Medicare Coverage
Medicare Plans, Explained Clearly
Whether you're turning 65 or re-evaluating your current coverage, I'll walk you through every option in plain English — no jargon, no pressure.
Understanding Your Medicare Options
Medicare can feel overwhelming — Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D, Medigap... it's a lot. As a nurse with 30 years of clinical experience, I've seen firsthand what happens when someone has the wrong coverage. My job is to make sure that doesn't happen to you.
As an independent broker, I'm not tied to any single insurance company. I compare plans across multiple carriers to find the one that fits your health needs, your doctors, and your budget.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
All-in-one coverage that goes beyond Original Medicare
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. They bundle Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), and usually Part D (prescriptions) into one plan — often with extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
Key Benefits
- Often $0 monthly premium options available
- May include dental, vision, and hearing benefits
- Annual out-of-pocket maximum protects your finances
- Many plans include fitness benefits and wellness programs
Carriers Available
- Aetna Health and Life Insurance
- Alignment Health Plan
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC
- Cigna Healthspring
- DevotedHealth
- Heartland National Life
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Predictable costs that fill the gaps in Original Medicare
Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to cover costs Medicare doesn't pay — like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. With a Medigap plan, you know exactly what you'll owe before you ever see a doctor.
Key Benefits
- Use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare — nationwide
- Predictable, consistent out-of-pocket costs
- No network restrictions or referrals required
- Guaranteed renewable — can't be cancelled if you pay premiums
Carriers Available
- Insurance Company of North America (Cigna)
- Medico Life and Health Insurance
- UnitedHealthcare
Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Standalone drug coverage to manage your medication costs
Part D Prescription Drug Plans help cover the cost of your medications. If you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan, you'll need a standalone PDP. Plans vary by formulary (drug list), pharmacy network, and cost-sharing.
Key Benefits
- $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs (2025+)
- Wide pharmacy network options including mail-order
- Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) available for qualifying individuals
- Annual enrollment period to review and switch plans
Which Plan Type Is Right for You?
Here's a quick side-by-side to help you think it through.
| Feature | Medicare Advantage | Medicare Supplement | Part D (PDP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works with Original Medicare | Replaces it | Works alongside it | Adds drug coverage |
| Monthly premium | Often $0 | Higher (more predictability) | Low to moderate |
| Network restrictions | Yes (HMO/PPO) | None — any Medicare provider | Pharmacy network applies |
| Prescription coverage | Usually included | Needs separate PDP | Yes — standalone |
| Extra benefits (dental, vision) | Often included | Not included | Not included |
| Out-of-pocket predictability | Annual max cap | Very predictable | $2,000 annual cap |
Not Sure Which Plan Fits You?
That's exactly what I'm here for. A free consultation takes 20–30 minutes and leaves you with a clear picture of your best options.