What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. It usually combines Part A, Part B, and often Part D prescription drug coverage.

What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare is run by the federal government and lets you use any provider that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurers and often uses provider networks.

What is Medicare Supplement or Medigap?

Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap, works with Original Medicare to help reduce out-of-pocket costs. It can help cover certain copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Does Medigap include prescription drug coverage?

Medigap plans sold today do not include prescription drug coverage. Most people need a separate Medicare Part D plan for medications.

When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period usually runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, many people can review or change Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.

Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans later?

Yes, but timing matters. Most people can switch during Annual Enrollment, Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, or a qualifying Special Enrollment Period.

What is the difference between HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage plans?

HMO plans usually require in-network care and may need referrals. PPO plans generally offer more provider flexibility but may cost more for out-of-network care.

Do Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization?

Many Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization for certain services. This can include imaging, surgeries, skilled nursing care, or other covered treatments.

Do Medicare Advantage plans have an out-of-pocket limit?

Yes, Medicare Advantage plans include an annual maximum out-of-pocket limit for covered medical services. Original Medicare does not include this protection by itself.

Why do Medicare plans change every year?

Plans may update premiums, copays, drug formularies, provider networks, and benefits each year. Reviewing your plan annually helps avoid unexpected changes.

How can I find a Medicare plan that includes my doctor?

You should check the plan’s provider network before enrolling. A local Medicare agent can help confirm whether your doctors and hospitals are included.

IRMAA is an income-related adjustment that can increase Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. It is based on your reported income from prior tax years.

What is a Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period allows certain Medicare changes outside normal enrollment windows. Qualifying events may include moving, losing coverage, or plan changes.

Why work with a local Medicare agent?

A local Medicare agent can help compare plan options, explain networks, and review coverage based on your area. This can make Medicare decisions easier to understand.

Medicare for Dummies 2026: The Simple, No-Stress Guide to Your Coverage

Q: What is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. It helps cover medication costs based on the plan’s formulary.

March 10, 2026

Medicare for Dummies 2026: The Simple, No-Stress Guide to Understanding Your Coverage

If you’re turning 65 this year — or helping a parent navigate Medicare for the first time — there’s a good chance your mailbox is already overflowing with glossy brochures and your phone is ringing with “urgent” offers you didn’t ask for.

It’s exhausting. And confusing by design.

The Medicare system has dozens of moving parts, multiple enrollment windows, lifetime penalties for missing deadlines, and an entire industry of insurance companies competing for your attention. Most of what you receive in the mail is marketing — not education.

This guide is different. After 18+ years of working exclusively in Medicare, I’ve helped over 5,000 people navigate this system. What I’ve learned is that Medicare isn’t actually that complicated once someone breaks it down in plain English — without trying to sell you something in the process.

That’s exactly what this guide does. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand how Medicare works, what it costs in 2026, what your real choices are, and how to enroll without making a costly mistake.

Let’s start from the beginning.

Key Takeaways

Medicare has four parts: A (hospital), B (medical), C (Medicare Advantage), and D (prescriptions). Parts A and B together are called Original Medicare.
Original Medicare covers 80% of most medical costs — leaving a 20% gap with no annual limit. That gap is real and can be significant.
In 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90/month. The Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period.
The Part D prescription drug out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 in 2026 — eliminating the old “donut hole” for good.
Your most important enrollment window is a 7-month period around your 65th birthday. Miss it without qualifying coverage elsewhere, and you face lifetime penalties.
The biggest decision you’ll make is between Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage. Understanding the difference is everything.
Working with a truly independent broker costs you nothing and gives you access to 40+ carriers with unbiased guidance.

What Is Medicare, Really?
The Four Parts of Medicare — Explained Simply
Your 2026 Medicare Costs at a Glance
The 20% Gap — Why Original Medicare Alone Isn’t Enough for Most People
The Big Decision: Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage
Medicare Enrollment Periods — Dates, Deadlines, and Penalties
What Happens If You Miss Your Enrollment Window?
Special Situations: Still Working at 65, IRMAA, and More
Your Simple Step-by-Step Medicare Action Plan
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Medicare, Really?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for Americans age 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities or specific conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease. As of 2026, over 67 million Americans are enrolled.

It’s funded through payroll taxes you paid throughout your working career — which is why most people don’t pay a monthly premium for the hospital portion. You already paid for it.

But here’s what most people don’t realize going in: Medicare is not comprehensive coverage on its own. It covers a lot — but it leaves gaps that can become financially significant if you have a serious illness or a long hospital stay. Understanding those gaps is the most important thing you can do before you enroll.

Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The official resource for all Medicare information is medicare.gov — worth bookmarking.

The Four Parts of Medicare — Explained Simply

Think of Medicare as a puzzle with four pieces. Each piece covers a different category of healthcare. Here’s what each one does:

Part A — Your Hospital Coverage

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility (SNF) care, hospice care, and some home health services.

