- Helps cover hospital and medical expenses.
- Offers prescription drug coverage options.
- Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits.
- Not all medical expenses are covered.
- Premiums and cost-sharing may apply.
- Original Medicare offers little to no coverage for regular dental or vision.
- Prescription coverage may require a separate plan.
- Provider networks and plan restrictions may Apply.
Determining How to Select a Medicare Plan
The ideal Medicare plan is determined by your healthcare needs, budget and your doctors and facility options.
Prior to selecting coverage:
- Compare monthly premiums and deductibles.
- Review doctor and hospital networks.
- Check prescription drug coverage.
- Understand copayments and coinsurance.
- Compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement benefits.
- Review enrollment periods and eligibility requirements.
By comparison shopping for Medicare plans, you may be able to learn more about your options.
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How Simple Insured Can Assist You To Contrast Medicare
Simple Insured offers great information to assist consumers in researching Medicare coverage and exploring insurance choices.
Medicare Choices
Learn about Parts A, B, C, and D.
Understand Coverage
Know what Medicare covers and excludes.
Compare Costs
Review premiums, deductibles, and expenses.
Check Eligibility
Understand enrollment requirements and periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
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