Physicians Select Insurance Company® —
a member of the Physicians Mutual family
Quick Guide to Medicare and Medicare Supplement Insurance
Ready for Medicare? Our guide walks you through what you need to know before enrollment and helps you navigate Medicare and Medicare Supplement Insurance with confidence as you enter this new chapter.
Key Enrollment Dates — Find out what dates need to be on your radar to avoid delays in coverage and financial penalties.
Signing Up for Medicare — Understand the difference between the parts of Medicare and what they cover.
Medicare Supplement Insurance vs. Medicare Advantage — Get a run down of the difference between these plans.
Inside
Understanding the different parts of Medicare
Key enrollment deadlines you can't afford to miss
Differences between Medicare Supplement Insurance and Medicare Advantage
Helpful federal and state resources to keep on hand
Medicare basics: what you need to know
The Four Parts of Medicare
Important enrollment periods
Initial Enrollment Period
You can sign up for Medicare Parts A and B during a 7-month window around your 65th birthday:
- 3 months before your birth month
- Your birth month
- 3 months after your birth month
Medicare Supplement Insurance Enrollment
The best time to enroll in Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you're 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
Select your birth month to see when you should start planning for Medicare:
Want to know more about Medicare Supplement insurance?
Drop by our Medicare Supplement Insurance Help Center where we've gathered tons of helpful tips and expert guidance just for you.
Take A Look
Understanding Medicare Supplement Insurance
vs. Medicare Advantage
Many people wonder if they should go with a Medicare Advantage plan or stick with Original Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan.
Here are some things to consider to help make your decision between the two.
Doctor and Hospital Choice
Medicare Supplement
You can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. This means if you are traveling and need care, you’re covered.
In most cases, you don’t need a referral to use a specialist.
Medicare Advantage
In many cases, you can only use doctors and other providers who are in the plan’s network and service area (for non-emergency care).
You may need to get a referral to use a specialist.
Cost
Medicare Supplement
You pay a premium.
Medicare Supplement plans generally help pay the out-of-pocket expenses Medicare can leave behind.
Medicare Advantage
Many have no-cost or low cost premiums.
Plans have a maximum out-of-pocket.
Coverage
Medicare Supplement
In most cases, you don’t have to get a service or supply approved ahead of time.
You can choose your own Medicare drug coverage (Part D) to suit your needs.
Medicare Advantage
In many cases, you may need to get approval from your plan before it covers certain drugs or services.
Many include Medicare drug coverage, which is standardized for everyone in the plan.
Get informed to navigate Medicare Supplement Insurance confidently
Important federal and state resources
- Medicare Information: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-42271-800-633-4227)
- Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-12131-800-772-1213
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Free, unbiased counseling about Medicare options in your state, visit Shiphelp.org or call Medicare and ask for the phone number for your state's Health Insurance Assistance Program's office.
Based on individual claims experience. Products and features vary by state.