Medicare Made Simple

Your Coverage.
Your Choice.

Navigating Medicare doesn't have to be complicated.
We help you find the right plan — clearly, confidently, and at no cost to you.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, people under 65 with certain disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

Part A

Hospital Insurance

  • Inpatient care in hospital
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Hospice care
  • Home health care
Part B

Medical Insurance

  • Services from doctors & healthcare providers
  • Outpatient care
  • Home health care
  • Durable medical equipment

Medicare Coverage Options

Beyond Original Medicare, you have powerful options to extend and customize your coverage.

01

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Helps pay some or all of the out-of-pocket costs that come with Original Medicare — giving you predictable, manageable expenses.

02

Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)

Helps pay for prescription drugs. Choose a standalone Part D plan to add drug coverage to your Original Medicare.

03

Medicare Advantage (MAPD / Part C)

Combines Part A and Part B in one plan — usually includes prescription drug coverage and additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.

What Medicare Costs

Part A
Deductible
$1,736
per stay

Hospital insurance inpatient deductible applied each benefit period.

Part B
Deductible
$283
per year

Annual deductible before Medicare begins paying for covered services.

Medigap or MAPD?

Two different approaches to the same goal — complete coverage. Here's what to consider.

Coverage

% Coverage

Medigap fills the gaps in Original Medicare, covering co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles. MAPD bundles everything in one plan with its own cost structure.

Cost

$$ Cost

Medigap carries a monthly premium but offers predictable out-of-pocket costs. MAPD often has low or $0 premiums but may have copays and network restrictions.

Plan Type

HMO PPO

MAPD plans come as HMO (network-based, referrals required) or PPO (more flexibility, see any Medicare-approved provider). Medigap works with any doctor accepting Medicare nationwide.

Convenience

Convenience

MAPD plans often include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness. Medigap provides freedom to use any Medicare-accepting provider with no referrals needed.

Coverages to Add

Part D Dental Vision Hearing

With Medigap, you'll typically add a standalone Part D drug plan. With MAPD, drug coverage and extras are often bundled — always verify what's included in your specific plan.

Not sure which is right for you?

Talk to Yetevia Hardley — 334.300.8381

Your Guide to Turning 65

A step-by-step roadmap for enrolling in Medicare when you turn 65.

3 Months Prior

Enroll in Part A & Part B

If you've been drawing Social Security for at least 4 months, you'll be automatically enrolled. Otherwise, you can enroll:

  • Online at ssa.gov
  • By calling or visiting your local Social Security office
  • By faxing or mailing form CMS-40B
1–2 Months Prior

Enroll in Medigap or Advantage Plan

You should receive your Medicare ID card 2–4 weeks after applying, or about 2 months before you turn 65. Once received, schedule an appointment with a licensed broker to review coverage options and enroll in Medigap/Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).

Your 65th Birthday Month

Effective Dates

Your Medicare insurance becomes effective the first of the month. If you enroll in a MAPD, Medigap, or drug plan, your cards should arrive and coverage begins the first of the month. If you had a Marketplace plan previously, cancel it before your Medicare effective date.

1 Month After

Utilizing Your Medicare Coverage

  • MA/MAPD plan: Use your Advantage plan ID card at the doctor and pharmacy — no need to show your Medicare ID card.
  • Medigap + Part D: Show both your Medicare ID card and Medigap card at the doctor. Use your Part D card at the pharmacy.
4 Months After

End of Initial Enrollment Period

You are now outside your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). You cannot change your MAPD or Part D plan until Annual Enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7). You can change your Medigap plan any time of year, but you may need to answer health questions to be eligible.

When to Enroll

Missing an enrollment window can mean gaps in coverage or permanent penalties. Know your dates.

IEP

Initial Enrollment Period

Generally when you turn 65 — the 3 months before, the month of, and the 3 months after your birthday.

GEP

General Enrollment Period

January 1 – March 31. The window to apply for Part A and Part B if you missed your IEP.

OEP

Open Enrollment Period

January 1 – March 31. Use this window to change your existing Medicare Advantage plan.

AEP

Annual Enrollment Period

October 15 – December 7. Apply for or change your Part D or Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plan.

Questions? Call Yetevia Hardley directly: 334.300.8381

Ready to find your perfect plan?

Let us do the heavy lifting. A licensed Medicare specialist will walk you through every option — free of charge.

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