
The Help You Need, The Clarity You Deserve
Medicare is your gateway to healthcare protection as you age. Understanding the basics is key to making informed choices about your health coverage. Here's what you need to know:
Original Medicare
Includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), covering essential needs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Includes all the benefits of Original Medicare and often additional perks like vision, dental, and prescriptions.
Medigap
Fills in the gaps in Medicare, helping with out-of-pocket costs like co-pays and deductibles.
Prescription (Part D)
Helps cover the costs of your medications, keeping your health a priority and prescriptions affordable.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans combine all the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and often provide additional coverage that is not included in Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and may include:
Vision and Dental Coverage
Stay on top of your care with Routine eye exams, glasses, and dental care.
Prescription (Part D)
Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage to help with medication costs.
Additional Health Benefits
Some plans offer coverage for hearing aids, gym memberships, transportation, and wellness.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
Most Medicare Advantage plans come with a cap on out-of-pocket expenses.
Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
These plans are available through private insurance companies approved by Medicare and are designed to keep your prescriptions affordable. Part D plans can save you money on both generic and brand-name drugs.
Medication Coverage
Helps cover the cost of both generic and brand-name prescriptions so you can stay on treatment.
Wide Range of Options
Multiple plans are available, giving you the flexibility to choose one that fits your needs.
Tiered Pricing
Prescription drugs are categorized in tiers, with lower co-pays for generics and preferred drugs.
Essential Medications
Covers a variety of medications, including those needed for chronic conditions.
Medigap Plans (Supplemental)
Helps cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay, including co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and provide extra peace of mind by filling the gaps.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Helps with co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles that Medicare doesn’t cover, reducing your costs.
No Network Restrictions
You can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, making it highly flexible.
Guaranteed Renewable
As long as you pay the premium, your Medigap policy is guaranteed to renew, no matter your health status.
Widely Accepted
Accepted by any healthcare provider that takes Original Medicare, which gives you the freedom to choose.
Medicare Facts
Simple, practical insights to help you make smart choices and stay in control of your coverage.
✦ Review Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by September 30
Your ANOC outlines updates to your Medicare Advantage and Part D plans effective January 2026. It's crucial to review these changes, including modifications in costs, coverage, drug formularies, and network providers, to ensure your plan meets your needs.
✦ Prescription Drug Out-of-Pocket Cap Increases to $2,100 in 2026
Starting in 2026, Medicare Part D beneficiaries will have an annual out-of-pocket spending cap of $2,100 for covered prescription drugs. Once this cap is reached, beneficiaries will pay no copayments or coinsurance for the remainder of the year.
✦ Part B Premiums Projected to Rise to $206.50 in 2026
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B is expected to increase to $206.50 in 2026, up from $185.00 in 2025. Higher-income beneficiaries may pay additional Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA).
✦ Medicare Now Covers Advanced Primary Care Management Services
Medicare now pays for advanced primary care management services, where your doctor coordinates and tailors care to your needs. Providers must offer 24/7 access to your care team or provider.
✦ Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration Continues in 2026
In 2026, CMS is reducing the uniform base beneficiary premium reduction from $15 to $10 and increasing the increase limit on a plan's total Part D premium from $35 to $50. This aims to stabilize year-over-year changes in premiums for participating standalone PDPs.
✦ Automatic Enrollment in Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) Starts in 2026
Starting in 2026, all beneficiaries with Part D coverage will be automatically enrolled in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP). This program spreads prescription costs evenly across the year, preventing large upfront payments. You can still opt out if you prefer to pay as you go. This change helps with budgeting, especially if you take multiple medications.