Medicare coverage and insurance options

Understand how each type of coverage works before you choose. Lifetime Medicare Partners helps you compare Medicare options and supplemental insurance around your needs, budget, and location.

Older couple sharing coffee on a garden patio

How does Medicare work?

Medicare is federal health insurance for people age 65 and older and some younger people who qualify through disability or certain medical conditions.

‍

Your eligibility, enrollment window, and existing coverage affect when to sign up. Social Security can confirm your individual requirements. Our Medicare basics guide explains the main enrollment periods.
‍

The parts of Medicare

Part A and Part B make up Original Medicare. Part C is Medicare Advantage, a private-plan alternative. Part D is prescription drug coverage. Medicare Supplement insurance, or Medigap, is a separate policy that can work with Original Medicare.
‍

Part A

Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care, qualifying skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and certain home health services. It does not generally cover ongoing custodial long-term care.

‍

Most people qualify for premium-free Part A through their own or a spouse’s work record. Deductibles and other costs can still apply. Check your eligibility and benefit details before assuming a service is fully covered.

Part B

Part B helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, certain medical equipment, and preventive services. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026. Higher-income beneficiaries may pay more.

‍

The Part B annual deductible is $283 in 2026. After meeting it, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered Part B services, with exceptions for certain services. These figures change by year.

Discuss your options

Medicare Advantage - Part C

Medicare Advantage is a way to receive Medicare benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare. Plans cover Part A and Part B services, with hospice generally paid by Original Medicare. Many include prescription drugs and additional benefits.

‍

Plans may use provider networks, referrals, and prior authorization. Compare access to your doctors and hospitals, as well as copayments and the plan’s annual medical out-of-pocket limit. Benefits and rules vary by plan and location.

‍

A $0 plan premium does not mean all care is free. You generally still pay your Part B premium, and deductibles or copayments may apply. Review the full Summary of Benefits before choosing.

‍

Part D

Part D helps cover outpatient prescription drugs. It may be included in a Medicare Advantage plan or purchased as a separate drug plan with Original Medicare. Check how it works with any coverage you already have.

‍

Explore prescription drug coverage below.

Medigap

Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, helps pay certain deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance left by Original Medicare. It is different from Medicare Advantage.

‍

Medigap policies are sold by private insurers. Standardized plan letters describe the benefits in most states, while premiums can vary by insurer and other factors. Modern Medigap policies do not include Part D prescription coverage.

‍

With Original Medicare and a standard Medigap policy, you can generally use providers who accept Medicare. Medicare SELECT policies can have network requirements. Ask about travel and provider access when comparing policies.

‍

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally lasts six months starting when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Outside that window, medical underwriting may apply unless a guaranteed issue right or state protection applies. Fall AEP is not a guaranteed right to buy any Medigap policy.

‍

Want help comparing Medicare Supplement options? Call 800-560-9373 to talk with our team about coverage we offer in your area.

800-560-9373

Prescription Drug Plans

A Part D plan helps pay for covered outpatient prescriptions. Compare the plan using your own medication list and preferred pharmacy, rather than the premium alone.

‍

Each plan has a formulary, or list of covered drugs. A medication’s tier, deductible, and pharmacy pricing can affect what you pay. Review the exact drug name, strength, and quantity.

‍

The former Part D coverage gap, often called the donut hole, was eliminated in 2025. The out-of-pocket threshold for covered Part D drugs is $2,100 in 2026 and $2,400 in 2027. Premiums and non-covered drugs are outside that limit.

‍

Before enrolling, check prior authorization, step therapy, quantity limits, and pharmacy network rules. Recheck coverage each fall because plans and your prescriptions can change.

‍

Pharmacist speaking with an older customer

Dental/Vision/Hearing Plans

Dental, vision, and hearing policies may help cover services that Original Medicare generally does not cover, such as routine dental care, routine eye exams for glasses, or hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits.

‍

Original Medicare can cover certain medically necessary services involving your eyes, ears, or mouth. Separate policies focus on different benefits. Compare covered services, provider networks, waiting periods, annual limits, and exclusions.

‍

Review any coverage you already have before adding another policy. The goal is to understand what a benefit pays and what you would still pay yourself.

‍

Optician helping an older man choose eyeglasses

Hospital Indemnity Plans

Hospital indemnity insurance pays a stated cash benefit for qualifying events, such as certain hospital admissions or stays. It supplements other coverage and does not replace Medicare or major medical insurance.

‍

Benefits may be paid per admission, per day, or under another schedule. Eligibility, waiting periods, exclusions, and maximum benefits depend on the policy.

‍

Compare the premium with the benefits and the hospital costs you may already face under your health plan. Ask when a claim qualifies and how payments are made.

‍

Nurse speaking with a patient and family member

Short Term & Long Term Care Plans

Medicare generally does not cover ongoing custodial care, such as help with bathing or dressing when that is the only care you need. Limited skilled care may be covered when Medicare’s conditions are met.

‍

Short-term care policies may pay benefits for a defined period when you meet the policy’s requirements. Review qualifying care needs, covered settings, waiting periods, and daily or monthly limits.

‍

Long-term care insurance can help with eligible care at home or in a facility. Benefits depend on the policy’s eligibility criteria, benefit period, covered services, and limits.

‍

Planning starts with your preferences, available family support, and budget. We can explain the coverage we offer and the questions to ask before applying.

‍

Older woman speaking with a caregiver at home

Final Expense

Final expense insurance is life insurance intended to help loved ones with funeral costs or other expenses after your death. The amount available depends on the policy benefit.

‍

Policies differ in premiums, underwriting, eligibility, and benefit limits. Some offer guaranteed acceptance with restrictions, including a waiting period or reduced benefits for certain early claims.

‍

Review the full policy terms and the amount your family may need. No single policy automatically covers every final expense.

‍

Father and adult daughter sharing a family album

Under 65 Health Plans

If you are under 65 and not eligible for Medicare, individual or family health insurance may be an option. Some people under 65 qualify for Medicare through disability, ALS, or ESRD.

‍

Marketplace plans and other coverage options have different enrollment rules and costs. When comparing coverage, start with your doctors, prescriptions, household needs, and any employer coverage available to you.

‍

Marketplace metal categories describe how you and the plan share costs, not the quality of care. Compare premiums, deductibles, copayments, networks, and any financial help for which you qualify.

‍

We can help you understand the coverage we offer and where to look for additional options. If you are approaching Medicare eligibility, review the transition before ending your current coverage.

‍

Illustrative scene of an advisor listening to an older couple

A conversation built around you.

Your doctors. Your prescriptions. Your priorities. Bring your questions, and we’ll help you understand your options and next steps.

Prefer to call? 800-560-9373

Let’s review your Medicare options

Request a free conversation with our team. We’ll contact you to arrange your review, or you can choose a meeting time that works for you.

Thank you—your request has been received. Our team will contact you to arrange a conversation. Your meeting is not booked until a time is confirmed.

We couldn’t send your request. Please try again, or call 800-560-9373 for help.