Medicare 101
Understanding Medicare in 2026
Plain-English guides to each part of Medicare, from your Initial Enrollment Period through choosing between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage. Verified against the official Medicare & You handbook.
Turning 65
What to do when you become eligible for Medicare, and the deadlines you can't miss.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
Hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B), what each covers and what it costs.
Got Part B? What to Do Next
Already have Part B? Compare Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
All-in-one plans from private insurers, bundling A, B, and usually D, often with extras like dental and vision.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Private policies that pair with Original Medicare to help cover deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
Supplement vs. Advantage
How Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage stack up: pros, cons, and how to choose.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans
How Medicare prescription drug coverage works, plus the late-enrollment penalty and how to avoid it.
Enrollment Periods
IEP, AEP, OEP, SEP, GEP, when you can sign up and when you can switch plans.
Open Enrollment Checklist
Answer a question or two and get your personalized to-do list for October 15 to December 7.
Medicare Costs in 2026
Premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs for each part of Medicare this year.
Extra Help & Low-Income Subsidy
Programs that help pay for Part D prescription costs if you have limited income or resources.