Medicare 101: The Basics Explained
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65+ and for some younger people with certain disabilities. This guide gives you a clear, simple overview—so you can make confident decisions without the jargon.
The 5 Parts of Medicare
Part A — Hospital
Inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health. Most people pay no premium if they worked 10+ years.
Part B — Medical
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, labs, durable medical equipment. Monthly premium applies.
Part C — Medicare Advantage
Private plans that combine A & B, often include Part D and extras (dental/vision/hearing). Uses provider networks.
Part D — Drug Coverage
Private plans that help pay for prescription medications. Compare formularies, pharmacies, and total costs.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Optional policies that work with Original Medicare (A & B) to help pay deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Does not include drugs (add Part D).
Key Enrollment Periods
📅Important Dates
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
7 months around your 65th birthday
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Oct 15 – Dec 7 each year
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
Jan 1 – Mar 31
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
When you qualify
❌What Medicare Usually Doesn't Cover
Long-term custodial care
Nursing home care for daily living assistance
Most dental, vision, hearing
Unless in an Advantage plan
Cosmetic surgery
Elective procedures not medically necessary
Routine foot care
Basic nail trimming and callus removal
Medicare Costs 2025
Part A (Hospital Insurance)
2025 Costs
Part B (Medical Insurance)
2025 Costs
Official Medicare Cost Information
All cost information above is sourced directly from the official Medicare.gov website.
📋 View Official Medicare Costs at Medicare.gov →Source: Medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs - Official Medicare website
Two Common Medicare Paths
Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D
Maximum Freedom & Predictability
Freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide
No network restrictions
Predictable out-of-pocket costs with Medigap
Know your costs upfront
Add a separate Part D plan for prescriptions
Choose your drug coverage
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
All-in-One Convenience
All-in-one coverage (often with dental/vision/hearing)
Extra benefits included
May have $0 premiums but uses provider networks
Lower monthly costs
Drug coverage often included
One plan for everything
Why Work With an Independent Broker
No Cost to You
Compensation is paid by carriers when you enroll
Compare Multiple Companies
Side-by-side comparison of all available plans
Personalized Service
We align your plan with your doctors, prescriptions, and budget
Local, Faith-Driven Service
Trustworthy service you can count on
Keep Learning
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
All-in-one plans with extra benefits
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Fill the gaps in Original Medicare
Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Coverage for your medications
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions
Local Help in Vancouver, WA
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Important Medicare Information
This educational guide provides general information about Medicare based on official Medicare.gov sources. For the most current and complete information about Medicare benefits, costs, and enrollment, please visit:
Source: Information sourced from Medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs - the official Medicare website. Medicare rules and costs change annually. Always verify current information with Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Important: American Senior Choices is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to learn about all your options.
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