PrimeBond Insurance · Medicare
Medicare, In Plain Language
Four parts, four enrollment windows, and two penalties that never expire. Understand those and the rest of the decision becomes manageable. Nothing here is a sales pitch — it is what we would tell a family member.
01 — The parts
What each part covers
Parts A and B are Original Medicare. Part C bundles them privately. Part D handles prescriptions. Most confusion starts with assuming one covers what another does.
Part A — Hospital
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium because of their work history.
Part B — Medical
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. Premiums are income-adjusted and set annually.
Part C — Medicare Advantage
A private plan that bundles Parts A and B, often with drug coverage and extras. Networks and prior authorization rules vary widely.
Part D — Prescription Drugs
Drug coverage through a private plan. Your specific medication list — not the premium — should drive the choice.
02 — Enrollment periods
When you can act
Windows are fixed and unforgiving. Knowing which one applies to you is most of the work.
Initial Enrollment Period
Seven months around your 65th birthday: three before, your birthday month, and three after.
General Enrollment Period
January 1 to March 31 each year, for those who missed their initial window. Coverage begins the month after enrollment.
Special Enrollment Period
Triggered by qualifying events such as losing employer coverage or moving out of a plan's service area.
Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 to December 7. Change Advantage or Part D plans for coverage starting January 1.
03 — Penalties
What a missed window costs
Late-enrollment penalties are permanent. They are also almost always avoidable with one conversation held early enough.
Part B late penalty
A permanent premium increase for each full year you were eligible without enrolling and without qualifying coverage.
Part D late penalty
A permanent surcharge calculated from the months you went without creditable drug coverage.
The avoidable version
Most penalties come from assuming employer or retiree coverage counts. We check whether yours is creditable before your window closes.
04 — Questions
Medicare questions we hear most
Review your options with someone who explains them
Bring your medication list and your current plan. We will compare what is actually available to you — and tell you when staying put is the right answer.