Medicare Education Center
Medicare Education Center
Everything you need to understand Medicare — explained simply, honestly, and without the sales pitch.
Medicare can feel overwhelming — dozens of parts, plans, deadlines, and acronyms. This resource center breaks it down into plain English: the basics of Parts A and B, enrollment timelines, coverage comparisons, and cost planning. Whether you're turning 65, still working, or already enrolled, you'll find clear answers here.
Want to go deeper? Visit LearnMedicare.org
A free, self-paced Medicare education site — plain-English guides and tools that go beyond what's covered here.
Visit LearnMedicare.org →Medicare Parts A, B, C & D Explained
What each part covers, what it costs, and how they work together.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap
Two very different ways to fill Original Medicare's gaps — here's how to choose.
Turning 65: Your Complete Enrollment Timeline
Exactly when to sign up, and how to avoid permanent late enrollment penalties.
Medicare and Still Working
How Medicare coordinates with employer insurance after 65.
7 Medicare Mistakes That Cost Retirees Thousands
The most common — and costly — Medicare decisions people get wrong.
Annual Enrollment Period: What to Review Every Year
What changes every year, and how to make sure you're still in the right plan.
Medicare Costs & IRMAA Explained
Real 2026 premiums, deductibles, and the income-based IRMAA surcharge.
What Medicare Doesn't Cover
Dental, vision, hearing, and long-term care gaps — and how to fill them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Medicare cover?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility stays, hospice, doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. It does not cover routine dental, vision, hearing, or long-term custodial care. Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work alongside or instead of Original Medicare to add coverage or reduce out-of-pocket costs.
When can I enroll in Medicare?
Most people enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period — a 7-month window centered on their 65th birthday month. After that, the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) lets you make changes each year, and Special Enrollment Periods are available for qualifying life events like losing employer coverage.
What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is run directly by the federal government and lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered through private insurance companies, usually with a provider network, often bundles in drug coverage and extra benefits like dental and vision, and typically has an annual out-of-pocket maximum that Original Medicare alone does not.
Do I need Medicare if I have employer insurance?
It depends on your employer's size. If your employer has 20 or more employees, your group coverage is usually primary and you can often delay Part B without penalty. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare typically becomes primary and you generally need to enroll at 65 to avoid coverage gaps.
How much does Medicare cost?
Part A is usually premium-free if you or your spouse worked at least 40 quarters. Part B has a standard monthly premium ($202.90/month in 2026) plus an annual deductible. Part D and Medicare Advantage premiums vary by plan. Higher earners may also pay an IRMAA surcharge on Parts B and D based on income.