Turning 65, already on Medicare, or planning your retirement income? As an independent broker, Jeff compares options across carriers and walks you through it in plain English — no jargon, no pressure, no cost.
Medicare comes in pieces. Here's what each one actually does.
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium if they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough.
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, and durable medical equipment. Comes with a monthly premium.
An all-in-one alternative from private insurers that bundles Parts A & B, usually adds drug coverage, and often includes extras like dental, vision, and hearing.
Prescription drug coverage through private plans. The right plan depends on the specific medications you take.
Most people choose between these two paths. Neither is "better" — it depends on your doctors, your budget, and how you like to handle costs.
| Original Medicare + Medigap | Medicare Advantage (Part C) | |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors | Any provider that accepts Medicare, nationwide | Usually a plan network (HMO/PPO) |
| Drug coverage | Add a separate Part D plan | Usually built in |
| Extra benefits | Not included | Often dental, vision, hearing & more |
| Monthly cost | Higher premium, fewer surprises | Often $0–low premium, costs as you use care |
| Often a fit for | People who want freedom to choose doctors & predictable costs | People who want low premiums & bundled extras |
The best choice depends on your specific doctors, medications, and budget. Jeff can compare real plans in your area with you at no cost.
Enroll at the wrong time and you can face lifelong penalties or a gap in coverage. The windows that matter most:
A 7-month window around your 65th birthday — the three months before, your birthday month, and the three months after.
Each fall you can change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, with changes taking effect January 1.
If you're already on a Medicare Advantage plan, you get one chance to switch during this window.
Life events — moving, losing employer coverage, and others — can open a special window outside the usual dates.
Medicare covers your health. Just as important is making sure your money lasts as long as you do.
Turn savings into income you can't outlive, with protection from market swings.
When you claim and how you draw down accounts can make a real difference over a retirement.
Straight answers on how Medicaid fits alongside Medicare and long-term care needs.
Health coverage and income aren't separate decisions — Jeff helps you line them up so the pieces work together.
One call, no cost — and no pressure to switch anything you already have.
We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.