Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people who are 65 or older, but it’s also available to some younger folks with disabilities or specific conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).  It’s got different parts—Part A for hospital stays, Part B for doctor visits, Part C for Advantage plans, and Part D for prescription drugs. We help you figure out what works best for you. 

You can sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. There’s also the General Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 each year, or Special Enrollment Periods if you’ve got qualifying life events, like losing employer coverage. We’ll walk you through the timing to avoid penalties and see if there are any Special Enrollment Periods that might help you get enrolled now.

Medicare has four main parts: Part A covers hospital stays and some skilled nursing care; Part B handles doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services; Part C, or Medicare Advantage, combines A and B, often with extras like dental or vision; and Part D covers prescription drugs. Each has different costs and coverage, and we’ll help you pick the right mix.

Choosing a plan depends on your health needs, budget, and preferred doctors. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) offers flexibility but may need a Medigap plan for extra coverage. Medicare Advantage (Part C) often includes more benefits but limits you to a network. We’ll compare options and find what fits your life in Middle Tennessee.

Yes, there are programs to help with Medicare costs, like Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs for low-income folks. Some plans, like certain Medicare Advantage plans, have $0.00 premiums. We’ll check your eligibility for these programs and find plans to keep your costs low.