Medicare 101 Guide: Understanding the Basics

 

Welcome to AEC Insure’s Medicare 101 Guide — your go-to resource for understanding how Medicare works, what it covers, and how to choose the right plan for your health and budget.
Our mission is simple: educate, simplify, and protect your health and financial future.

 

What Is Medicare?

 

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, certain younger individuals with disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
It’s designed to help cover hospital care, doctor visits, preventive services, and prescription drugs — but knowing which parts you need and when to enroll can be confusing. That’s where AEC Insure comes in.

 

The Four Parts of Medicare

 

Part A — Hospital Insurance

 

Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services.
Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes for 10 years (40 quarters).

 

Part B — Medical Insurance

 

Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.
Part B has a monthly premium, which can vary based on your income.

 

Part C — Medicare Advantage Plans

 

Private insurance companies approved by Medicare offer these “all-in-one” plans. They include everything in Parts A and B — and often extra benefits like prescription drug, dental, vision, and hearing coverage.

 

Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage

 

Helps cover the cost of prescription medications. You can add Part D to Original Medicare or get it automatically through most Medicare Advantage plans.

 

Medicare Supplement ( Medigap ) Plans

 

Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything — you’re still responsible for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
That’s where Medigap plans come in. These supplemental policies help fill the “gaps” and give you predictable out-of-pocket costs.

 

When to Enroll in Medicare

 

Turning 65 — Your Initial Enrollment Period

 

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window: it starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.
Missing your IEP may lead to late-enrollment penalties — so don’t wait.

 

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

 

Every year from October 15 to December 7, you can join, switch, or drop Medicare plans.
Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.

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How to Choose the Right Coverage

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1. Evaluate your health needs – Prescription drugs, doctors, and expected care in the next year.

2. Compare plan options – Original Medicare + Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage.

3. Check network providers – Make sure your doctors and hospitals are covered.

4. Review annual changes – Plans and drug costs can change each year.

AEC Insure helps you compare plans side-by-side so you can find coverage that fits your health and budget.

 

Why Work with AEC Insure

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✅ Independent & Trusted Advisor – We represent multiple top-rated carriers, not just one company.
✅ Digital-First Convenience – Compare, enroll, and book appointments online from any device.
✅ Local Expertise – Serving clients in MS, TN, ME, MI, FL & TX.
✅ Human Support When You Need It – Real licensed agents ready to answer your questions.

 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

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Don’t go it alone.
AEC Insure is here to make Medicare simple, transparent, and tailored to you.
👉 Book Your Free Consultation Online today and get personalized help selecting your Medicare coverage.