Medicare, charted for the journey ahead.
Every journey goes better with a map and a guide who has walked the ground. Here is the territory in plain terms, the route from age 64 onward, and licensed guides when you want company.
The territory: five landmarks worth knowing.
Medicare is not one thing but a handful of parts that fit together. Select a landmark on the chart, or from the legend, to read what it generally is.
Legend and landmarks
Part A · Hospital Harbor
- What it generally covers
- Who it fits, and when
General descriptions only. What a plan covers and what you pay vary by plan, ZIP code and eligibility.1
The route, from age 64 to 66 and beyond.
Six waypoints most travelers pass. Your own dates depend on your birthday and your circumstances, so treat this as a sketch, not a schedule.
- Age 64
Pack lightly
Gather what you will need: work history, a list of doctors and medications, and what your employer plan offers. Ask your SHIP for free local counseling.
- 3 months before your birthday month
The window opens
Your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period begins. Many people use this stretch to learn their options before deciding.
- Your 65th birthday month
The middle of the window
Still within your Initial Enrollment Period. When coverage starts can depend on when you sign up.
- 3 months after
The window closes
The 7-month Initial Enrollment Period ends. Special rules can apply if you are still covered through work.
- Every fall: Oct 15 – Dec 7
The annual crossing
Annual Election Period. Review and, if you wish, change Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for the following year.
- Age 66 and onward
Weather permitting
Jan 1 – Mar 31: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment for those in an Advantage plan. Special Enrollment Periods follow qualifying events such as moving.
Two roads, and the baggage you may carry.
Most travelers eventually face a fork. One road is Original Medicare, which is Part A and Part B, often paired with a separate Part D drug plan and, for some, a Medicare Supplement policy. The other road is Medicare Advantage, in which a private company delivers your Part A and B benefits, usually with drug coverage and added features.
Original Medicare, with optional add-ons
Generally lets you see providers who accept Medicare nationwide. Add-ons such as Part D and Medigap are chosen separately.
Medicare Advantage
Generally uses a network and may bundle extras. Plans and service areas vary, so what is on offer depends on where you live.
Neither road is right for everyone. A good guide helps you name what matters to you, such as your doctors, your medications, your budget for care and how much you travel, and then helps you check whether a plan fits.3
Walk the next stretch with a licensed agent.
Share a few details and a licensed insurance agent or partner organization may contact you to answer questions. Plans vary by ZIP code, availability and eligibility. There is no obligation.
By submitting the form you consent to be contacted as described with the form and in our Privacy Policy. Consent is not required to use this site.
Questions travelers ask.
Is North Star Guide connected to the government or Medicare itself?
No. This site is operated by a private company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
What does a guide cost me?
Using North Star Guide is free. It is an informational and referral service. Any plan you later choose has its own terms.
Will someone contact me?
Only if you ask and consent. A licensed insurance agent or partner may then reach you by phone, text or email. You can opt out at any time.
Does the chart show every plan in my area?
No. We do not offer every plan available in your area. For information on all of your options, contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
What if I’m still working at 65?
Timing can differ. Whether and when to enroll in Part B often depends on your employer’s size and plan. Many people qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends. Ask your benefits administrator and your SHIP.
Who are the organizations in the gazetteer?
Independent insurance, benefits and healthcare-related organizations. Listing is informational and not an endorsement. See the gazetteer.
References and footnotes
- General plan descriptions: Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) are the federal program’s public information sources. Details can change; confirm before acting. medicare.gov
- Enrollment periods summarized here: Initial Enrollment Period (7 months around the 65th birthday), Annual Election Period (October 15 to December 7), Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 to March 31), and Special Enrollment Periods for qualifying events.
- Free local counseling: your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). shiphelp.org