Learn everything you need to know to make an informed decision about Medicare plans. Use our Medicare plan finder to compare available Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D, and Special Needs Plans in your area.
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is provided by private insurers as an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A & B). Medicare Advantage plans often offer additional benefits beyond hospital and medical insurance, including but not limited to vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
Medigap or Medicare supplement insurance helps fill the gaps in Medicare Part A & B (Original Medicare) coverage. Medigap plan benefits may include coverage for out-of-pocket costs such as copayments and the ability to visit any doctor or specialist that accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage | Original Medicare | Prescription Drug | Supplemental Medicare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hospital coverage | ||||
Doctor and outpatient coverage | ||||
Prescription drug coverage | ||||
Dental or vision coverage | ||||
Annual out-of-pocket maximum |
* Available with some Medicare Advantage plans.
**These services are covered by Original Medicare but Medicare Supplemental Insurance helps pay for your share of out of pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover.
***Some Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans do not have an annual out of of pocket maximum.
As of March 2023, there are more than 65 million Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. Over 100,000 of those received help from Healthcareplans.com and Clearlink Insurance Agency.
As a private insurance agency, we are not beholden to a single provider. We work with established insurance carriers in the nation, including UnitedHealthcare®, WellCare, Humana, and more, to connect you with the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
With our Medicare plan finder tool, you can get unbiased results for Medicare plans available in your area and choose based on what fits your need, not just what a single carrier offers.
If you need help over the phone, our U.S.-based, U.S.-licensed agents are available to offer unbiased advice to help you find the plan you need from one of our leading insurance partners.
What are the four parts of Medicare?
Medicare coverage is generally divided into four parts. The first two Parts, A & B, comprise what is also referred to as Original Medicare, provided by the federal government to eligible recipients over the age of 65. Parts C & D act in place of, or in addition to, Original Medicare, and coverage comes from private insurance carriers rather than publicly available governmental benefits.
Medicare Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage.
Medicare Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage.
Medicare Part C is the private alternative to A & B, usually providing additional benefits as well as hospital and medical coverage.
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
What is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is another way to refer to Medicare Parts A & B. These benefits are provided to beneficiaries over the age of 65 by the federal government.
Medicare Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage.
Medicare Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage.
Who is eligible for Medicare?
Medicare is generally available for anyone in the United States over the age of 65. Some conditions may allow people to receive benefits before the age of 65:
Some major disabilities
End-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease)
How do I enroll in Medicare?
To enroll in Medicare, you must be in one of the qualified Medicare Enrollment Periods. The first of these is your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday, continues through your birthday month, and lasts for three months after. If you are choosing federal government coverage, enroll in Original Medicare online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213 during this period to prevent later premium penalties.To enroll in private coverage such as Part C or prescription drug coverage, you can use our Medicare plan comparison tool to find the plan(s) that work best for you and enroll online or over the phone during a qualifying enrollment period:
Annual Enrollment Period - October 15-December 7 each year, available to anyone Medicare-eligible
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period - January 1-March 31 each year, available to anyone already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan
General Enrollment Period - January 1-March 31, available for those who missed their Initial Enrollment Period window to enroll in Medicare Parts A & B.
Special Enrollment Periods - may occur throughout the year, triggered by qualifying events
When should I enroll in Medicare?
Enroll in Medicare coverage during a qualified Medicare Enrollment Period:
Initial Enrollment Period - beginning 3 months before your 65th birthday, continuing through your birthday month and three months after
Annual Enrollment Period - October 15-December 7 each year, available to anyone Medicare-eligible
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period - January 1-March 31 each year, available to anyone already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan
General Enrollment Period - January 1-March 31, available for those who missed their Initial Enrollment Period window to enroll in Medicare Parts A & B
Special Enrollment Periods - may occur throughout the year, triggered by qualifying events
How do I choose a Medicare plan?
To choose a Medicare plan, consider your current health and prescription drug needs. If you have a primary care physician or specialist you regularly see and prefer, you can search available Medicare Advantage plans by doctor to find one that allows you to keep seeing your preferred healthcare providers. If you elect private coverage, you should also consider your budget to make sure the plan’s premiums are a good fit.
Learn about the two Medicare enrollment periods that run from January through March.
When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period? Get answers to this and other AEP-related questions.
Get fast facts about Medicare Enrollment, including when you qualify and when to enroll.
Clearlink Insurance represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, PFFS, and PDP organizations that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal.
For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings call TTY 711.
Not all plans offer all of these benefits.
Benefits may vary by carrier and location.
Limitations and exclusions may apply.
Clearlink Insurance represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, PFFS, and PDP organizations that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 7 organizations which offer 275 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings call TTY 711.
Not all plans offer all of these benefits.
Benefits may vary by carrier and location.
Limitations and exclusions may apply.
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