Original Medicare - Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) are offered by the federal government.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) – Medicare Advantage is offered by a private company.

You must have Original Medicare to enroll.
Covers everything Parts A and Part B cover.
Generally includes additional benefits and services.
Often there are options available to add supplemental benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
May include prescription drug coverage.

Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) - Medicare Part D is offered by a private company.

A prescription drug plan for people with Medicare.
May be paired with Original Medicare or Medicare Supplement insurance plan with Original Medicare.
If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage, you don't need Part D.
Choose a Prescription Drug Plan that covers medicines you take regularly.
If you sign up late for Part B or Part D, you may pay a penalty.

Medigap – Medigap is Medicare Supplement Insurance that helps fill "gaps" in Original Medicare and is sold by private companies.

Original Medicare pays for much, but not all, of the cost for covered health care services and supplies.
A Medigap policy can help pay some of the remaining health care costs, like: Copayments, Coinsurance, Deductibles.

Medicare Enrollment Periods

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

IEP begins 3 months before you turn 65, continues the month of your 65th birthday, and ends 3 months after you turn 65.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP

You many enroll or change your Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plan during AEP. This enrollment period is annually from October 15 to December 7.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

You may change your plan due to special circumstances, like moving or leaving a group plan.

MEDICARE 101