Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, though it also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS.
Some people get Medicare automatically; others have to actively sign up - it depends on whether you start receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits before you turn 65.
Key Parts of Medicare
Medicare is divided into four distinct "parts" that cover medical services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.
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Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people receive this coverage at no cost if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
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Part B (Medical Insurance): Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services (such as screenings and wellness visits), and medical equipment. Requires a monthly premium.
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Part C (Medicare Advantage): Private insurance plans that bundle Parts A and B (and often Part D) with extra benefits such as vision, dental, hearing, or gym memberships.
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Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription medications and is available as a standalone plan or as part of many Advantage plans.
Medicare does not cover everything—long-term custodial care, most dental/vision/hearing services, or routine international travel—so many people add supplemental coverage (Medigap) or choose Advantage plans.
Getting Started with Medicare
To enroll in Medicare, you must apply directly through the federal government.
Click here to get basic information on how Medicare works, review your options for more coverage, when you should sign up, and how to sign up.
Medicare Costs
Medicare.gov is the federal government's main information site for Medicare.
Learn about Medicare costs, how to pay premiums, and cost-saving programs at Medicare.gov.
Important Timing
Eligibility generally begins at age 65, with initial enrollment around your 65th birthday. There are penalties for late enrollment in some cases, so timing matters. Below are important timelines for you to be aware of:
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Initial Enrollment Period: a seven-month window starting three months before your 65th birthday month.
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Annual Open Enrollment: October 15 – December 7 each year (for changing plans, effective Jan. 1).
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Special Enrollment Periods: exist for qualifying events (e.g., losing coverage, moving).
Assistance
Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Brookletts Place, we’re committed to helping Talbot County seniors understand their Medicare options, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug coverage (Part D), and supplemental policies. Our knowledgeable staff member is available to answer your questions, explain benefits and costs, review your current coverage, and more.
Contact our Maryland State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Coordinator for assistance.