Your Initial Enrollment Period generally lasts 7 months: the 3 months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the 3 months after. When your coverage begins depends on when you enroll.

Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare-approved plan. Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, works with Original Medicare and can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs such as copayments and coinsurance. You cannot use Medigap to supplement a Medicare Advantage plan.

There is no cost to you for Maya's assistance. Maya can help you understand your Medicare options, compare available plans, and assist with enrollment without charging you a consultation or broker fee.

Maya may receive a commission from the insurance company when you enroll in an eligible Medicare plan through her. Medicare regulates how agents and brokers are compensated, and you do not pay Maya's commission directly.

Not always. If you or your spouse are still working and you have qualifying employer health coverage, you may be able to delay certain parts of Medicare without a late-enrollment penalty. The rules depend on your current coverage, so it's important to understand how your employer plan works with Medicare before deciding when to enroll.

Medicare Part D helps pay for prescription drugs and is offered through private Medicare-approved plans. Each plan has its own list of covered medications, called a formulary, along with its own costs and pharmacy network. Comparing plans based on your prescriptions can help you understand which options fit your needs.

Late-enrollment penalties may apply if you delay Part B or Part D without qualifying coverage or a Special Enrollment Period. Part B penalties are generally based on how long you delayed enrollment, while Part D penalties may apply after going 63 days or more without Medicare drug coverage or other creditable prescription drug coverage.

Depending on your coverage, you may have opportunities to review or change Medicare plans during designated enrollment periods. Certain life events, such as moving or losing other coverage, may also qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.