Insurance Doesn't Have to Be Confusing.

Medicare Part A is primarily hospital insurance. It can help cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay, hospice care and certain home health services.

Many people qualify for premium-free Part A based on their work history or a spouse's work history, but deductibles and other cost sharing may still apply.

Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It generally helps cover physician services, outpatient care, preventive services, diagnostic testing and certain medical equipment.

Most beneficiaries pay a monthly Part B premium. Deductibles and coinsurance may also apply.

Medicare Part C is another name for Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.

You must generally remain enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. The Medicare Advantage plan then provides your Part A and Part B benefits through the private plan.

Many plans may also include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits. Benefits, provider networks and costs vary by plan and location.

Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage through private insurance plans approved by Medicare.

Each plan has its own formulary, covered medications, pharmacy arrangements and cost-sharing structure.

This is why reviewing your prescriptions when comparing plans can be so important.

Medicare Advantage provides Medicare benefits through a private plan. Depending on the plan, you may have provider networks, copays, coinsurance and other plan rules.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare and can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs left by Medicare Parts A and B.

Medigap plans do not include outpatient prescription drug coverage, so beneficiaries who need drug coverage generally consider a separate Part D plan.

Neither option is automatically better. The right fit depends on your healthcare needs, doctors, prescriptions, travel, budget and preferences.

Most people first become eligible around age 65. The standard Initial Enrollment Period is generally a seven-month period that includes:

• Three months before the month you turn 65
• Your birthday month
• Three months after your birthday month

Enrollment timing can be different if you or your spouse are actively working and you have qualifying employer coverage. It is important to review your individual situation before delaying Medicare.

Possibly. Whether you should enroll at age 65 can depend on the type of employer coverage you have, the size of the employer and whether the coverage meets Medicare requirements.

COBRA and retiree coverage may be treated differently from active employer coverage for Medicare enrollment purposes.

Because late-enrollment penalties or coverage gaps can occur, this is one situation where getting individualized guidance before making a change is especially important.

Original Medicare does not cover every healthcare expense. Examples of services that may not be covered include:

• Most routine dental care
• Routine eye exams for glasses or contacts
• Most hearing aids
• Most long-term custodial care
• Most outpatient prescription drugs without Part D coverage

Medicare also includes deductibles and cost-sharing for many covered services.

ACA Marketplace plans are individual and family major medical health insurance plans that comply with Affordable Care Act requirements.

ACA-compliant plans cover essential health benefits and cannot deny coverage or charge a higher premium solely because of a pre-existing medical condition.

Most people enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after certain qualifying life events.

Examples can include losing qualifying coverage, getting married, having a baby or certain changes in residence. Eligibility rules apply.

A premium tax credit may reduce the monthly premium you pay for eligible Marketplace coverage.

Eligibility can depend on factors including household size, projected annual household income, access to other qualifying coverage and current federal rules.

Cost-Sharing Reductions, often called CSRs, can lower eligible members' deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and maximum out-of-pocket exposure.

To receive these savings, eligible individuals generally must enroll in an eligible Silver Marketplace plan.

If you receive Marketplace financial assistance and your household income or household information changes, updating the Marketplace is important.

Your premium tax credit is based on information reported for the coverage year and may ultimately be reconciled when you file your federal income tax return.

Generally, using a licensed insurance agent or broker does not add a separate charge to the insurance premium for Marketplace enrollment.

Insurance agents may be compensated by insurance carriers. Our role is to help you understand your available options and navigate the enrollment process.

Depending on your eligibility, health needs and location, options may include:

• ACA Marketplace major medical coverage
• Off-Marketplace major medical coverage
• Other private health products
• Short-term coverage where available
• Fixed-indemnity or supplemental products
• HealthShare or medical cost-sharing programs

These products do not all provide the same type or level of protection, so it is important to understand what you are purchasing.

Not necessarily. The term "private health insurance" can refer to many different types of products.

Some private policies are ACA-compliant major medical insurance, while others may have medical underwriting, benefit limits, exclusions or different rules for pre-existing conditions.

We believe the important thing is understanding exactly what a product covers — and what it doesn't — before enrolling.

Enrollment availability depends on the specific type of insurance or healthcare product.

Some non-Marketplace products may accept applications year-round, while ACA-compliant major medical coverage generally requires Open Enrollment or eligibility for a Special Enrollment Period.

A HealthShare or medical cost-sharing program is a membership-based arrangement in which eligible healthcare expenses may be shared among members according to the program's guidelines.

No. HealthShare programs are not health insurance. They operate differently from traditional insurance and payment of medical expenses is subject to the particular program's sharing guidelines.

HealthShare programs may have limitations, waiting periods or sharing restrictions related to pre-existing medical conditions.

The rules vary significantly by program, so reviewing the membership guidelines before joining is important.

Provider access varies by HealthShare program. Some programs offer broad provider flexibility while others may use a provider network or have preferred arrangements.

Always check the specific program's rules before receiving care.

HealthShare programs may appeal to individuals or families who are comfortable with a medical cost-sharing arrangement rather than traditional insurance.

They are not appropriate for everyone. Eligibility, exclusions, pre-existing-condition rules and sharing limitations should all be considered.

Not always. Adult dental and vision benefits are often offered separately from individual major medical health insurance.

Stand-alone plans may allow individuals and families to add dental or vision protection based on their needs.

Depending on the plan, dental insurance may include benefits for preventive care such as exams and cleanings as well as basic and major services.

Deductibles, waiting periods, annual maximums, networks and coverage percentages vary by plan.

Vision plans may provide benefits for routine eye examinations, eyeglass frames, lenses and contact lenses.

Coverage and provider networks vary depending on the plan.

Supplemental insurance products are designed to provide additional protection alongside primary health insurance.

Depending on the policy, benefits may be paid for certain covered events or services.

Available products may include:

• Accident insurance
• Hospital indemnity insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Cancer coverage
• Fixed-indemnity products
• Other supplemental benefits

Product availability and benefits vary by carrier and state.

Generally, no. Supplemental products are designed to complement other coverage rather than function as a replacement for comprehensive major medical insurance.