Choosing a Plan:

See them all at a glance.
Learn how four different people put the options together to fit their needs.
Find out which plans and policies are available in your area.

Switching Plans: You're not locked into your Medicare choices, but there are some limitations.

Find out how and when to switch.

Enrollment Windows: Remember, to avoid higher premiums, enroll in Medicare as soon as you become eligible.

Find the dates you need to know here.

Decision Road Map : Your plans for the future, lifestyle, medical history—even the doctors you see—are all things to think about before making a decision about your health care.

Look here for a handy list of important things to consider before choosing a plan.

Financial Assistance: There are programs to help those with limited incomes and resources.

Checklist: Gather this information first, before you enroll.

Caregivers: Helping a loved one make Medicare choices? Find out what you need to know about:

Watch our Choosing a Medicare Plan video, then see how much you learned.

Watch Video

Take the Quiz

Choosing a Medicare plan

There's a lot to consider when choosing a Medicare plan. Watch the video then see how well you understand what you need to know by answering the following questions.

Watch the video
Test what you learned

Choosing a Medicare Plan

There's a lot to consider when choosing a Medicare plan. Watch the video then see how well you understand what you need to know by answering the following questions.

Are You Ready to Choose a Plan?

Your Score: x out of x

Watch the Video
Test what you learned

Question 1

When you enroll in Medicare, it's a good idea to review your current coverage. Your current plan may help pay for some of the things Medicare doesn't cover.

True False

You chose true. Correct, it's true.

If you have an employee, retiree or union health insurance plan, it may provide everything you'll need for the long term, or it may help to pay for some of the things Medicare doesn't cover. Talk to your plan administrator about your choices. You may still want to enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) because you'll need it if you want a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, and you may pay a penalty if you delay signing up.

Next Question

Question 2

Where you live doesn't matter. All Medicare plans are offered by the federal government, so coverage is the same nationwide.

True False

Sorry, it's false.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is a federal health care program and offers the same coverage nationwide. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) plans, however, are offered through private insurance companies, so different plans will be available in different areas. Medicare supplement insurance benefits are standardized by the federal government, so, for example, a Medicare supplement insurance Plan A from one insurer has identical benefits to a Medicare supplement insurance Plan A offered by another insurer, but there are exceptions. Minnesota, Massachusetts and Wisconsin (“waiver” states) have their own standardized plan. When considering your choices, be sure to find out what's available where you live and compare plans carefully, since costs and coverage will vary by plan. The Plan Finder Tool at Medicare.gov can help you find plans in your ZIP code.

Next Question

Question 3

You can switch your Medicare plan choices once a year.

True False

Sorry, it's false.

You can change your plan choices without penalty during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)—October 15 through December 7 each year—so it's a good idea to review your coverage, needs and any changes to Medicare plans once a year. You may also drop a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare between January 1 and February 14.

View Results

Plan Comparison Table

	Original Medicare Parts A & B	Medicare Advantage Plan Part C (May include Part D)	Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan	Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan
Primary reasons to enroll:	You want basic Medicare coverage from the government	You want one plan with Medicare Parts A & B, which may include Part D coverage plus extra benefits	You want a stand-alone drug plan to add to your Medicare coverage	You want help with expenses not covered by Medicare Parts A & B
Offered through a private insurance company
Overnight hospital stay coverage
Coverage for medical care like doctor visits
Prescription drug coverage
Low or $0 co-pays
Low or $0 deductibles
Limits your out-of-pocket costs
More coverage for preventive services and other benefits
Low or $0 additional monthly premium for prescription drug
May have limits on doctors and service area