Resources

The yearly period from October 15 to December 7 when you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.

The percentage of a medical bill you pay after meeting your deductible. For example, Medicare Part B typically has 20% coinsurance.

A fixed dollar amount you pay for a covered service, like a $25 copay for a doctor visit. Common in Medicare Advantage plans.

The amount you must pay out of pocket for covered services before your insurance plan starts to pay.

A list of prescription drugs covered by a particular Part D or Medicare Advantage plan, organized into cost tiers.

Medicare Supplement insurance sold by private companies to fill gaps in Original Medicare coverage, like copayments and deductibles.

The group of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers that have agreed to provide services at negotiated rates for a specific plan.

The traditional Medicare program managed by the federal government, consisting of Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance.

The most you will pay for covered services in a year. After reaching this limit, your plan pays 100% for the rest of the year. Original Medicare does not have this protection.

The monthly amount you pay for your insurance coverage. Part A is usually premium-free; Part B, Part C, Part D, and Medigap have monthly premiums.

Approval from your plan before you can get certain services or medications. Not all plans require this.

A period outside regular enrollment windows when you can sign up for or change Medicare plans due to certain life events like moving or losing other coverage.