Medicare & Senior Insurance | Braddock Insurance

Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, as well as some younger people with qualifying disabilities. It's divided into parts: Part A covers hospital stays and inpatient care, Part B covers medical services and outpatient care, Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an all-in-one private-plan alternative to Original Medicare, and Part D covers prescription drugs. Here's the thing most people don't realize until it's too late: Original Medicare alone leaves significant gaps in coverage, including most dental, vision, and hearing, plus out-of-pocket costs that can add up fast. Understanding what each part does is the essential first step before choosing any plan.

Most people qualify for Medicare at 65 if they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after it. Missing that window without a qualifying Special Enrollment Period can result in permanent late-enrollment penalties on your Part B and Part D premiums. If you're still on employer coverage through an active job, you may be eligible to delay Part B without penalty, but the rules are specific. Harry's job is to make sure no one misses their window or gets hit with a penalty that lasts a lifetime.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that often bundles drug, dental, and vision coverage into a single premium. The tradeoff: Advantage plans have network restrictions and often require prior authorization for procedures, which can slow down or limit your care. Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover the gaps it leaves, like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Supplement plans typically cost more per month but give you more predictable out-of-pocket costs and the freedom to see any provider that accepts Medicare, nationwide. Neither option is universally better. The right choice comes down to your health, your budget, your preferred doctors, and how you actually use your coverage. Harry models both scenarios honestly for every client.

Part D is a separate plan (or included in many Medicare Advantage plans) that covers prescription drugs. Each plan has a formulary, which is a list of covered medications organized by tier, with premiums, deductibles, and copays that vary by plan and drug. The difference in cost between plans for the same medications can run into hundreds of dollars per year, which is why picking a plan without checking your actual drug list is a costly mistake. Harry reviews your current medications and compares Part D plans side by side to find the one with the lowest real-world cost for your specific prescriptions.

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: which is better?
Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on your health, how often you see doctors and specialists, your preferred providers, and your budget. Advantage plans usually have lower premiums but can require prior authorization and have network limits. Supplement plans cost more monthly but give you more predictable costs and access to any provider that accepts Medicare. Harry's job is to model both for your specific situation, not steer you toward one.
What happens if I miss my enrollment window?
Missing your Initial Enrollment Period without a qualifying Special Enrollment Period can result in permanent late penalties on your Part B premium (10% per full 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll) and on your Part D premium. These penalties last as long as you have Medicare. This is one of the most important reasons to plan ahead. Harry helps clients map out their exact enrollment window so nothing is missed.
Can I keep my current doctor with Medicare?
With Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan, you can see any provider in the country that accepts Medicare, which is most doctors. Medicare Advantage plans have networks, and whether your doctor is in-network varies by plan and location. If keeping your current providers is a priority, Harry factors that in when comparing options.
How does Part D actually work: what does it cost me?
Part D plans have a monthly premium, an annual deductible (varies by plan), and copays or coinsurance that depend on the drug tier your medication falls into. The total cost varies widely between plans even for the same drugs, which is why comparing plans against your actual medication list matters. Harry does that comparison for clients as part of every Medicare review.
Do I need to review my Medicare plan every year?
Yes, and most people don't. Plan formularies, premiums, and provider networks can change every year during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7). A plan that was right last year may not be right this year. Harry reaches out to his clients during AEP to review their coverage and make sure nothing has slipped.
Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing?
Original Medicare covers very little in these areas: no routine dental, no glasses or contacts, and limited hearing coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits, but the scope varies. Standalone dental and vision plans are available year-round to fill the gap. See the Dental and Vision section above or scroll up to review your options.

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Medicare & Senior

What Is Medicare and What Does It Actually Cover?

Who Qualifies and When to Enroll

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: What's the Difference?

How Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Works

A Practical Guide to Your Medicare Enrollment Window

Does Medicare Cover Dental and Vision? (Usually Not, Here's What Does)

Your Options & How to Enroll

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Supplement

Part D Drug Coverage

Dental & Vision Plans

Medicare Questions People Actually Ask

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: which is better?

What happens if I miss my enrollment window?

Can I keep my current doctor with Medicare?

How does Part D actually work: what does it cost me?

Do I need to review my Medicare plan every year?

Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing?

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