Medicare Made Simple.
Medicare has more letters than the alphabet — A, B, C, D, Supplement, Advantage. I walk you through your options in plain English, then help you pick the plan that fits your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget.
The Parts, in Plain English
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is the federal program you become eligible for at 65. Part A covers hospital stays, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. Together they cover about 80% of your medical costs — the other 20% is your problem unless you add coverage.
That’s where the choices begin. You can either fill the 20% gap with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, OR replace Original Medicare entirely with a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that bundles everything into one. Most people also add Part D for prescription drug coverage.
Sounds confusing? It is — and that’s the problem. The right plan saves you thousands per year. The wrong plan can lock you out of care. My job is to make this decision easy by walking through your doctors, your medications, and your budget before recommending anything.
People Navigating Medicare for the First (or Tenth) Time
Whether you’re aging into Medicare, helping a parent, or switching plans during Annual Enrollment, I’ll help you choose with confidence.
Turning 65 Soon
Your Initial Enrollment Period is 7 months long. I’ll make sure you sign up on time and avoid lifetime penalties.
Recently Retired
Losing employer coverage triggers a Special Enrollment Period. We have 8 months to set you up — but earlier is better.
Currently on Medicare
Annual Enrollment runs October 15 – December 7. Your plan changes every year. I review to make sure yours still fits.
Managing Prescriptions
Wrong Part D plan can cost thousands more per year. I look up your exact medications to find the cheapest plan for YOU.
Wanting Doctor Choice
If keeping your current doctors matters, Supplement is usually better than Advantage. I’ll check which doctors take what.
Haitian Diaspora & Seniors
Full service in Kreyòl. We’ll go over options together at your pace — no rush, no pressure.
The Big Choice
After Original Medicare, you have two main paths. Most people don’t know the difference. Here it is, no fluff.
Most Predictable
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Keeps Original Medicare as primary
- Fills the 20% coverage gap
- See ANY doctor that takes Medicare
- No referrals needed
- Predictable monthly premium
- Travel-friendly (works nationwide)
- Higher premium, lower out-of-pocket
Lower Premium
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Replaces Original Medicare
- Often $0 monthly premium
- Network restrictions (HMO/PPO)
- Often includes dental, vision, hearing
- May include prescription drugs
- Copays per visit, per prescription
- Lower premium, variable out-of-pocket
There’s no universally “better” choice — only what’s better for YOU. If you travel, have specialists across networks, or want maximum doctor freedom, Supplement usually wins. If your doctors are in-network and you want to minimize monthly cost, Advantage can be excellent.
Real Comparison. Real Recommendation.
Your Situation
I list your doctors, your medications, and what matters most: budget, travel, network freedom.
The Real Comparison
I run actual quotes against the plans available in your ZIP. I check which doctors take which plan. I look up YOUR prescriptions.
Honest Recommendation
I tell you what I’d pick if I were you — and why. If multiple plans tie, I show you the trade-offs. You decide.
Questions People Ask Me
When can I sign up for Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window: the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. Outside that window, you can switch plans during Annual Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7) or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lose other coverage.
Will my doctor take my plan?
For Medicare Supplement: any doctor that takes Original Medicare takes your Supplement. For Medicare Advantage: it depends on the plan’s network. I check your doctors against the network BEFORE enrolling you. Never the other way around.
How much does Medicare cost?
Part A is free for most people. Part B is $174.70/month in 2024 (more if you have higher income). A Supplement plan typically adds $100-$250/month. Medicare Advantage often has a $0 premium but adds copays. Part D drug plans range from $5-$80/month.
What if I have Medicaid too?
If you qualify for both Medicare AND Medicaid (called “Dual Eligible”), there are special plans (D-SNPs) designed for you. They typically have zero premium, extra benefits, and fully integrate both programs. Definitely worth a conversation if this is your situation.
Can I switch plans later if I don’t like mine?
Yes, but with rules. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can be changed during Annual Enrollment each year. Medicare Supplement can be changed anytime, BUT you may have to answer health questions and could be denied. The window to switch Supplement without health questions is mostly during your first 6 months of Part B enrollment — that’s why getting it right the first time matters.
Why do you do this for free?
I get paid by the insurance carriers when you enroll — not by you. The cost of the plan is the same whether you sign up with me, with a 1-800 call center, or directly online. The difference is whether you get a real person who knows you, picks up the phone, and helps you each year.
Let’s Walk Through Medicare Together
Free 30-minute review. No obligation. You leave knowing exactly what plan fits your life — even if that means staying on the one you have.
Important Medicare Disclosure: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Joel Charles is a licensed insurance agent representing multiple carriers. This is a solicitation for insurance. By contacting Covered by Joel, you may be contacted by a licensed insurance agent. National Producer Number (NPN): 17113872.