New to Medicare? Here's what it covers, what it costs, and when to sign up
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people with qualifying disabilities. It has four parts that work together, and most people pay premiums for Parts B and D. Original Medicare has gaps that supplemental insurance can help fill.
- Part A hospital coverage is premium-free for most people
- Late enrollment can trigger permanent premium penalties
- Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum
- You choose between two coverage paths
Start with your situation
Which of these sounds like you?
Check your enrollment timing
Medicare has specific enrollment windows (Initial, General, Special, and Annual), and missing yours can mean premium penalties that generally last as long as you have the coverage. Timing is the single most important thing to get right.
This may not be a good fit if...
The honest signals, before any tool or quote asks for your information.
You're under 65 without a qualifying disability
ACA Marketplace coverage is the right aisle
You're still working with large-employer coverage
you may reasonably be able to delay parts of Medicare
You're eligible for Medicaid only
check Medicaid first; some people qualify for both
You're shopping for a dependent under 65
Marketplace plans are the path
When can you enroll? Find your window
Two questions map you to your enrollment window (Initial, General, Special, or Annual) and what it means for penalties. Educational only; never a recommendation.
Step 1 of 3
Where are you today?
Pick the option closest to your situation.
Two paths to Medicare coverage
Presented neutrally: no path is the default or the better choice. The fit depends on your doctors, budget, and health.
| Original Medicare (Parts A + B) + Medigap + Part D | Medicare Advantage (Part C, usually includes Part D) | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider freedom | Any provider that accepts Medicare, no networks | Plan networks; out-of-network rules vary by plan |
| Cost structure | Separate premiums; Medigap makes costs predictable | Often lower premiums; you pay as you use care, up to a yearly cap |
| Extra benefits | Not included; add dental or vision separately | Often bundles some dental, vision, or hearing; varies by plan |
| Prescription coverage | Add a standalone Part D plan | Usually included (MA-PD) |
Switching paths later can be hard: moving from Medicare Advantage back to Medigap may involve medical underwriting.
By the numbers
The market, without the sales pitch
70.5 million
people nationally are enrolled in Medicare
Source: CMS, Medicare Monthly Enrollment report (2026)
51.2%
are enrolled in Medicare Advantage and other health plans; the remainder are in Original Medicare
Source: CMS, Medicare Monthly Enrollment report (2026)
90.6%
of enrollees are 65 and over; the remainder qualify through disability or other criteria
Source: CMS, Medicare Monthly Enrollment report (2026)
81.2%
have Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
Source: CMS, Medicare Monthly Enrollment report (2026)
Understand before you choose
Enrolling in Medicare for the first timeA step-by-step guide for people approaching 65 or newly eligible for Medicare who need to understand what to sign up for, when to enroll, and what supplemental coverage to consider.29 min readStart learningGuide
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: choosing the right Medicare coverage pathA decision-by-decision guide comparing Original Medicare plus Medigap and Part D against Medicare Advantage, covering eligibility, cost, networks, drug coverage, extra benefits, and switching rules.20 min readStart learningCommon questions
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Find my Medicare fitGeneral educational information, not advice. Medicare eligibility, premiums, and penalties depend on your work history and timing. Healthcare.com is not affiliated with CMS or Social Security. Provider-neutral education; sources reviewed for 2026.
