The 4 Things to Know Before Enrolling in a Medicare Plan

Medicare seems tough, right? So many plans, hidden costs, and words that don't make sense. But with Healthpilot, we make it easy. We sort through options to find plans that fit you based on your needs. We consider your medicine, doctors, and what matters to you. No more confusion – only peace of mind.

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When Can I Sign Up?

Medicare enrollment starts3 months before your 65th birthday

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, then you have been or will be auto-enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B upon the first day of your 65th birthday month. You will receive your red, white and blue Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday. It is also possible to qualify for Medicare before you are 65 if you have Social Security Disability or a qualifying medical condition. If you are not automatically enrolled in Medicare, you may need to contact your local Social Security office or visit the Social Security Administration website to sign up.

Understand yourInitial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The initial enrollment period (IEP) is when you first sign up for Original Medicare. This period spans 7 months, starting 3 months before your 65th birthday and 3 months after. Your IEP is also a great time to look at other coverage options like Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Learn more about other enrollment periods with our guide.

What’s Original Medicare?

Original MedicareProvides healthcare coverage in 2 Parts

Original Medicare, also known as fee-for-service Medicare, is made up of two parts: Part A and Part B.

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and some preventive services. But, Original Medicare doesn't pay for everything. For example, it doesn’t cover prescription drugs, vision care, or dental care.

Want to learn more about Part A and Part B? Check our Learning Center.

Do I Need More Coverage?

Original MedicareDoes not cover all your costs

There are two types of additional coverage you can get to help pay for the 20% of healthcare costs that Original Medicare does not cover: Medicare Supplement Insurance and Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are offered by private insurance companies and they provide all of your Medicare coverage in one plan.
Medicare Supplement Insurance are private insurance plans that can help you pay for the costs that Original Medicare does not cover, such as coinsurance and deductibles, limiting your out-of-pocket costs. If Medicare Supplement is the right fit for you, you will also want to consider getting a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan.
Prescription Drug plans, also known as Medicare Part D, are private Insurance plans that help to cover the cost of prescription drugs included on the plan’s formulary.

How Do I Pick the Best Plan for Me?

HealthpilotHelps You Choose

Picking a Medicare plan can be confusing. There are many details to think about when comparing plans including:

How much will I pay for hospital visits?
Can I see my favorite doctors?
Will it cover the cost of my medicine?
Are there other benefits I may need?

Healthpilot makes picking a plan simple. Our technology searches for the plans in your area that have your doctors, cover your medicines, and offer the extras you need. You can compare plans side by side, see their prices, and figure out your costs for the whole year. Once you've seen everything, you can choose your favorite and enroll online. And if you ever have questions? Our team of licensed, non-commissioned insurance brokers are always standing by to help!

Try our free assessment to get Medicare plan recommendations tailored to your needs.

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How Is Healthpilot Different?

HealthpilotPrioritizes You

At Healthpilot, we promise to always put your needs first and that you will be delighted with your experience and our service. We pride ourselves on our unbiased approach, never favoring one plan over another. We believe in giving you personalized Medicare plan recommendations that truly suit your needs. Our advanced AI technology handles the research, identifying the best fit for you, and our licensed brokers are always here for genuine support, not sales.

See the Healthpilot Difference

“Healthpilot’s website made the whole process so much easier. And I felt very comfortable with my choice when I signed up.”
Lynne G.