Do I need Part D drug coverage?

If you don't have other creditable drug coverage, you generally should enroll in Part D when first eligible to avoid a late-enrollment penalty and to ensure access to covered prescriptions.

What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare includes Parts A and B and lets you add Part D and optional Medigap for predictable costs and no networks. Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles hospital, medical and usually drug coverage with set copays, an annual out-of-pocket max, and provider networks (HMO/PPO).

When can I sign up for Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7 months around your 65th birthday. There are also annual windows: AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7) to join or change drug or Advantage plans, and OEP (Jan 1–Mar 31) to switch Advantage plans. Special windows may apply with qualifying events.

Do I need Part D drug coverage?

If you don't have other creditable drug coverage, you generally should enroll in Part D when first eligible to avoid a late-enrollment penalty and to ensure access to covered prescriptions.

What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare includes Parts A and B and lets you add Part D and optional Medigap for predictable costs and no networks. Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles hospital, medical and usually drug coverage with set copays, an annual out-of-pocket max, and provider networks (HMO/PPO).

When can I sign up for Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7 months around your 65th birthday. There are also annual windows: AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7) to join or change drug or Advantage plans, and OEP (Jan 1–Mar 31) to switch Advantage plans. Special windows may apply with qualifying events.

Medicare Made Simple • SmartChoiceHealth

Guides & Basics

Medicare Made Simple

Understand Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage (Part C), Part D drug coverage and Medigap. Learn key enrollment windows so you avoid penalties and keep your doctors.

See Medicare Plans Talk to a licensed agent

✔ Free, no‑obligation help
✔ Licensed agents
✔ Plans from top carriers
✔ Secure & private

Medicare at a Glance

What it is

Federal health insurance for people 65+ and some under 65 with certain disabilities or ESRD.
Original Medicare: Part A (hospital) + Part B (medical). Add Part D (drugs) and optional Medigap for predictable costs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C): all-in-one plans from private insurers (often includes drugs, dental/vision, extras).

Key choices you’ll make

Coverage path: Original Medicare + (Part D / Medigap) or Medicare Advantage (HMO/PPO).
Doctors & network: Keep any doctor nationwide with Original Medicare; MA plans use networks.
Drug coverage: Add Part D to Original Medicare or choose an MA-PD plan with drugs included.

General information only—availability, benefits and costs vary by county, carrier and your Medicare eligibility. We’ll confirm what applies to you.

Common Plan Types

Original Medicare + Medigap

Any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare; no referrals.
Add a standalone Part D plan for prescriptions.
Medigap (e.g., Plan G/N) helps pay deductibles/coinsurance for predictable costs.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

HMO/PPO networks with set copays and an annual out-of-pocket max.
Often includes Part D plus extras like dental, vision, hearing, OTC, fitness.
Check providers and drugs for in-network/formulary fit.

Medicare Parts (What they cover)

Part A — Hospital

Inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice.
Usually $0 premium if you paid Medicare taxes long enough.

Part B — Medical

Doctor visits, outpatient care, labs, preventive services.
Monthly premium; deductible + coinsurance.

Part C — Medicare Advantage

Private plan alternative to A & B (often includes D).
Copays, networks, and an annual out‑of‑pocket maximum.

Part D — Drug Coverage

Helps pay for prescriptions via plan formularies.
Premiums vary; costs depend on drug tiers and pharmacies.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Topic	Original Medicare (+ Medigap/Part D)	Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Monthly costs	Part B premium; Part D premium if added; optional Medigap premium.	Part B premium still applies; many plans have low premiums; copays vary.
Out-of-pocket	No annual cap under Original Medicare; Medigap reduces your share.	Annual out-of-pocket max (MOOP) sets a ceiling on costs.
Doctors & hospitals	Any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide; no referrals.	Network-based (HMO/PPO); referrals/rules may apply; OON costs vary.
Prescriptions	Add a standalone Part D plan; choose based on your meds.	Most MA plans include Part D (MA‑PD); confirm your drugs/tiers.
Extras	Typically none beyond Medicare; some Medigap perks vary by carrier.	Often includes dental, vision, hearing, fitness, OTC allowances.

