Medicare Doesn't Have to Be Confusing.
Whether you're approaching 65, already enrolled in Medicare, or reviewing your current coverage, Ike can help you understand your options and determine the next step that makes sense for you.
803-384-9611Where Are You in Your Medicare Journey?
Choose the path that fits your situation. Each leads to clear next steps.
Turning 65
Learn when Medicare starts, what decisions are coming, and what you may need to do.
Already on Medicare
Review your current coverage and understand available options.
Working Past 65
Learn why employer coverage and Medicare timing matter.
Need Help With Costs
Explore Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help.
Understanding the Parts of Medicare
Medicare has several parts. Here's how they fit together.
Part A
Hospital Insurance
Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and limited home health services.
Part B
Medical Insurance
Helps cover doctor services, outpatient care, preventive services, and some home health care.
Medicare Advantage — Part C
Private Medicare-approved plans that provide Part A and Part B coverage and may include additional benefits or drug coverage depending on the plan.
Medicare Drug Coverage — Part D
Coverage designed to help with prescription drug costs.
Medicare Supplement — Medigap
Private insurance that can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) are different ways to receive Medicare coverage and are generally not used together.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. Plans provide Part A and Part B benefits and may include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits depending on the plan.
- Provider networks
- Prescription coverage
- Premiums
- Copays / cost sharing
- Service area
- Additional benefits
Not all Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, hearing, transportation, OTC, fitness, or other supplemental benefits. Plan availability and benefits vary by area and carrier.
Considering Medicare Advantage?
Ike can help you compare available Medicare Advantage options in your area and understand how plan networks, drug coverage, and cost sharing may differ.
There is generally no additional fee charged to the consumer for Ike's Medicare plan-comparison assistance.
Considering a Medicare Supplement?
If you have Original Medicare, a Medigap policy may help with certain out-of-pocket costs. Ike can help you understand how Medigap works and what may be available in your area.
Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medigap policies work with Original Medicare and may help pay certain out-of-pocket costs.
- Medigap is not Medicare Advantage.
- Medigap does not replace Original Medicare.
- Prescription drug coverage generally requires separate Part D coverage when needed.
- Availability, premiums, underwriting, and enrollment rights vary.
Prescription Drug Coverage — Part D
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. It may be obtained through:
- A standalone Medicare drug plan for someone with Original Medicare, or
- Certain Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage.
Going without Medicare drug coverage or other creditable prescription coverage for the applicable period may result in a late-enrollment penalty unless an exception applies.
Review Your Drug Coverage
Ike can help you compare available Part D or Medicare Advantage drug options in your area and check how your medications may be covered.
Could You Qualify for Help With Medicare Costs?
Some people with Medicare may qualify for programs that help with certain costs.
Medicare Savings Programs
State-administered programs that may help eligible individuals with certain Medicare costs. Eligibility rules vary by state.
LEARN ABOUT MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAMSExtra Help / LIS
A federal program that may help eligible people with Medicare prescription drug costs.
LEARN ABOUT EXTRA HELPEligibility is not guaranteed and depends on individual circumstances. Ike can help you understand where to learn more.
Veterans & Medicare
VA health care, TRICARE For Life, and Medicare are separate programs and may coordinate differently depending on the individual.
VA Health Care + Medicare
Understand how VA health care and Medicare may work together.
TRICARE For Life + Medicare
Understand how TRICARE For Life and Medicare may coordinate.
When Can I Enroll or Make Changes?
Medicare has several enrollment windows. Not every person qualifies for every period.
Initial Enrollment Period
For most people becoming eligible at age 65, the Initial Enrollment Period is generally a 7-month window beginning 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ending 3 months after your birthday month. Special timing rules can apply, including when your birthday is on the first day of the month.
General Enrollment Period
January 1 through March 31 for certain people who did not enroll in Part B or premium Part A when first eligible.
Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, people with Medicare can make certain changes to Medicare health and drug coverage for the following year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 through March 31 for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Different change rules apply during this period.
Special Enrollment Periods
Certain life events or coverage changes may create additional opportunities to enroll or make plan changes.
Why Work With an Independent Insurance Broker?
As an independent licensed insurance broker, Ike can compare available options from multiple insurance carriers he represents.
- Review available options in your area
- Check provider and prescription considerations
- Explain differences in plain English
- Help with applicable enrollment paperwork
- Remain available after enrollment
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for information on all of your options.
Ready to Work on Your Medicare Coverage?
Two simple ways to get started — choose the path that works for you.
I want help from Ike
A personalized review of your doctors, medications, and specific health needs.
I prefer to compare online
Explore plans, premiums, and estimated copays in your ZIP code at your own pace.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for information on all of your options.
Have Questions? Start With a Conversation.
Call Ike directly or request a review online. Let's make sure you understand your options.