Policy Guide Medicare Learning Center
Your Medicare Journey Starts Here
Medicare makes more sense one step at a time. Follow the path below from eligibility to enrollment to choosing coverage, and click into the guide you need at each stage.
Start Exploring ↓Step 1 · Getting Started
When do I qualify for Medicare?
Most people become eligible at 65. Some qualify earlier because of a disability or certain health conditions.
Learn more about getting started
Step 2 · Enrollment
When and how do I sign up?
Your enrollment window depends on your birthday, whether you're still working, and whether you already get Social Security.
Step 3 · The Basics
Understand Medicare Parts A and B
Part A is hospital insurance. Part B is medical insurance. Together they make up Original Medicare.
Learn more about Original Medicare costs
Step 4 · Your Coverage Decision
Choose how to receive your Medicare benefits
Everything after this step depends on which path you take. You'll get your Part A and Part B benefits one of two ways.
Original Medicare
Parts A and B, run by the federal government.
- See any U.S. provider that accepts Medicare
- No network and no referrals for Medicare-covered care
- Optional add-ons: Medigap and a Part D drug plan
Medicare Advantage
Part A and B benefits through a private, Medicare-approved plan.
- Most plans use a provider network
- Annual out-of-pocket limit for covered Part A and Part B services
- Most plans include drug coverage
Good to know: Medigap is optional. You can stay on Original Medicare without buying a supplement.
Drug coverage works differently on each path. With Original Medicare, you can generally enroll in a standalone Part D plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage, and if yours does, you generally can't add a separate Part D plan.
If you go without creditable drug coverage and enroll later, you may owe a late enrollment penalty.
Step 5 · Explore Your Path
Dig into the path you chose
Each path comes with its own set of choices. Follow the lane that matches your decision in Step 4.
Medigap coverage (optional)
A Medicare Supplement helps pay costs Original Medicare leaves behind, such as the 20% Part B coinsurance. It's a choice, not a requirement.
Popular Medigap plans
Medigap costs & pricing
When you can buy Medigap
Choosing a Medigap company
Private plan coverage
Plans vary by county and are renewed each year, so it's important to understand networks, annual changes, and what happens if you travel.
Travel & changing paths later
Step 6 · Prescriptions · Both Paths
Understand Medicare Part D
If you have Original Medicare, you can generally add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage, although some do not. Review how drug coverage works with your chosen plan.
Step 7 · Stay Informed
Manage your coverage over time
Medicare isn't a one-time decision. Premiums change, plans change, and your needs change too.
Learn more about keeping your coverage on track
Want a Guide for Your Own Journey?
Policy Guide is a licensed Medicare insurance agency. We've helped people through every one of these steps since 2011, and we review your coverage with you every year after you enroll.
- Licensed in 45 states
- Serving Medicare clients since 2011
- 50,000+ beneficiaries assisted
- Annual plan reviews
Or call a licensed agent at 1-888-414-4547 · How we're different
