Medicare
Medicare Help — Understand Your Options with Confidence
Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap — we’ll help you compare what fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, and for some younger people with disabilities or certain conditions. Choosing between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and supplemental coverage affects your costs, doctor access, and prescription coverage.
Tan's Agency helps clients in Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia review Medicare options in plain language — including in English, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil.
Types of Medicare coverage
These are the building blocks most people compare when getting ready for Medicare.
Part A — Hospital Insurance
Helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care (with limits), hospice, and some home health services. Many people get Part A premium-free if they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough.
Part B — Medical Insurance
Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. Part B usually has a monthly premium and an annual deductible.
Part C — Medicare Advantage
Private plans that bundle Part A and Part B (and often Part D). Many include extras like dental, vision, or hearing. You typically use the plan’s network and follow plan rules for referrals and prior authorization.
Part D — Prescription Drugs
Helps cover prescription medications. You can get Part D as a standalone plan with Original Medicare, or through many Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement)
Works with Original Medicare to help pay deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs. Medigap plans are standardized by letter (such as Plan G or Plan N) in most states.
When you can enroll or change plans
Initial Enrollment Period
A 7-month window around your 65th birthday — usually 3 months before, the month you turn 65, and 3 months after.
Annual Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
Compare and switch Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for the following year. Coverage typically starts January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 31)
If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may make one switch to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (with Part D rules applying).
Special Enrollment Periods
Moving, losing other coverage, or certain plan changes can open a limited window to change plans outside the regular periods.
Ready to talk through Medicare?
Bring your current coverage details, doctor list, and prescriptions — we'll help you compare options before enrollment deadlines.
FAQ
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, usually with networks. Medigap supplements Original Medicare and helps with out-of-pocket costs — you generally cannot have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time.
When should I start looking at Medicare options?
Start reviewing options a few months before you turn 65, or when you plan to leave employer coverage. Missing enrollment windows can mean late penalties or limited plan choices.
Can Tan's Agency help me compare Medicare plans?
Yes. Call us and we’ll help you understand Original Medicare vs. Advantage, Part D, and Medigap options based on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
Do you help in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, or Malayalam?
Yes. Tan's Agency can discuss Medicare options in English, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, or Malayalam.
Questions about Medicare?
Tan's Agency can help you compare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap options.