AT YOUR PACE
A clearer place to start.
New to Medicare, still working or helping a family member? You can explore these resources without sharing personal information.
Explore the basics
THE MAIN COVERAGE PATHS
Understand how the pieces fit.
Original Medicare
Part A and Part B form the foundation. A separate Part D plan can provide prescription drug coverage. Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, can help with certain out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare-approved private plans offer another way to receive Part A and Part B benefits. Many include drug coverage. Provider networks, benefits and costs vary by plan.
Medigap supplements Original Medicare; it does not pay Medicare Advantage cost sharing. Read the Medicare.gov comparison
START WITH YOUR SITUATION
A few useful questions.
When can I enroll or change coverage?
Timing depends on the type of coverage and your circumstances. The annual Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollment period runs October 15 through December 7; changes generally begin January 1. Initial enrollment and Special Enrollment Periods have different rules.
Check Medicare enrollment periodsWhat if I am working past sixty-five?
Ask your employer’s benefits administrator how your current coverage works with Medicare before delaying enrollment or changing coverage. Employer size and the type of coverage can affect which coverage pays first. COBRA and retiree coverage do not follow the same rules as coverage based on current employment.
Explore working past sixty-fiveWhat is different about Medigap in New York?
New York requires insurers to accept eligible Medigap applications throughout the year and prohibits health-based premium differences. A pre-existing-condition waiting period of up to six months can sometimes apply; prior creditable coverage may reduce or eliminate it. Group policies can have membership requirements.
Read New York’s Medigap guidanceWhat should I check before choosing a plan?
Consider your doctors and hospitals, prescriptions and pharmacies, expected total costs, travel needs and any employer or retiree coverage. Check the specific plan’s current documents and provider information before making a change.
Use the conversation checklistBEFORE A CONVERSATION
Keep your questions together.
Make a private note of what you want to understand. You do not need to upload it here.
- Your current coverage and important dates.
- The doctors, prescriptions and pharmacies you want to check.
- Monthly costs, possible out-of-pocket costs and travel needs.
- Questions for your employer or retiree-benefit administrator.