We’ll compare options side‑by‑side, check your doctors and drugs, and explain trade‑offs so you can choose confidently.

When to Enroll

Period	When	What you can do
Initial Enrollment (IEP)	7‑month window around your 65th birthday	Sign up for Parts A & B; choose Part D; enroll in Medigap or Advantage.
Annual Enrollment (AEP)	Oct 15 – Dec 7	Join, switch, or drop Part D and Medicare Advantage for Jan 1 start.
Open Enrollment (OEP)	Jan 1 – Mar 31	Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare.
General Enrollment (GEP)	Jan 1 – Mar 31	Enroll in Part B if you missed IEP (timing/penalties may apply).
Special Enrollment (SEP)	Year‑round with qualifying events	Move, loss of employer coverage, 5‑star plan, Extra Help, and more.
Medigap OEP	6 months from Part B effective date	Guaranteed issue for Medigap (most states), no health underwriting.

Rules vary by state and situation—we’ll confirm your best window and help you avoid late‑enrollment penalties.

Understanding Costs & Savings

Your Costs

Part B premium (income‑adjusted for some), deductibles and copays/coinsurance.
MA plans have copays and an annual out‑of‑pocket maximum.
Drug costs depend on plan formulary and tiers.

Savings Programs

Extra Help (LIS): Lowers Part D premiums and drug costs if you qualify.
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI): May help pay Part B premium and other costs.
State and carrier programs may offer additional assistance/benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Part D if I don’t take many meds?

You generally should enroll when first eligible unless you have other creditable drug coverage. Skipping Part D can lead to a late‑enrollment penalty later.

Can I keep my doctor?

Original Medicare lets you see any provider who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage uses networks (HMO/PPO). We’ll check your doctors either way.

What’s the difference between Medigap and Advantage?

Medigap pairs with Original Medicare to lower out‑of‑pocket and has no networks. Advantage bundles coverage with set copays, a MOOP, and extras—but uses networks.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Call, email, or book a time that works for you.

Call (407) 554-5223 [email protected]

See Plans Call (407) 554-5223

Medicare Made Simple • SmartChoiceHealth

Guides & Basics

Medicare Made Simple

Understand Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage (Part C), Part D drug coverage and Medigap. Learn key enrollment windows so you avoid penalties and keep your doctors.

See Medicare Plans Talk to a licensed agent

✔ Free, no-obligation help
✔ Licensed agents
✔ Plans from top carriers
✔ Secure & private

Medicare at a Glance

What it is

Federal health insurance for people 65+ and some under 65 with certain disabilities or ESRD.
Original Medicare: Part A (hospital) + Part B (medical). Add Part D (drugs) and optional Medigap for predictable costs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C): all-in-one plans from private insurers (often includes drugs, dental/vision, extras).

Key choices you’ll make

Coverage path: Original Medicare + (Part D / Medigap) or Medicare Advantage (HMO/PPO).
Doctors & network: Keep any doctor nationwide with Original Medicare; MA plans use networks.
Drug coverage: Add Part D to Original Medicare or choose an MA-PD plan with drugs included.

General information only—availability, benefits and costs vary by county, carrier and your Medicare eligibility. We’ll confirm what applies to you.

Common Plan Types

Original Medicare + Medigap

Any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare; no referrals.
Add a standalone Part D plan for prescriptions.
Medigap (e.g., Plan G/N) helps pay deductibles/coinsurance for predictable costs.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

HMO/PPO networks with set copays and an annual out-of-pocket max.
Often includes Part D plus extras like dental, vision, hearing, OTC, fitness.
Check providers and drugs for in-network/formulary fit.

Medicare Parts (What they cover)

Part A — Hospital

Inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice.
Usually $0 premium if you paid Medicare taxes long enough.

