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Medicare, made simple.

Navigate Medicare with confidence. Whether you're turning 65 or taking a second look at the plan you have, a licensed agent will walk you through Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Part D options and help you choose.

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Understanding your Medicare options

We'll help you compare plans and find the coverage that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

All-in-one plans that include Parts A and B, and often Part D.

Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

Many plans have a $0 monthly plan premium. You still pay your Medicare Part B premium.

Includes
  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital stays
  • Prescription drugs, in most plans
  • Often includes extras
Benefits and things to keep in mind: Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Key benefits

  • Combines Medicare Parts A, B, and often Part D into one plan
  • May include extra benefits like vision, dental, hearing aids, and wellness programs
  • Often has a $0 monthly plan premium (you still pay your Medicare Part B premium)
  • May have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare
  • Many plans include prescription drug coverage

Keep in mind

  • You usually need to use the plan's network of doctors and hospitals
  • You may need referrals to see specialists
  • Plan benefits and costs can change each year
  • Plans are available in specific geographic areas

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Fills gaps in Original Medicare coverage.

Medigap policies help pay some of the healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

The monthly premium varies by plan, age and where you live.

Includes
  • Predictable costs
  • Any doctor who accepts Medicare
  • Coverage across the U.S.
  • No referrals needed
Benefits and things to keep in mind: Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Key benefits

  • Helps pay Medicare deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance
  • Use any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare
  • No network restrictions
  • No referrals needed to see specialists
  • Predictable out-of-pocket costs
  • Guaranteed renewable as long as you pay your premiums

Keep in mind

  • Requires a monthly premium
  • You must have Medicare Parts A and B
  • Doesn't include prescription drug coverage (you add a separate Part D plan)
  • The best time to buy is during your Medigap open enrollment period
  • Outside that period, your health history may affect whether you can buy a policy and what it costs

Medicare Part D

Prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage through private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

Premiums vary by plan.

Includes
  • Brand-name and generic drugs
  • Pharmacy network
  • Mail-order options
  • A yearly cap on drug costs
Benefits and things to keep in mind: Medicare Part D

Key benefits

  • Covers most prescription medications
  • Includes both brand-name and generic drugs
  • Access to a network of pharmacies
  • Mail-order pharmacy options
  • A yearly limit on what you pay out of pocket for covered drugs: $2,100 in 2026 and $2,400 in 2027

Keep in mind

  • Each plan has its own formulary (list of covered drugs)
  • Different drugs may have different costs
  • A late enrollment penalty may apply if you go without creditable drug coverage
  • Plans and costs can change each year
  • Some drugs may require prior authorization or step therapy

Side by side

The three kinds of plan answer different questions. Most people choose either Medicare Advantage, or Original Medicare with a Supplement and a Part D plan.

How the main Medicare plan types compare

Medicare Advantage

What it is
An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare from a private insurer
Doctors and hospitals
Usually the plan's network. Referrals may be needed
Monthly premium
Often $0 for the plan, plus your Part B premium
Prescription drugs
Included in most plans
Extras
Often dental, vision and hearing

Medicare Supplement

What it is
Extra coverage that pays costs Original Medicare leaves to you
Doctors and hospitals
Any provider that accepts Medicare. No referrals
Monthly premium
A monthly premium, plus your Part B premium
Prescription drugs
Not included. Add a Part D plan
Extras
None

Part D

What it is
Stand-alone prescription drug coverage
Doctors and hospitals
Not applicable. Uses a pharmacy network
Monthly premium
A monthly premium that varies by plan
Prescription drugs
This is the drug coverage
Extras
None

When you can enroll

Medicare has set windows for joining or changing plans. Missing one can mean waiting, or paying a penalty.

Initial Enrollment PeriodThe 7 months around your 65th birthday
Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after it. This is when most people first sign up.
Annual Enrollment PeriodOctober 15 to December 7
Join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open EnrollmentJanuary 1 to March 31
If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different one or return to Original Medicare, once.
Medigap Open Enrollment6 months from the start of your Part B
Begins the month you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this window you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, regardless of your health.
Special Enrollment PeriodsAfter certain life events
Moving, losing employer coverage and other changes can open a window outside these dates.

How we help with Medicare

Medicare can be overwhelming. We make it simple with clear guidance and personal service.

Licensed for Medicare
Our agents are licensed to sell Medicare plans and complete the yearly training insurers require.
Personalized service
One-on-one guidance based on your doctors, your prescriptions and your budget.
No fees
Our help is free. You never pay us a fee, and there is no obligation to enroll.
Year-round support
We're here after you enroll, not only during enrollment season.

Important information

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 54 products 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.

Ideal Advocate is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

Ready to choose a Medicare plan?

Don't navigate Medicare alone. Tell us about your doctors, prescriptions and budget, and we'll help you compare the plans we offer.

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888-668-7219

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