Medicare 101
Your complete, plain-English Medicare guide
New to Medicare? Start here. Medicare has four parts — A, B, C, and D. Below are the basics, then dig into any topic.
Part A — Hospital
Inpatient hospital, skilled nursing, hospice. Usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for about 10 years.
Part B — Medical
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services. Monthly premium set by income.
Part C — Advantage
A private plan that provides your Part A and Part B benefits. Most include Part D; extra benefits vary. You must have both Part A and Part B to join.
Part D — Drugs
Prescription drug coverage is offered through standalone plans and many Medicare Advantage plans. For 2027, the standard Part D deductible is $700 and the annual out-of-pocket threshold is $2,400. Plan premiums, covered drugs, pharmacies, deductibles, and cost-sharing vary; check current plan documents.
All Medicare 101 articles
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65+ and some younger people with disabilities. Here's how the four parts fit together.
Medicare vs Medicaid
Medicare is age-based federal insurance; Medicaid is income-based. Some people qualify for both. Here's how they differ.
Medicare Eligibility
Most people qualify for Medicare at 65. Some younger people with disabilities qualify earlier. Here's how to know.
Medicare Enrollment Periods
IEP, AEP, and SEPs — the windows to enroll in or change Medicare, and how to avoid penalties.
How to Enroll in Medicare
A simple step-by-step for enrolling in Medicare at 65 — and how a local agent makes it painless.
Understanding Medicare Part D
How Part D drug coverage works in 2027, including the $700 standard deductible, $2,400 out-of-pocket threshold, formularies, and the late-enrollment penalty.
Medicare for Veterans
How VA benefits and Medicare work together, and why many veterans still enroll in Part B.
Medicare Costs Breakdown
Understand Medicare premiums and plan costs, including the finalized 2027 Part D deductible and out-of-pocket threshold.
Free Medicare education resource
Want to go deeper? LearnMedicare.org offers free classes and educational materials to help you understand your Medicare options.
Visit LearnMedicare.org →Getting-started questions
Is Medicare free?
Part A is usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes 10+ years. Part B has a monthly premium. Advantage and Part D plans vary — some are $0 premium.
Is Medicare the same as Medicaid?
No. Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age. Medicaid is a state/federal program based on income. Some people qualify for both (dual-eligible).
When is Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period?
October 15 to December 7 each year. Changes you make take effect January 1. Review your Annual Notice of Change and compare available options with your current needs. We can help review plans we represent; we do not offer every plan available in your area.
Related Medicare resources
- Medicare FAQ →
Common enrollment and plan questions answered.
- Enrollment periods →
IEP, AEP, OEP and SEP windows explained.
- Medigap plans →
Supplement plans by your location.
- Find help by county →
Find local guidance and ways to compare current options.
Official Medicare information: Medicare Advantage · Medigap · Part D — Medicare.gov