Medicare

Medicare guidance made easier.

Medicare can feel complicated, especially when you're trying to understand Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, prescription drug coverage, and Medicare Supplement Insurance.

VeritasPoint Insurance Services provides personalized Medicare guidance to help you understand your options and make an informed decision based on your healthcare needs, doctors, prescriptions, budget, and lifestyle.

Support available in English and Vietnamese.


Understanding Medicare

Medicare is federal health insurance primarily for people 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities or specific medical conditions.

Medicare is divided into different parts:

Part A — Hospital Insurance

Part A generally helps cover:

Most people receive premium-free Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough while working. Some people who don't qualify for premium-free Part A may be able to purchase it.

Part B — Medical Insurance

Part B generally helps cover:

In 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month, although some people pay more based on income. The 2026 Part B deductible is $283.

Part C — Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a private Medicare-approved insurance company.

Plans may include additional benefits such as:

Benefits and costs vary by plan and location.

Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage

Part D helps cover prescription medications.

Costs and covered medications vary by plan, so it is important to review:

Part D plans may have a monthly premium and deductible, depending on the plan.


Your Medicare Coverage Choices

When you become eligible for Medicare, one of the most important decisions is how you want to receive your Medicare coverage.

Option 1 — Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D

Original Medicare

Part A + Part B

↓

Medigap

Helps pay certain Medicare-covered cost-sharing

↓

Part D

Prescription drug coverage

This approach may be attractive to people who want broader provider access and predictable cost-sharing through supplemental coverage.

Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies and help pay some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn't pay.


Medicare Supplement Insurance — Medigap

Additional coverage with Original Medicare

Medigap is supplemental insurance sold by private insurance companies. It helps pay some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.

You generally need both Part A and Part B to purchase a Medigap policy.

Standardized Medigap Plans

In most states, Medigap plans are identified by letters:

A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N

Plans with the same letter generally provide the same standardized basic benefits regardless of which insurance company sells the policy. The price can differ between insurance companies.

Important

Plans C and F are generally not available to people who became newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, because Medigap plans sold to newly eligible beneficiaries cannot cover the Part B deductible.

Why some people choose Medigap

Medigap may appeal to people who:

Some Medigap plans include foreign-travel emergency coverage subject to plan limits.

Medigap generally does not cover prescription drugs, so people who choose Original Medicare + Medigap typically consider a separate Part D plan.


Option 2 — Medicare Advantage

Another way to receive your Medicare benefits

Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is offered by private Medicare-approved insurance companies.

Medicare Advantage plans must cover Medicare Part A and Part B services and generally have an annual maximum out-of-pocket limit for covered services.

Depending on the plan, additional benefits may include:

Not every plan includes every benefit. Benefits, costs, networks, and eligibility vary by plan and location.

Medicare Advantage may appeal to people who:

Some Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 monthly plan premium, but $0 premium does not mean healthcare is free.

You generally must continue paying your Medicare Part B premium to remain enrolled in Medicare Advantage. Some plans may help pay part of the Part B premium through a Part B premium reduction, sometimes called a "giveback."


Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap

There is no single option that is best for everyone.

Medicare Advantage

Potential advantages:

Considerations:

Original Medicare + Medigap

Potential advantages:

Considerations:

The right choice depends on your doctors, healthcare needs, medications, budget, travel habits, and preferences.


Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage — Part D

Part D provides prescription drug coverage through private Medicare-approved plans.

When comparing Part D, we can review:

Even if you don't take many prescriptions today, it is important to understand your enrollment options.

If you go 63 days or more without Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage after becoming eligible, you may have to pay a Part D late enrollment penalty if you enroll later. The penalty generally continues as long as you have Medicare drug coverage.


Medicare Enrollment

Initial Enrollment Period

Your Initial Enrollment Period generally lasts 7 months:

3 months before your 65th birthday month
 Your birthday month
 3 months after your birthday month

Your coverage start date depends on when you enroll.

Special Enrollment Period

Some people can delay Medicare Part B without a late penalty if they have qualifying coverage through current employment.

Special Enrollment Period rules can also apply in certain other situations.

Annual Enrollment Period

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is generally:

October 15 – December 7

Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1 of the following year.


Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties

Part B

If you don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, the Part B late enrollment penalty is generally 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't.

The penalty is generally added to your monthly Part B premium for as long as you have Part B.

Part D

If you go 63 days or more without Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage after becoming eligible, you may owe a Part D late enrollment penalty.

The penalty generally continues as long as you have Medicare drug coverage.

Important: If you have employer or union coverage, don't automatically assume you should delay Medicare. Your specific employment coverage should be reviewed before making an enrollment decision.


Special Needs Plans — SNP

Medicare also offers Special Needs Plans for certain populations.

D-SNP

A Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) is designed for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid/Medi-Cal and meet the plan's eligibility requirements.

Depending on the plan, benefits may include:

Eligibility and benefits vary by plan and service area.


What We Can Help You Review

When comparing Medicare options, we can help you review:

Your Healthcare

Your Prescriptions

Your Costs

Your Lifestyle


Medicare Is Personal

There is no single Medicare plan that is right for everyone.

The best option depends on your:

Doctors → Prescriptions → Healthcare Needs → Budget → Lifestyle → Preferences

Our goal is to help you understand your choices so you can make an informed decision.


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