Enrolling in Medicare typically starts around your 65th birthday. If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be enrolled automatically in Medicare Parts A and B. If not, you can sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. You can enroll online at the Social Security website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. After enrolling in Original Medicare, you have the option to add a prescription drug plan, a Medigap policy, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan. This process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. McKay Insurance Services is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you compare plans, understand your options, and enroll in the coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Summary:

• Enroll in Medicare during the 7-month window around your 65th birthday.

• If you're not automatically enrolled, sign up through the Social Security office or website.

• Decide if you want to add drug coverage, Medigap, or a Medicare Advantage plan.

• McKay Insurance Services can help simplify the process and find the right plan for you.

The ABCs of Medicare refer to the four main parts of the program—Parts A, B, C, and D—each covering different health care services. Part A is hospital insurance and covers inpatient stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health services. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes. Part B is medical insurance and helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some home health care. It does require a monthly premium and usually includes a deductible and coinsurance. Part C is Medicare Advantage, which is offered through private insurance companies like those we work with at McKay Insurance Services. These plans combine Parts A and B, often include prescription drug coverage, and may offer extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs and is also offered through private insurers as a stand-alone plan or included in many Medicare Advantage plans.

Summary:

• Part A: Hospital insurance (inpatient care, hospice, skilled nursing)

• Part B: Medical insurance (doctor visits, outpatient care)

• Part C: Medicare Advantage (all-in-one private plans with extra benefits)

• Part D: Prescription drug coverage

• McKay Insurance Services can help you understand and choose the right combination of Medicare coverage for your needs.

Medicare and Medicare Advantage are two ways to get your Medicare benefits. Original Medicare is provided by the federal government and includes hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage. It allows you to see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. It does not include prescription drug coverage or extra benefits like dental or vision, unless you add separate plans. There is no yearly limit on how much you might pay out-of-pocket unless you buy a Medigap plan. Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurance companies and combines hospital, medical, and usually prescription coverage into one plan. These plans often include extras like dental, vision, and hearing. You typically need to use a network of doctors and may need referrals to see specialists. Medicare Advantage plans do have a yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs.

Summary:

• Original Medicare is run by the government; Medicare Advantage is through private companies.

• Original Medicare offers more doctor choice; Advantage plans use networks.

• Drug coverage must be added to Original Medicare; it’s usually included in Advantage plans.

• Medicare Advantage often includes extra benefits like dental and vision.

• Only Medicare Advantage has a yearly cap on out-of-pocket costs.

Plan G and Plan N are both Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans that help cover the out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). They both offer strong coverage, but there are a few key differences. Plan G is one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans. It covers everything Original Medicare doesn’t, except for the Part B deductible. Once you pay that yearly deductible, Plan G typically covers 100% of approved costs, including copays and coinsurance. Plan N also offers excellent coverage but comes with a few additional out-of-pocket costs. You’ll still need to pay the Part B deductible, plus small copays for doctor visits (up to $20) and emergency room visits (up to $50 if you're not admitted). Plan N also doesn’t cover Part B excess charges, which are extra fees some doctors may charge beyond the Medicare-approved amount. Both plans let you see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, and neither includes prescription drug coverage—you would need to enroll in a separate Part D plan. At McKay Insurance Services, we can help you compare Plan G and Plan N side by side and decide which fits your health needs and budget best.

Summary:

• Plan G: Very comprehensive, only excludes the Part B deductible

• Plan N: Lower premiums, but includes small copays and doesn’t cover excess charges

• Both plans work with any Medicare provider and do not include drug coverage

• McKay Insurance Services can help you choose the right Medigap plan for your needs

ACA Open Enrollment begins on November 1st and runs through December 15th.

Medicare Annual Enrollment begins October 15th through December 7th.