The good news: Most people pay $0 per month for Part A. As long as you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare payroll taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters), you’ve already earned premium-free Part A.

What you still pay: Part A isn’t free when you use it. You’ll pay a deductible of $1,736 per benefit period in 2026 — not per year, per benefit period. If you’re hospitalized more than once in a year with a gap of 60 days between stays, you could pay that deductible more than once.

Hospital coinsurance in 2026:

Days 1–60: $0 (covered after your deductible)
Days 61–90: $434 per day
Days 91+: $868 per day (lifetime reserve days)

Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance in 2026:

Days 1–20: $0
Days 21–100: $217.50 per day
Day 101+: You pay 100%

Part B — Your Medical Coverage

Part B covers everything outpatient: doctor visits, specialist appointments, lab work, X-rays, outpatient surgery, durable medical equipment, and many preventive services.

What you pay in 2026:

Standard monthly premium: $202.90
Annual deductible: $283
After the deductible: Medicare pays 80%, you pay 20% — with no annual limit on your out-of-pocket exposure

That 20% with no cap is the most important number in Medicare. We’ll come back to it.

Important: Most preventive services — annual wellness visits, flu shots, mammograms, colonoscopies, and certain cancer screenings — are covered at 100% with no deductible or coinsurance. These are among the most valuable benefits Medicare offers, and many people don’t use them.

Part D — Your Prescription Drug Coverage

Part D covers prescription medications. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and vary significantly in their formularies (covered drug lists), premiums, and cost-sharing.

2026 is a landmark year for Part D. The Inflation Reduction Act’s final implementation phase has eliminated the old “donut hole” and replaced it with a hard out-of-pocket cap:

The 2026 Part D out-of-pocket maximum is $2,100. Once you’ve spent $2,100 on covered prescriptions at the pharmacy, your plan pays 100% of covered drug costs for the rest of the calendar year. For the millions of seniors who previously faced sudden cost spikes mid-year, this is a genuinely significant change.

Average Part D premiums in 2026 run around $34.50/month, though plans range from around $10 to well over $100 depending on the formulary and your medications.

Critical: Every Part D plan has a different list of covered drugs called a formulary. Always verify that your specific medications are covered — and at what tier — before selecting a plan. A plan with a low premium that doesn’t cover your medications isn’t a good deal.

Part C — Medicare Advantage (The All-in-One Alternative)

Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, is a completely different way to receive your Medicare benefits. Instead of Original Medicare paying your claims directly, you enroll in a private insurance plan that bundles Parts A, B, and usually D into one card.

We’ll cover this in detail in the Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage section below, because the choice between these two paths is the single most important decision you’ll make.

Your 2026 Medicare Costs at a Glance

Here’s a quick reference table of the key 2026 Medicare figures, confirmed from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):

Cost Item	2026 Amount
Part A premium (most people)	$0/month
Part A hospital deductible	$1,736 per benefit period
Part A hospital coinsurance (days 61–90)	$434/day
Part A SNF coinsurance (days 21–100)	$217.50/day
Part B standard premium	$202.90/month
Part B annual deductible	$283
Part B coinsurance (after deductible)	20% of approved costs
Part D out-of-pocket cap	$2,100
Average Part D premium	~$34.50/month
Medicare Advantage average premium	~$14/month
HD Plan G deductible	$2,950
IRMAA income threshold (individual)	$109,000
IRMAA income threshold (married filing jointly)	$218,000

The 20% Gap — Why Original Medicare Alone Isn’t Enough for Most People

This is the single most important concept in Medicare and the one most people don’t fully grasp until they need care.

Original Medicare pays 80% of approved costs for most services after you meet the Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20% — with no annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Let’s make that concrete:

$10,000 outpatient surgery → you owe $2,000
$50,000 cardiac procedure → you owe $10,000
$100,000 cancer treatment → you owe $20,000

There is no year-end ceiling. The 20% continues no matter how much you spend. For most retirees on fixed incomes, this kind of open-ended exposure is the financial risk that keeps them up at night — and it’s the risk that Medigap plans are specifically designed to eliminate.

Add to that the Part A hospital deductible ($1,736 per benefit period) and SNF coinsurance ($217.50/day from day 21), and the potential out-of-pocket exposure under Original Medicare alone is significant.

This is why 43% of all Medicare beneficiaries — about 12 million people — choose to add a Medicare Supplement plan. And it’s why understanding your options here matters so much.

The Big Decision: Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage

This is the fork in the road. Every Medicare enrollee faces it, and the choice you make shapes your entire healthcare experience going forward.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) — Predictability and Freedom

A Medicare Supplement plan, also called Medigap, is a private insurance policy that works alongside Original Medicare to fill in the gaps. It doesn’t replace Medicare — it wraps around it.

How it works: Original Medicare pays its 80% share first. Your Medigap plan then covers most or all of the remaining 20%, plus other gaps like the Part A deductible and hospital coinsurance.

