Medicare, Formed 1965
At the bill-signing ceremony, President Lyndon B. Johnson enrolled President Harry Truman at the first Medicare beneficiary and presented him with the first Medicare card. What most people don't realize is around 50% of the citizens of the USA had ZERO insurance in the early 60's.
The rest of the story
LBJ created Part A to provide Hospital Services (inpatient) and Part B to provide Medical Services (outpatient). Medicare Part B only covered 80% of the bill, however. You had to pay the 20% balance. This was quite doable for awhile but, as years progressed that 20% gap started to create a financial burden for Americans. In the 1070's private insurers started to offer secondary plans to fill the gaps that Medicare Part A and Part B would not cover: "Medigap", formally called Medicare Supplement plans were introduced. Our Federal government standardized the Medigap plans in the 1990's.
The Balanced Budget Act of 1997, created Medicare + Choice, which later became Medicare Advantage, Part C. Medicare Advantage also tackles that 20% just like Medigap; but with greater cost savings through the managed care model structure of HMOs and PPOs.
In summary: You currently have two secondary plans to choose from to supplement your Medicare Part A and Part B insurance. In other words, to help defray that 20% gap.
1. Medicare Supplement Plan, "Medigap"
2. Medicare Advantage, Part C
This is literally a fork in the road and the most confusing part of Medicare. You must pick one road or the other. You cannot pick both. This is where having a broker to help you is the way to go. Why? Choosing the wrong road can have lifetime ramifications depending on your life circumstances. Remember, our help is always at NO COST to you. Nor, does it increase your premiums.
With Original Medicare, you typically will be carrying 4 ID Cards in your wallet because you will enroll in 4 different standalone policies: Medicare Part A & B; a Medicare Supplement plan; a Prescription Drug Plan; and, finally, a Dental/Vision/Hearing plan. Remember that Original Medicare does not cover drugs or DVH, so you have to buy these plans separately.
With Medicare Advantage, Part C, you will carry one ID Card, because Medicare Advantage bundles all the benefits into one plan, including Drugs and Dental/Vision/Hearing. Part C plans take over the responsibility of running Medicare Part A & B from the federal government. Our government, in return, subsidizes these private companies for taking on that financial risk. Because of these subsidies, these companies can offer most of their Medicare Advantage, Part C plans at $0 premium.
This chart help you understand the differences between the two roads:
Common Questions
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What age does Medicare start?
When you turn 65, you are eligible for Medicare, whether you are on Social Security or not. Disabled people can be younger than 65 to be eligible for Medicare.
Do I have to get on Medicare?
No, you can delay your Medicare if you work at a job that gives you group employer insurance. Make sure the insurance is "creditable". If the insurance is not creditable, meaning it does not cover as much as Medicare, than you would face lifetime penalties. Ask your HR dept.
How do I get Medicare?
You go online to fill out a quick and easy application at SSA.gov which is Social Security's website. Many people delay getting Social Security benefits and enroll in Medicare. You can also call them at:
1 (800) 772-1213
What month should I sign up?
During our initial appointment, we will give you a date countdown with steps to take. Another way is to use Medicare's, Enrollment Period Calculator. It will show you your personalized 7 months window.
How much does Medicare cost?
Medicare Part A, which is hospital benefits, is $0 per month for most people. However, Medicare Part B, which is medical services, has a monthly premium of $185 for 2025.
Can I just get your help?
ABSOLUTELY! We can help you get clarity on all kinds of Medicare decisions. AND, best of all, our services are no cost to you, in other words . . . FREE!!!
We Cut Through the Confusion
After you set up an appointment with us, click on the Medicare topics below to learn about the A, B, C, D's of Medicare. We are here to help you get a healthcare plan that works for your situation.
Learn More About These Plans!
Medicare Advantage
An alternative to Original Medicare, these are typically HMO and PPO plans with where you pick your doctors from a network.
Medicare Supplements
These plans fill in the Gaps of Original Medicare Part A & Part B. They do not have a Doctor's network. You can pick any doctor.
Prescription Drug Plans
Required by CMS in order to help with the cost of your prescriptions for both standalone and inside of Medicare Advantage.
New to Medicare
Lots of info and steps to get on Medicare. We simplify so that the chaos becomes clarity!
Medicare Costs
We are working on this page and are excited to see give some great information to come . . .
Our services are NO COST
This is a more detailed description of our services. Stay tuned. We are building this page and it will be ready any day now.
Our 3 Step Process
Expert Consultation
Our expertise is free of charge as we guide you through the options that suit you the best based on your circumstances.
Discover & Strategy
With a few simple questions, we can help determine where you are financially exposed or if the plan you have is the right fit for your situation.
Facilitating the Process
We pride ourselves in simplifying the process from start to finish. After enrollment into your plan, we are available to you anytime you need us.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 14 organizations which offer 137 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
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