Medicare Health Coverage Options
These sections review Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage as ways to receive Medicare benefits, and discuss how to change coverage.
Original Medicare coverage
Original Medicare enrollment
- How to enroll in Medicare if you are turning 65
- How to enroll in Medicare if you are turning 65 without Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits
- How to enroll in Medicare if you missed your Initial Enrollment Period
- How to enroll in Medicare if you are under 65 and have a disability
- How to enroll in Medicare if you have ALS
- Medicare Part B late enrollment penalties
- How Medicare enrollment works with Railroad Retirement benefits
- Part B Special Enrollment Periods for exceptional circumstances
- Equitable relief
- Equitable relief for Marketplace enrollees
- Same-sex marriage and Medicare
Original Medicare costs
- Part A costs
- Eligibility for premium-free Part A if you are over 65 and Medicare-eligible
- Eligibility for premium-free Part A if you are under 65 and Medicare-eligible
- Qualifying for premium-free Part A based on your spouse’s work history
- Part B costs
- Part B costs for those with higher incomes
- Increases in Part B premiums and the hold harmless provision
Supplemental insurance for Original Medicare (Medigaps)
Medicare Advantage Plan overview
- Medicare Advantage basics
- Medicare Advantage costs and coverage
- Maximum out-of-pocket limit
- Medicare Advantage enrollment
- Medicare Advantage Plan network comparison chart
- Notices that Medicare Advantage and Part D plans must send if they make changes during the year
- Questions to ask before joining a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Access to providers and pharmacies during a disaster or public health emergency
Changing Medicare coverage
- How to switch Medicare Advantage Plans or switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
- Options for those whose Medicare Advantage or Part D plan is ending at the close of the year
- Six things to know about Fall Open Enrollment
- How to compare plans using the Medicare Star Rating System
- Options for those who enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan by mistake or because of misleading information
Medicare and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
- ESRD Medicare basics
- ESRD Medicare costs and coverage
- Medicare Advantage eligibility for people with ESRD
- The 30-month coordination period for people with ESRD
- ESRD Medicare for people also eligible due to age or disability
- Coverage of immunosuppressant drugs and vitamins for people with ESRD
- Ending Medicare for people with ESRD
- Children and ESRD Medicare
Medicare and incarceration
Medicare and living abroad
- Medicare coverage when living abroad
- Medicare coverage for those who live abroad but plan to move back to the United States or travel back frequently
- How to enroll in Medicare for those who first qualify when living abroad
- Medicare coverage for those who live permanently outside the United States
- Medicare Advantage and Part D for those who live abroad