Medicare Resources
Your Medicare Resource Center
Clear answers to common Medicare questions — from enrollment basics to plan comparisons. When you're ready to talk through your options, SAIG is here.
Medicare 101
New to Medicare? Here's what you need to know before you enroll.
Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
Medical Insurance
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium, an annual deductible, and typically a 20% coinsurance after the deductible is met.
Medicare Advantage
An alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. Bundles Part A, Part B, and usually Part D into one plan. May include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
Prescription Drug Coverage
Standalone drug plans offered by private insurers. Covers brand-name and generic medications. Required to avoid a late enrollment penalty if you don't have other creditable drug coverage.
Enrollment Periods at a Glance
Initial Enrollment Period
7 months around your 65th birthdayStarts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. Enroll in Parts A, B, C, and D during this window to avoid late penalties.
Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 – December 7Switch Medicare Advantage plans, move between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, or change your Part D drug plan. Changes take effect January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 – March 31If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare (and add a Part D plan). One change allowed per year.
Special Enrollment Period
Triggered by qualifying life eventsLosing employer coverage, moving out of your plan's service area, or other qualifying events may allow you to enroll or change plans outside standard windows.
General Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31If you missed your IEP and don't qualify for a SEP, you can enroll in Part B during GEP. Coverage begins July 1. A late enrollment penalty may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medicare Glossary
Plain-language definitions for the terms you'll encounter most.
Official Medicare Resources
These government and nonprofit resources provide unbiased Medicare information.
Medicare.gov
The official U.S. government Medicare website. Compare plans, check coverage, and find enrollment information.
Social Security Administration
Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B through Social Security. Also handles Medicare premium deductions.
Tennessee SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling from trained volunteers. Tennessee's program is called TN SHIP.
1-800-MEDICARE
Call 1-800-633-4227 (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) to speak with a Medicare representative 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get information on all of your options. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Still Have Questions?
Medicare doesn't have to be confusing. SAIG offers free, no-pressure consultations to help East Tennessee seniors find the right coverage. Call us or request a callback — we'll walk you through it.
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