Your Medicare Options
Medicare Plans Explained
Understanding your Medicare choices is the first step to finding the right coverage. SAIG walks you through every option — at no cost to you.
Medicare Has More Moving Parts Than Most People Realize
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers hospital and medical services, but it leaves gaps — including deductibles, coinsurance, and most prescription drugs. That's where Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plans come in.
As an independent agency, SAIG compares plans from multiple carriers so you get an honest look at what's available in your area — not just what one company wants to sell you.
Medicare Advantage
All-in-one coverage through a private insurer
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) bundle your Part A, Part B, and usually Part D coverage into a single plan offered by a private insurance company approved by Medicare. Many plans include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs.
Key Features
- Combines hospital, medical, and often drug coverage
- May include dental, vision, and hearing benefits
- Often $0 or low monthly premiums
- Out-of-pocket maximum protects against large bills
- Network-based (HMO or PPO structures)
Best For
Beneficiaries who want comprehensive coverage in one plan and are comfortable using a network of providers.
Benefits, premiums, and networks vary by plan and county. Not all plans are available in all areas.
Medicare Supplement
Fill the gaps in Original Medicare
Medicare Supplement plans (also called Medigap) work alongside Original Medicare to help pay costs that Medicare doesn't fully cover — like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. You keep your freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide.
Key Features
- Works with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare
- Predictable out-of-pocket costs
- No network restrictions — nationwide coverage
- Standardized plan letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N)
- Renewable as long as premiums are paid
Best For
Beneficiaries who travel frequently, see specialists often, or want the most predictable cost structure.
Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug coverage. A separate Part D plan is needed.
Prescription Drug Plans
Standalone drug coverage for Original Medicare
Part D Prescription Drug Plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare and help cover the cost of prescription medications. If you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan, a standalone Part D plan provides your drug coverage.
Key Features
- Covers brand-name and generic prescription drugs
- Each plan has a formulary (list of covered drugs)
- Monthly premiums vary by plan and income
- Late enrollment penalty if you delay without creditable coverage
- Annual coverage gap (donut hole) rules apply
Best For
Beneficiaries on Original Medicare or a Medigap plan who need prescription drug coverage.
Formularies and costs change annually. Always review your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7).
Side-by-Side Overview
This comparison is a general overview only. Actual plan benefits, costs, and availability vary by carrier, plan, and county. Contact SAIG for a personalized comparison based on your specific situation and location.
| Feature | Medicare Advantage | Supplement | Part D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covers hospital (Part A) | |||
| Covers medical (Part B) | |||
| Prescription drug coverage | Usually included | ||
| Dental / Vision / Hearing | Often included | ||
| Use any Medicare provider | Network required | ||
| Out-of-pocket maximum | Varies by plan | ||
| Predictable monthly costs | Varies | Varies |
Enrollment Periods
Timing matters with Medicare. Missing a window can mean waiting months or paying a penalty.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. This is your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
During AEP, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, or change your Part D drug plan. Changes take effect January 1.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
If you lose employer coverage, move out of your plan's service area, or experience other qualifying events, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period outside the standard windows.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP)
If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (and add a Part D plan) during this period.
Important: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the Medicare Advantage and Part D plans we offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get information on all of your options.
Plan comparisons on this page are general overviews only. Benefits, premiums, copays, and network requirements vary by plan and county and may change each year. This is not a complete description of benefits. Contact SAIG or the plan directly for complete information.
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. SAIG agents are licensed insurance professionals. By contacting us, you are requesting to be contacted by a licensed insurance agent.
Not Sure Which Plan Fits You?
That's exactly what SAIG is here for. We'll review your doctors, medications, and budget — then walk you through the options that make sense for your situation. No pressure, no obligation.
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