Enrolling in Medicare
For most people, Medicare starts when you turn 65. You should sign up before your 65th birthday during your initial enrollment period.
Parts of Medicare
Medicare consists of four parts — Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D. Each part offers specific coverage and varies in cost.
Choosing your coverage
There are two ways to get Medicare coverage: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. If you choose Original Medicare, experts recommend buying a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan and a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Shopping for Medicare? We have you covered.
| MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT, or Medigap, is private health insurance that covers “gaps” in traditional Medicare coverage. Compare options from our Medigap roundup. | |
| Best for Medigap plan options | Best for premium discounts |
| MEDICARE PART D covers outpatient prescription drugs for people on Medicare. Compare options from our Medicare Part D roundup. | |
| Best for $0 premiums
| Best for low average premiums
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| MEDICARE ADVANTAGE is an alternative to traditional Medicare offered by private health insurers. Compare options from our Medicare Advantage roundup. | |
| Best for size of network
| Best for low-cost plans
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| Star ratings from CMS and on a 5-★ scale. | |
Changing Medicare plans
There are different enrollment periods during the year that allow you to join or switch Medicare plans.
