What this roadmap explains
- General enrollment timing
- Why location affects available options
- Doctors and prescriptions to verify
- Budget, travel and coverage priorities
Two clear paths
Start Medicare 101 with Eddie.
No Medicare number or Social Security number is requested.
What it does not do
- It does not enroll you automatically
- It does not guarantee savings or eligibility
- It does not replace Medicare.gov plan information
- It does not request sensitive identifying or financial information
Turning 65 Medicare 101
Turning 65 Medicare 101 with Eddie
Step 1 of 7 · Medicare overview
What is Medicare?
Start with the basic structure of Medicare and the role of Parts A, B, C and D before comparing any coverage path.
Step 2 of 7 · Enrollment timing
When should you sign up?
Your Initial Enrollment Period normally lasts seven months: three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month and three months afterward.
If you or your spouse will continue working, do not assume every employer plan lets you delay Medicare without consequences. Employer size and coverage type matter.
Step 3 of 7 · Original Medicare
Understand Parts A and B
Part A generally helps cover inpatient hospital care, while Part B generally helps cover physician services and outpatient care. Enrollment timing and premiums can depend on your situation.
Step 4 of 7 · Part C
Understand Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and provide Part A and Part B benefits. Availability and plan details vary by location.
Step 5 of 7 · Part D and Medigap
Understand prescription coverage and Medicare Supplements
Part D addresses prescription drug coverage. Medicare Supplement insurance can help with certain Original Medicare cost sharing. These are different products with different enrollment considerations.
Step 6 of 7 · Doctors and travel
Protect access to the care you use
List your doctors, specialists, hospitals and travel needs. For Medicare Advantage, verify the exact plan network—not only the insurance company.
Step 7 of 7 · Prescriptions and costs
Prepare for a meaningful comparison
Gather each prescription name, dosage, frequency and preferred pharmacy. Compare total expected costs—not only the monthly premium.
Drug formularies, pharmacy networks, premiums and benefits can change. Current information must be checked for your ZIP code and county.
AEP Medicare 101
AEP and current-coverage Medicare 101
Step 1 of 6 · AEP overview
What is Annual Enrollment?
The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7. It is the yearly opportunity to review current Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage for the coming year.
Step 2 of 6 · Annual Notice of Change
Read your Annual Notice of Change
Your plan’s Annual Notice of Change explains changes for the coming year. Review premiums, deductibles, copays, covered benefits, drug coverage and service-area changes.
Step 3 of 6 · Doctors and hospitals
Recheck your providers
Confirm your primary doctor, specialists, hospital and outpatient facilities for the coming year. Verify the exact plan name and network status.
Step 4 of 6 · Prescription review
Update your medication list
Record prescription names, dosages and frequency. Check formulary coverage, drug tiers, preferred pharmacies and estimated annual drug cost.
Step 5 of 6 · Total value
Compare more than premiums
Consider premiums, deductibles, provider costs, maximum out-of-pocket exposure, prescription costs, networks, travel needs and benefit limits together.
Step 6 of 6 · After December 7
Know what happens next
After December 7, election-period rules determine when another plan change may be permitted. Current availability and eligibility must be checked for your location and circumstances.