Medicare Navigator

Learn Medicare from the fundamentals to decision readiness

A guided Medicare learning system for turning 65, retiring, reviewing coverage, or helping a parent. Start with the basics, then move into enrollment timing, costs, coverage paths, special situations, and comparison checklists.

Start Navigator Request Medicare Help

Your navigator progress

Private to this browser session.

0 of 6 modules marked complete

Turning 65

Start with enrollment timing, automatic versus active sign-up, and whether you need Part B and Part D right away.

Retiring Soon

Focus on employer coverage end dates, Part B timing, creditable drug coverage, and retirement health costs.

Already on Medicare

Review doctors, prescriptions, costs, plan changes, and whether your current coverage still fits.

Helping a Parent

Organize permissions, mail, medication lists, current coverage cards, and the questions your parent wants answered.

Learning path

Fundamentals modules

Work through each module in order, or jump to the section that matches your current Medicare question.

Fundamentals

Medicare Orientation

Understand what Medicare is, what it is not, and why timing should come before plan comparison.

Objective

Build a clear mental model of Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D, and official resources.

Lessons

Medicare is a federal health insurance program with different parts and coverage paths.
Original Medicare generally means Part A and Part B.
Medicare Advantage is a private-plan alternative offered by Medicare-approved companies.
Part D helps with prescription drug coverage, and Medigap can help with certain Original Medicare cost-sharing.

Checkpoints

Can you explain the difference between a Medicare part and a coverage path?
Do you know whether you are learning for yourself or helping someone else?
Have you bookmarked Medicare.gov for official verification?

Common pitfalls

Starting with ads instead of the basic structure.
Assuming Medicare covers every routine dental, vision, hearing, or long-term care need.
Treating a friend’s coverage choice as universal advice.

Continue learning

What Is Medicare?Medicare Parts A, B, C & D

Fundamentals

Eligibility and Enrollment Timing

Map age, work status, disability eligibility, retirement, and current coverage into the right timing questions.

Objective

Know which enrollment window needs attention before you make coverage decisions.

Lessons

Many people first review Medicare around age 65, but some qualify earlier due to disability or certain conditions.
Your Initial Enrollment Period generally lasts seven months around your 65th birthday month.
Employer coverage, spouse coverage, COBRA, retiree coverage, Medicaid, or VA-related benefits can change what to ask next.
Part B and Part D timing can create penalties or gaps if delayed without the right coverage.

Checkpoints

What month do you turn 65 or lose employer coverage?
Are you or your spouse actively working?
Has your benefits office confirmed whether drug coverage is creditable?

Common pitfalls

Assuming COBRA protects you the same way active employer coverage may.
Waiting until the last month to understand Part B.
Ignoring prescription drug creditable coverage rules.

Continue learning

Medicare Enrollment When to Apply for Medicare Enrollment Timeline Tool

Decision readiness

What to gather before comparing coverage

The navigator is educational. It does not replace Medicare.gov, SHIP, your employer benefits office, or licensed plan-specific help.

Medicare card or expected eligibility month

Employer, retiree, Medicaid, VA, or spouse coverage details

Doctor, hospital, pharmacy, and prescription list

Monthly budget and comfort with out-of-pocket risk

Travel, seasonal residence, or caregiver needs

Questions you want answered before submitting personal information

Official references used by the Navigator

Medicare.gov: Get started with Medicare Medicare.gov: Prepare to sign up Medicare.gov: When can I sign up?Medicare.gov: Original Medicare coverage Medicare.gov: Coverage options Medicare.gov: Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Medicare.gov: Medicare costs SHIP: State Health Insurance Assistance Program

GetStartedWithMedicare.com is an independent educational website and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government, Medicare, CMS, or any federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information submitted may be used to connect you with a licensed insurance professional where available.

This website provides general educational information only and does not provide legal, medical, tax, or insurance advice.