Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older. It also covers certain younger people with disabilities and those with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant. Medicare includes several parts that help cover hospital care, medical services, and prescription drugs. Our licensed advisors help clients across PA, NJ, and DE understand their options and enroll with confidence.
These programs are often confused, but they serve different purposes and have different eligibility rules.
Federal health insurance program
Joint federal and state program
If you’re approaching age 65 or leaving employer coverage, here are the standard timelines:
We’ll help you confirm eligibility and explain what’s available based on your location and needs.
Medicare is made up of different parts that cover specific services:
Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services.
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventative services, and durable medical equipment.
Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Combines Part A and Part B, and often includes extra benefits like dental or vision.
Helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Offered through private insurers approved by Medicare.
We can help you understand how these parts work together and what options may be available based on your needs and location.
Medicare has different parts that cover hospital care, medical services, and prescription drugs. Knowing how each works can help you choose the right coverage and avoid costly gaps.
Read the Full ArticleMedicare is federal health insurance for people who are 65 or older, and for some younger people with qualifying disabilities. It is made up of different parts that cover hospital care, medical services, and prescription drugs.
Medicare is a federal program based on age or disability, not income. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program based on income and financial need. Some people qualify for both.
Most people have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around their 65th birthday. Outside of that window, enrollment is generally limited to a Special Enrollment Period, triggered by specific life events, or the Annual Enrollment Period each fall.
Part A covers hospital care, Part B covers outpatient medical services, Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative way to receive your Part A and B benefits through a private plan, and Part D covers prescription drugs.
Not always. Whether you need to enroll right away can depend on things like whether you're still working and have coverage through an employer. Missing your enrollment window without a qualifying exception can lead to a late enrollment penalty, so it's worth confirming your specific situation before your Initial Enrollment Period ends.
Yes. A licensed advisor can walk you through your options and the enrollment process at no cost to you. You can also enroll on your own directly through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Our licensed advisors can help you understand your options and next steps.
No cost to you. No pressure. Just clear guidance.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options
© 2026 Health & Benefits Partners. All Rights Reserved. This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a licensed advisor to determine how it applies to your situation.
