PART A
Hospital insurance
Part A is the hospital insurance part of Original Medicare. It generally relates to inpatient hospital care and certain facility-based care categories under federal Medicare rules.
Learn more about Part A
Medicare education
Medicare, explained without the sales pitch.
Empathy Insurance Advisors (Empathy Healthcare Solutions Inc.) is an independent licensed brokerage. The information on this page is educational. We do not steer you toward any specific plan.
Medicare 101
Medicare, in plain English.
What it is, who can enroll, and how independent brokerages can explain Medicare in general terms.
We are not connected to or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
What Medicare is
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, and for some younger people with certain disabilities. It is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare has different parts that cover different categories of care.
Who can enroll
Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65, though some qualify earlier through disability or specific medical conditions. Eligibility is determined by federal rules, not by your insurance broker. We help you understand when YOUR enrollment window opens.
How an independent brokerage helps
We explain general Medicare pathways and help you understand how plan types differ. We do not steer you toward any specific plan or carrier. Decisions about your coverage are yours to make.
The four parts
Medicare has four parts. Here's what each one is.
These are educational explanations of what each part covers in general terms. Specific plan details vary; ask Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for plan-by-plan information.
We are not connected to or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
PART B
Medical insurance
Part B is the medical insurance part of Original Medicare. It generally relates to doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and certain medical equipment under federal Medicare rules.
Learn more about Part BPART C
Medicare Advantage
An alternative way to receive Medicare through a private insurance company contracted with Medicare. Availability and rules vary by area; review official Medicare resources for plan-specific information.
Learn more about Part CPART D
Prescription drug coverage
Part D is the Medicare prescription drug program. Drug lists and plan rules vary, so plan-specific details should be reviewed through Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
Learn more about Part DEnrollment periods
When you can enroll, change, or switch plans.
Medicare has specific windows during the year when you can make changes. Knowing which window applies to you is the first step.
We are not connected to or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
- IEPInitial Enrollment Period
Your first window to enroll in Medicare
The Initial Enrollment Period is your personal seven-month window around your 65th birthday. It opens three months before the month you turn 65 and closes three months after. This is when most people enroll in Medicare for the first time. Missing your IEP can result in late enrollment penalties for Part B and Part D.
Read more about IEP- AEPAnnual Enrollment Period
The annual window to change Medicare Advantage and Part D
The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During AEP, current Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in, change, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan. Changes made during AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year.
Read more about AEP- OEPMedicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
The Medicare Advantage open enrollment window
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31. During OEP, beneficiaries already enrolled in Medicare Advantage can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare with or without a Part D plan.
Read more about OEP- SEPSpecial Enrollment Period
Special Enrollment Periods for qualifying events
Special Enrollment Periods open when specific life events happen — losing employer coverage, moving to a new area, qualifying for Extra Help, and others. SEP timing depends on your specific event. We help you understand if your situation qualifies.
Read more about SEP
Frequently asked
Common Medicare questions, answered.
Educational answers to questions we hear most often. For plan-specific information, please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
We are not connected to or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
More Medicare topics
We are not connected to or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Independent Medicare resources
Start with the official sources.
For unbiased information about Medicare, plan-specific details, and federal enrollment rules, the federal program and your local SHIP are the primary paths.
Have a question we might be able to help with as an independent licensed brokerage? Speak with a licensed advisor for educational guidance. No pressure, no enrollment commitment.
Educational consultations only. For official Medicare actions, start with Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local SHIP.
We are not connected to or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
We are not connected to or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [X] organizations which offer [Y] plan options in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.