New to Medicare? Here's What You Need to Know

If you're turning 65 soon, first, congratulations! It's a major milestone, and it comes with a lot of new choices, including how to handle your health insurance as a senior. One of the most important decisions you'll make is how to enroll in Medicare and choose the right coverage for your needs. In this article, we'll break down the basics so you can feel confident, not confused, about getting started with Medicare.

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for:

• People age 65 and older

• Some younger people with disabilities

• Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease

It has different parts that cover different types of care:

• Medicare Part A - Hospital Insurance: Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A.

• Medicare Part B - Medical Insurance: Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. There is a monthly premium for Part B.

Together, Parts A and B are called Original Medicare.

What Are My Additional Medicare Options?

Original Medicare doesn't cover everything. You have two main ways to build on your coverage:

1. Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C):

   • Offered by private insurance companies

   • Combines Part A, Part B, and often Part D (prescription drug coverage)

   • May include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and gym memberships

   • You typically pay copays and use a network of providers

2. Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) + Part D

   • Helps pay out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles and coinsurance) from Original Medicare

   • You keep Original Medicare as your base

   • You'll also need a separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)

When Should You Enroll?

You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period:

• Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65

• Includes your birthday month

• Ends 3 months after

Missing this window could lead to penalties, so it's important to act on time.

How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan

Here's what to consider:

• Do you travel often or stay local?

• Do you take regular medications?

• Are your doctors in a specific network?

• What's your monthly budget for health care?

Every person's situation is different, which is why it's important to get personalized guidance.

You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone

At AEC Insure, we specialize in helping people new to Medicare understand the options, compare medicare insurance plans, and enroll in the plan that fits their health budget. There's no cost for our help, and we work for you, not the insurance companies.