Part B — Medical

Doctor visits, outpatient care, labs, preventive services.
Monthly premium; deductible + coinsurance.

Part C — Medicare Advantage

Private plan alternative to A & B (often includes D).
Copays, networks, and an annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Part D — Drug Coverage

Helps pay for prescriptions via plan formularies.
Premiums vary; costs depend on drug tiers and pharmacies.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Topic	Original Medicare (+ Medigap/Part D)	Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Monthly costs	Part B premium; Part D premium if added; optional Medigap premium.	Part B premium still applies; many plans have low premiums; copays vary.
Out-of-pocket	No annual cap under Original Medicare; Medigap reduces your share.	Annual out-of-pocket max (MOOP) sets a ceiling on costs.
Doctors & hospitals	Any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide; no referrals.	Network-based (HMO/PPO); referrals/rules may apply; OON costs vary.
Prescriptions	Add a standalone Part D plan; choose based on your meds.	Most MA plans include Part D (MA-PD); confirm your drugs/tiers.
Extras	Typically none beyond Medicare; some Medigap perks vary by carrier.	Often includes dental, vision, hearing, fitness, OTC allowances.

We’ll compare options side-by-side, check your doctors and drugs, and explain trade-offs so you can choose confidently.

When to Enroll

Period	When	What you can do
Initial Enrollment (IEP)	7-month window around your 65th birthday	Sign up for Parts A & B; choose Part D; enroll in Medigap or Advantage.
Annual Enrollment (AEP)	Oct 15 – Dec 7	Join, switch, or drop Part D and Medicare Advantage for Jan 1 start.
Open Enrollment (OEP)	Jan 1 – Mar 31	Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare.
General Enrollment (GEP)	Jan 1 – Mar 31	Enroll in Part B if you missed IEP (timing/penalties may apply).
Special Enrollment (SEP)	Year-round with qualifying events	Move, loss of employer coverage, 5-star plan, Extra Help, and more.
Medigap OEP	6 months from Part B effective date	Guaranteed issue for Medigap (most states), no health underwriting.

Rules vary by state and situation—we’ll confirm your best window and help you avoid late-enrollment penalties.

Understanding Costs & Savings

Your Costs

Part B premium (income-adjusted for some), deductibles and copays/coinsurance.
MA plans have copays and an annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Drug costs depend on plan formulary and tiers.

Savings Programs

Extra Help (LIS): Lowers Part D premiums and drug costs if you qualify.
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI): May help pay Part B premium and other costs.
State and carrier programs may offer additional assistance/benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Part D if I don’t take many meds?

You generally should enroll when first eligible unless you have other creditable drug coverage. Skipping Part D can lead to a late-enrollment penalty later.

Can I keep my doctor?

Original Medicare lets you see any provider who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage uses networks (HMO/PPO). We’ll check your doctors either way.

What’s the difference between Medigap and Advantage?

Medigap pairs with Original Medicare to lower out-of-pocket and has no networks. Advantage bundles coverage with set copays, a MOOP, and extras—but uses networks.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Call, email, or book a time that works for you.

Call (407) 554-5223 [email protected]

See Plans Call (407) 554-5223

Medicare Made Simple

Medicare at a Glance

What it is

Key choices you’ll make

Common Plan Types

Original Medicare + Medigap

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Parts (What they cover)

Part A — Hospital

Part B — Medical

Part C — Medicare Advantage

Part D — Drug Coverage

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Get your free, no‑obligation Medicare plan review

When to Enroll

Understanding Costs & Savings

Your Costs

Savings Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions? We’re here to help.

Medicare Made Simple

Medicare at a Glance

What it is

Key choices you’ll make

Common Plan Types

Original Medicare + Medigap

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Parts (What they cover)

Part A — Hospital

Part B — Medical

Part C — Medicare Advantage

Part D — Drug Coverage

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Get your free, no-obligation Medicare plan review

When to Enroll

Understanding Costs & Savings

Your Costs

Savings Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions? We’re here to help.