Everything you want
to know about
Medicare


Preparation is the best way to begin your Medicare journey. The first step is understanding what Medicare is and knowing your options. You are not alone! We understand that it can be overwhelming and we are here to help you navigate the way.

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Medicare Basics    |

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Turning 65?
Original Medicare
The 4 Parts
Medicare Advantage

Medicare Made Easy

Getting started can be the hardest part! That's why we have defined four simple steps that will set you on your way to choosing the plan that’s best for you. Medicare 863 believes that the first step to setting up affordable health insurance is knowledge. We are here to help!

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Parts of Medicare
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Register for FREE Webinar

Our Medicare 101 webinar breaks Medicare down for you with plain language. It includes an overview of your rights, options and entitlements, how and when to enroll in Medicare, what Medicare does and doesn't cover, and explains Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement insurance.
Know your plans
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Do your Homework

Apply your knowledge to your situation. Do you need to sign up for Medicare Parts A & B? Do you want Medicare Part B benefits and will you need Medigap to shore up your coverage? Or does a Medicare Advantage plan make more sense for you? And finally, do you want prescription drug coverage?
Advisor helps
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Talk to an agent

Get your questions answered by an expert. An independent licensed broker can discuss your coverage options and explain the specifics of each plan. With help, you can maximize savings by talking through your retiree health insurance and understanding your deductible and copayment options.
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Compare Plans

You have everything you need to explore and compare accepted Medicare plans in your area that make sense for your specific situation. An experienced broker who is familiar with your area of the world is can save you time and money by quickly and efficiently comparing the best options for you.

Let's answer the big questions first.

Before you enroll in a plan, you need to understand what Medicare is and the fundamentals of how it works.

Original Medicare Common Questions
1What is Medicare?
Medicare is health insurance, managed by the Federal government, for people age 65 or older, people with certain disabilities, and anyone with End-Stage Renal Disease. In order to qualify for Medicare you or your spouse must have worked in the U.S. for at least 10 years.
2When should I enroll in Medicare?
Your initial enrollment period includes the three months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the three months after you turn 65.
3What does Medicare cost each month?
Most people do not pay a premium for Part A. Part B costs $170.10/month in 2022. Premiums for Medigap coverage, Part C, and Part D vary by plan. This is Original Medicare.
4Can I keep my doctor when I'm on Medicare?
In many cases, yes. You must ensure your doctor accepts the plan you are considering enrolling in. Do your homework before picking a plan!
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New to Medicare?

The best way to get your feet on the ground is by watching our educational webinar. In this free virtual event, you’ll learn about the different parts of Medicare and how they work together to provide your healthcare coverage. You’ll also learn what your options are and when you need to enroll to ensure uninterrupted care.

65 Birthday qualify for Medicare

Welcome to Medicare!

Watch Medicare 101

Understanding Original Medicare

Original Medicare consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). For an additional cost, you can purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) to help cover what Original Medicare does not.
How to Enroll in Original Medicare

How to enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

4 Parts of Medicare

The four parts of Medicare

Medicare is comprised of 4 parts, each one is designed to cover specific services. You can combine certain parts in order to meet your healthcare needs.

  • Part AHospital Insurance

    Hospital InsuranceMedicare Part A is offered to those who paid Medicare taxes while working. For most, it is not necessary to pay a monthly premium for the coverage.
    • Inpatient Hospital Care
    • Skilled Nursing Care
    • Hospice Care
    • Home Health Care

  • Part BMedicare Insurance

    Part B covers 80% of all medical costs not covered by Part A. However, unlike Part A, you need to elect Part B when you turn 65. Part A and B together make up Original Medicare.
    • Doctor Visits
    • Lab Tests
    • Medical Equipment
    • Preventative Services

  • Part CMedicare Advantage

    Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and approved by Medicare. They often provide extra benefits and access to Part D coverage.
    • Includes Parts A and B
    • Usually Includes Part D
    • May include Dental, Vision

  • Part DPrescription Coverage

    Part D offers prescription drug plans from private companies approved by Medicare. Prescription drug coverage is optional and members who want to receive the benefits must pay a monthly premium.
    • Prescription Drugs

More about Original Medicare

Once you are enrolled in Part A and Part B, it’s time to make sure you have the best coverage for you. Here are a few common questions about Original Medicare.

More about Medicare Supplements
1Is Original Medicare free?
No. In addition to your monthly premiums for Part B, you are responsible for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
2Are dental, vision, or hearing covered?
No. You are responsible for the full cost of these services unless you enroll in a separate plan like a Medicare Advantage plan.
3Are prescription drugs covered?
No. If you want prescription drug coverage, you’ll need to purchase a separate Part D plan or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
4What is a Medigap Plan?
Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, help pay for healthcare costs Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
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What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage, or Part C, is a separate pathway to receiving your Medicare benefits. These plans include Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) and usually include Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). They may also include dental, vision, and other benefits.
Medicare Advantage How to Enroll

How to Enroll in Medicare Advantage

More about Medicare Advantage

Different Medicare Advantage plans offer different benefits. Here are a few common questions about Medicare Advantage.

More about Medicare Advantage
1Is Medicare Advantage free?
No. In addition to your monthly premiums for Part B, you pay a separate premium for a Medicare Advantage plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer a low or no-cost premium.
2Are dental, vision, or hearing covered?
Yes, many Medicare Advantage plans cover dental, vision, and hearing services. They may also offer additional benefits like wellness programs or transportation to or from medical appointments.
3Are prescription drugs covered?
Yes, most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.
4Medicare Advantage vs Medigap?
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare, while Medigap supplements your Original Medicare coverage. Medigap policies can’t work with Medicare Advantage plans.

Do I Need a Medicare Insurance Advisor?

Medicare is full of jargon, similar-sounding plans, deadlines, and hidden costs. It's a steep learning curve, and a trusted independent Medicare advisor can save you money, time and frustration.

Medicare advisors can provide information about all your Medicare options near you. What most new Medicare beneficiaries don’t realize is working with an advisor is free. An advisor knows different carrier guidelines, rate increases and limitations that you won’t easily find online.

Did you know that different companies charge different premiums for the same policy? An advisor is paying attention to Medicare news, guidelines and changes every single day. They will spot issues and can give you advice based on experience.

Advisors can help you decide which level of coverage is best for you, based on your needs and budget.

  • There are no additional fees, your premium will be the same as if you had bought the policy directly from the carrier
  • An advisor can save you money on your monthly premiums by comparing plans with all carriers vs just one carrier
  • Advisors can help keep you up to date and informed on any changes that happen annually
  • A relationship with a LOCAL advisor can be your go-to resource for years to come
  • They can help you with Medicare claims
  • They will help you get a better price than you might be able to find on your own
  • You will get non-biased opinion on all your Medicare options

Contact Susan Tighe for help today at (602)-705-1462! Susan lives locally and is focused on serving Yavapai County's seniors. As your local resource, she will guide you through your options.

Contact Susan
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