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  3. Introduction to Medicare

Medicare Made Clear

  1. Home
  3. Introduction to Medicare

Medicare Made Clear

Medicare Made Clear

There's a lot to learn about Medicare. We're here to help you understand the Medicare basics, your different coverage options, enrollment and more. Through helpful resources and tools, discover the information you need to make confident Medicare decisions.


Medicare is individual health insurance offered to U.S. citizens and other eligible individuals based on age, disability or qualifying medical condition. Medicare coverage includes Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) offered by the federal government, and Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D prescription drug coverage, which are offered by private insurance companies. Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) plans are also offered by private insurance companies and help pay for some out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare Part A and Part B don't pay.

Let's Get to Know Medicare


Whether you're just starting out with Medicare, need to brush up on the facts, or are helping a loved one, start your journey here.

Medicare Eligibility  

Find out when you can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B (also known as Original Medicare), and when you can apply for additional coverage.

Enrollment  

Learn how to enroll in Medicare for the first time.

Coverage Choices  

You have options. Learn about Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D and Medigap, and the seven ways these different coverage options can be combined to help make your health care easier.

Medicare Cost Basics  

How much you pay, when you pay it, and what to do if you need help with Medicare costs.

Prescriptions, Providers & Benefits  

A quick guide of important points to consider when reviewing your coverage needs.

Shop Medicare and Medigap insurance plans

Need help?

 

Call UnitedHealthcare:
FED TFN, (TTY 711), 
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week.

Need help?

 

Call UnitedHealthcare:
MEDSUPP TFN, (TTY 711)

 

Hours: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. ET Monday – Friday,
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET Saturday.

 

Types of Medicare and Medigap Plans
 

Original Medicare doesn't cover everything—and it isn't free. Private insurers offer additional coverage to meet a wide range of needs. 

 

Medicare Advantage Plans 

The coverage of Original Medicare plus additional benefits in one convenient plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, too.

                                   

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans  

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.

 

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans 

Prescription drugs aren't covered by Original Medicare. Get Part D prescription drug coverage alone or through a Medicare Advantage plan.

                                   

Special Needs Plans  

Special Needs Plans (SNPs) have benefits that cover special health care or financial needs. All SNPs include prescription drug coverage.

10 Things to Help You Understand Medicare

Getting Medicare the First Time


When you first become eligible for Medicare, you have a Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), during which you can enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D without penalty. However, some people can delay enrolling if working past 65. It's important to understand your options to avoid late penalties and have the health coverage you need.

 

Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period


Learn more about your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period for enrolling in Medicare.
 

Learn More about Medicare Initial Enrollment Period 

 

Medicare When Working Past 65


If you plan to work past 65, your Medicare enrollment choices may be different. You may be able to delay. Discover how Medicare works when you plan to work past 65.
 

Learn More about Working Past 65 

Scroll for Important Disclosures

UnitedHealthcare pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, brokers or producers.

 

AARP encourages you to consider your needs when selecting products and does not make product recommendations for individuals.

 

Please note that each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products.

 

AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

AARP endorses the AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by UnitedHealthcare.

Insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, Hartford, CT or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of America, Schaumburg, IL (for ND residents) or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, Islandia, NY (for NY residents). Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products. Policy form No. GRP 79171 GPS-1 (G-36000-4).

 

In some states, plans may be available to persons under age 65 who are eligible for Medicare by reason of disability or End-Stage Renal Disease.

 

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

 

This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you.

 

You must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan.


THESE PLANS HAVE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS. FOR COSTS AND COMPLETE DETAILS (INCLUDING OUTLINES OF COVERAGE), CALL A LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT/PRODUCER AT THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER ABOVE.

 

Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Prescription Drug plans
Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare. You do not need to be an AARP member to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Prescription Drug plan.

 

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information.

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