You can first enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins 3 months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and extends 3 months after. You can also enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) or during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare and is offered by private insurance companies. It often includes extra benefits like dental and vision. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance. Supplements offer more provider freedom, while Advantage plans often have lower premiums.

Even if you don't currently take medications, it's recommended to enroll in Part D when you're first eligible to avoid late enrollment penalties. If you need medications later, you'll pay a penalty for each month you delayed enrollment.

No. You can have either a Medicare Supplement OR Medicare Advantage, but not both. If you have a Medicare Supplement, you'll need a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.

If you miss your IEP and don't have other creditable coverage, you may face late enrollment penalties for Part B and Part D. You'll also have to wait until the General Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) to enroll, with coverage starting July 1.

Yes. During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, join or drop Part D, or move between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare.

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services. However, many Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits. You can also purchase standalone dental and vision insurance.

It depends on your goals. For final expense coverage, $5,000-$25,000 is typical to cover funeral and burial costs. For income replacement or debt payoff, consider 10-12 times your annual income. We can help you calculate the right amount for your situation.

Term life insurance covers you for a specific period (10, 20, or 30 years) and is more affordable. Whole life insurance provides permanent coverage for your entire life and builds cash value over time, but costs more.

Yes. Many companies offer simplified issue or guaranteed issue life insurance that doesn't require a medical exam. You may pay higher premiums, but coverage is available for people with pre-existing conditions.

Life insurance costs vary based on your age, health, coverage amount, and policy type. Term life can cost as little as $20-$50 per month for healthy individuals. Final expense policies typically range from $30-$150 per month.

Final expense insurance (also called burial insurance) is a type of whole life insurance with a smaller death benefit (usually $5,000-$25,000) designed to cover funeral, burial, and end-of-life expenses.

Not always. Many policies offer simplified underwriting with just health questions, or guaranteed issue coverage with no health questions at all.