Medicare plans
Understanding Your Medicare Options
Medicare has a lot of moving parts. We break it down clearly so you can choose the coverage that fits your health, your budget, and your life in Minnesota.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities. It's divided into parts — each covering different types of care — and understanding how they work together is key to getting the most from your coverage.
As an independent agency, we help you compare every option available in your area and enroll in the plan that makes the most sense for your situation. There's no cost for our guidance.
The four parts of Medicare
Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
- Inpatient hospital care
- Skilled nursing facility stays
- Hospice care
- Some home health services
Medical Insurance
Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical equipment. Part B requires a monthly premium and has an annual deductible.
- Doctor visits & specialist care
- Outpatient procedures
- Preventive screenings
- Durable medical equipment
Medicare Advantage
An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. Plans must cover everything Parts A and B cover, and most include Part D drug coverage plus extras like dental, vision, and hearing.
- All Part A & B benefits
- Prescription drug coverage
- Dental, vision & hearing
- Fitness benefits
Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Part D plans are offered by private insurers and vary by formulary, premiums, and copays. Choosing the right plan can save you hundreds per year.
- Brand-name prescriptions
- Generic medications
- Specialty drugs
- Vaccines & preventive drugs
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers about 80% of approved costs — leaving you responsible for the remaining 20% with no out-of-pocket maximum. A Medicare Supplement plan, also called Medigap, fills in those gaps.
Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, so Plan G from one carrier covers the same benefits as Plan G from another. The difference is price — and that's where we help you shop.
Plan G
The most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new enrollees. Covers Part A coinsurance, Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing coinsurance, and the Part A deductible.
Plan N
Lower premiums than Plan G with small copays for some office and ER visits. A great value for people who don't visit the doctor frequently.
Plan K & L
Cost-sharing plans with lower premiums and an out-of-pocket maximum. Good for people who want catastrophic protection at a lower monthly cost.
When to enroll
Initial Enrollment Period
A 7-month window that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65. Enrolling on time avoids late penalties that can follow you for life.
Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 – December 7 each year. You can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change Part D plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Special Enrollment Period
If you're still working at 65 and covered by employer insurance, you can delay Medicare without penalty and enroll when that coverage ends.
Not sure which path is right for you?
We'll review your doctors, prescriptions, and budget — then walk you through every option available in your area. Free, no-pressure guidance from a licensed Minnesota advisor.
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