Apply for Medicare minimum of 3 Months before turning 65 by contacting Social Security 1-800-772-1213 or creating an online account at SSA.gov/medicare. Talk with Human Resources department at your current employer to assist. I suggest reading about Medicare by using the links below with the PDF versions of these Government Publications.
Medicare Advantage Plans also known as Part C
Known as Medicare Supplement Insurance
Only Two Parts of Original Medicare
Part D (Penalized Monetarily if you don't have Creditable Coverage - page 79)
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part D
Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Page 25-29
Helps cover:
Inpatient care in hospitals
Skilled nursing facility care, page 28-29
Hospice care
Home health care
Information on pages - 9, 25, 28-29, 65, 74, 76, 100-101, 111
Part B (Medical Insurance)
Page 29-55
Helps cover:
Services from doctors and other health care providers
Outpatient care
Home health care
Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment)
Many preventive services (like screenings, shots or vaccines, and yearly "Wellness" visits)
Information on pages - 9, 14, 29-33, 35-39, 41-43, 45-50, 54-55, 90, 108-109
Part D (Drug Coverage)
Page 79-90
Helps cover:
The cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines)
Plans that offer Medicare drug coverage (Part D) are run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare
Information on pages - 39-40, 64-65, 79, 81, *83-85, 88, *92-94, 99-100
Supplement Meaning
Before I go any further I would like to "clear-up" what I hear people say over and over again including Social Security so to set the record straight, on page 11 bottom left of The Medicare and You Handbook in the third paragraph it says "unless you have supplemental coverage-like Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)."
In the fourth paragraph last sentence - "Or, you can use coverage from a current or former employer or union, or Medicaid."
On your Medicare Card it says Hospital Part A and Medical Part B which is two parts - Second paragraph second sentence "If you choose to join a Medicare drug plan, you'll pay a separate premium for your Medicare drug coverage (Part D)." If you don't sign up for Part D, you get penalized monetarily for not having Creditable drug coverage as it states in Section 6 page 79. It's optional and offered to everyone with Medicare. Most people at some point end up "needing" Part D.
Lastly - if you don't sign up for Part B when eligible there could be a late enrollment penalty - see page 23 in blue "Important!"
The point is, a Supplement is "secondary" coverage to Medicare such as: Current or former employer or union coverage, Medicaid, Medigap known as Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage Plan with or without prescription drug coverage also known as Part C.
Let's discuss what makes sense financially for you.
You have Choices when it comes to Original Medicare and the Supplement you choose
Original Medicare Part A and Part B - Recommend adding Part D (To avoid Monetary Penalty)
Original Medicare and Medicaid only -If eligible you maybe able to add a D-SNP (Dual Special Needs Plan) Changes in 2025 for D-SNP Plans
Original Medicare and Employer or Union Coverage / Original Medicare and Tricare For Life/ChampVA/VA Coverage
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (Known as Part C) Original Medicare and Medigap (Known as Medicare Supplement)
The Choices "most" people make to Original Medicare
Known as Part C
Medicare Advantage plans may provide additional supplemental benefits while helping to reduce healthcare costs. It includes hospital and outpatient coverage and may have additional benefits such as: Routine Vision, Dental, Hearing and Fitness Benefits. There are many different Medicare Advantage plans with varying cost structures and benefits.
Medigap
Known as Medicare Supplement
Medigap fills in the gaps in coverage for Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, by paying the hospitals directly for cost sharing expenses such as coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments for covered services you receive. There are several options to choose from.
Medicare Part C
Medicare Supplement Insurance
Text Kelly at 904-878-0205 to discuss your options.
Choose from a selection of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Prescription Drug plans available in your area.