What Is Medicare? Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program primarily for individuals age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. Plan options, costs, and availability vary by location and individual circumstance.

• What Are the Parts of Medicare?
  • Part A (Hospital Insurance) — Generally covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. May be available without a premium if you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Eligibility requirements apply.
  • Part B (Medical Insurance) — Generally covers outpatient care, preventive services, doctor visits, and certain home health services. A monthly premium typically applies and may vary based on income.
  • Part C (Medicare Advantage) — An alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Plans often include additional coverage options such as dental and vision, though benefits vary by plan and location. Enrollment in Part A and Part B is required.
  • Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) — Plans designed to help offset the cost of prescription medications. Available to those enrolled in Original Medicare. Formularies, costs, and covered medications vary by plan.
• What Is Plan G (Medigap)?
  Medicare Supplement Plan G is one type of Medigap policy that may help cover certain out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare — such as hospital coinsurance, skilled nursing coinsurance, and excess charges — subject to plan terms. The Part B deductible ($257 in 2025) is generally not covered under Plan G. Plan availability, premiums, and benefits vary by location and insurance carrier. This is not a complete description of benefits.
• When Can I Enroll?
  Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) generally begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and extends 3 months after. Failing to enroll during your IEP without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period may result in late enrollment penalties on Part B and Part D premiums. Individual circumstances vary — please consult Medicare.gov or a licensed agent for guidance specific to your situation.
• Can I Change Plans After Open Enrollment?
  In certain qualifying circumstances, changes may be possible — including through the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31), a qualifying Special Enrollment Period, or the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7). Eligibility for these periods depends on individual circumstances.

  Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and Open Enrollment

  Medicare has two key enrollment windows that beneficiaries should be aware of each year.

  Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) generally runs October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, eligible beneficiaries may be able to review and make changes to their Medicare coverage that would take effect January 1 of the following year.

  Medicare Open Enrollment — also referred to as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) — runs January 1 through March 31 each year. During this window, individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan may be able to make a one-time change to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare, with or without a Part D plan.

  These are separate and distinct enrollment windows. The options available to you during each period may depend on your current coverage and individual circumstances.

  What You May Be Able to Do During AEP (October 15 – December 7):

  • Consider switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, subject to plan availability in your area
  • Explore coverage options that may better fit your current health or financial situation
  • Add, remove, or adjust prescription drug (Part D) coverage where available
  • Review dental, vision, or other supplemental coverage options where available

  What You May Be Able to Do During Open Enrollment (January 1 – March 31):

  • Make a one-time switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, subject to availability
  • Return to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan
  • Enroll in a standalone Part D prescription drug plan if returning to Original Medicare

  Why Consider Reviewing Each Year? Plan premiums, copays, formularies, and provider networks are subject to change each January 1. Reviewing your coverage during AEP or Open Enrollment may give you the opportunity to identify potential coverage considerations, become aware of preventative care benefits that may be available under your plan, and compare costs across available options. Reviewing your coverage does not guarantee lower costs or improved benefits.

Disclosure: This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be considered tax, legal, or financial advice. Plan features, costs, and availability vary by location, carrier, and individual circumstance. Individual results vary. Not all plans are available in all areas. Not endorsed by or affiliated with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Social Security Administration, or any other government agency. For personalized advice, please consult a qualified professional.