What is Medicare?
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and for some younger people with certain disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS. More than 60 million people have Medicare.
Who qualifies
You usually qualify at age 65. You may qualify earlier if you have a qualifying disability, ESRD, or ALS. Some people are enrolled automatically if they already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
Parts of Medicare (what each part does)
Part A (Hospital): inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, some home health and hospice
Part B (Medical): outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, some durable medical equipment
Part C (Medicare Advantage): private plans that bundle Part A and Part B and usually include Part D; plans vary by network and benefits
Part D (Prescription drugs): stand-alone drug plans or included in many Advantage plans
You can also buy Medigap (supplemental) plans from private insurers to help cover out-of-pocket costs.
When you can sign up or change plans
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): a 7-month window around your 65th birthday (starts 3 months before the month you turn 65)
Annual Election Period (AEP): Oct 15–Dec 7 each year (changes take effect Jan 1)
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Jan 1–Mar 31 (if you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan)
General Enrollment Period (GEP): Jan 1–Mar 31 each year for people who missed IEP or SEPs; coverage usually starts the month after you sign up. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) are available for certain life events.
How to sign up and where to learn more
For help with Medicare enrollment or support, reach HealthSherpa Medicare Support at (855) 521-4984.