If you have ever tried to figure out Medicare and felt overwhelmed, you are not alone. While Medicare is designed to help seniors get quality healthcare, the system itself can be confusing with its many parts, costs, and rules.
One of the biggest challenges is that Medicare is not just one simple plan – it is broken into different parts. Part A focuses largely on hospital and skilled nursing stays, Part B is medical insurance for services like doctor visits and procedures, Part D handles certain prescription medications, and Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a bundled plan that serves as an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and B). There are also Medicare Supplement Plans which add another layer to consider when evaluating your coverage options.
Choosing the right coverage can be confusing, especially when each option has different rules, important considerations, and wide variety in out-of-pocket costs and premiums.
We also frequently see people who believe that Original Medicare is free – but that is not entirely true. While Part A does not typically have a premium for those who have paid required taxes, in 2025, Part B costs $185 each month (or higher depending on your income). Adding Medicare Supplement Plans, Advantage Plans, and Prescription Plans come with potential additional premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket costs that must be carefully understood and considered.
To make things even more complicated, Medicare rules and costs change every year, making it essential to review your plan annually to make sure you are still getting the best coverage. So, what can you do? The key is to stay informed and ask for help when needed. As licensed insurance agents we can guide you through the process, helping you avoid mistakes and unnecessary expenses. Medicare may be complex, but with the right support, you can make the best choices for your healthcare and financial needs.