The key advantages:

No networks. Any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare accepts your Medigap plan. There are no referrals, no prior authorizations, no in-network vs. out-of-network. Complete freedom.
Predictable costs. You pay a fixed monthly premium and have little to no out-of-pocket exposure when you use care.
No surprises. The standardized benefits are set by the federal government — a Plan G from one carrier covers exactly the same things as a Plan G from any other carrier.
Works anywhere in the U.S. No geographic restrictions. Ideal for travelers or snowbirds.

The most popular Medigap plans in 2026:

Plan G is the most popular choice for new Medicare enrollees. It covers 100% of Medicare gaps after the annual Part B deductible ($283). After that deductible, your out-of-pocket exposure for covered services is essentially zero.

Plan N covers the same hospital benefits as Plan G but includes small copays — up to $20 for office visits and $50 for ER visits that don’t result in admission. In exchange, premiums run about $30–$50 less per month than Plan G. A strong option for healthy enrollees who want to save on monthly costs.

High-Deductible Plan G (HD Plan G) offers the same ultimate coverage as standard Plan G but requires you to meet a $2,950 deductible first. In exchange, premiums are dramatically lower — often $50–$90/month. For healthy enrollees who rarely need significant care, the annual premium savings can easily offset the deductible risk.

The tradeoff: Medigap premiums are higher than Medicare Advantage premiums — often $120–$250/month depending on plan, age, and state. You pay more upfront for predictability and freedom.

Important for New York residents: New York is a community-rated state with year-round guaranteed issue. You can enroll in or switch Medigap plans at any time without medical underwriting, and everyone pays the same premium regardless of age. This is an exceptional consumer protection that most states don’t offer.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) — Bundled Coverage with Extra Perks

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide your benefits. Instead of Original Medicare paying your claims directly, your Advantage plan handles everything.

How it works: You enroll in a private plan — usually an HMO or PPO — that bundles your hospital, medical, and usually prescription drug coverage into one plan with one card.

The key advantages:

Lower monthly premiums. The average Medicare Advantage premium in 2026 is approximately $14/month. Many plans offer $0 premiums.
Extra benefits. Dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits are commonly included — things Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Out-of-pocket maximum. Medicare Advantage plans have an annual out-of-pocket cap — the maximum in 2026 is $9,250, though many plans set it lower.
Simplicity. One plan, one card, one insurance company to call.

The tradeoffs:

Networks matter. Most Medicare Advantage plans require you to use in-network providers for the lowest costs. Going out of network — or choosing an HMO that requires referrals — can mean higher costs or denied coverage.
Prior authorizations. Many procedures, specialist visits, and medications require advance approval from the plan. This adds a layer of friction that Original Medicare doesn’t have.
Plans change annually. Premiums, benefits, drug formularies, and networks can all change on January 1. A plan that works well for you this year may look very different next year.
Geographic limitations. Coverage is tied to your local service area. If you travel frequently or split time between states, a network-based plan may not serve you well.

The Honest Comparison

Factor	Medicare Supplement (Medigap)	Medicare Advantage
Monthly premium	Higher ($120–$250+)	Lower ($0–$14 avg.)
Doctor/hospital choice	Any Medicare-accepting provider	Usually network-restricted
Out-of-pocket when sick	Very low (near zero with Plan G)	Variable (up to $9,250 max)
Prior authorizations	None	Common
Prescription coverage	Separate Part D plan needed	Usually included
Extra benefits (dental/vision)	Not included	Often included
Predictability	Very high	Moderate
Best for	People who want freedom and certainty	People who want lower monthly costs and extras

The right choice depends on your health, your budget, your lifestyle, and your priorities. There is no universally “better” option — but there is a right answer for your specific situation. This is exactly the kind of analysis a good independent broker helps you work through.

Medicare Enrollment Periods — Dates, Deadlines, and Penalties

This is where people make the most costly mistakes. Medicare enrollment has specific windows, and missing them — without qualifying coverage elsewhere — can mean lifetime premium penalties and gaps in coverage.

Here are the key enrollment periods you need to know:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — Your Most Important Window

The IEP is a 7-month window centered around your 65th birthday:

3 months before your birthday month
Your birthday month
3 months after your birthday month

Example: If you turn 65 in June 2026, your IEP runs from March 1 through September 30, 2026.

This is your primary opportunity to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B without penalty. If you enroll in the first three months of your IEP, coverage begins on the first day of your birthday month. If you enroll during your birthday month or after, there may be a one to three month delay before coverage begins.

If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits: You’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. You don’t need to do anything — your Medicare card will arrive in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP) — If You’re Still Working at 65

If you’re still working at 65 and covered by employer health insurance from a company with 20 or more employees, you can delay Medicare enrollment without penalty. This is called a Special Enrollment Period.

Once your employment ends or your employer coverage ends — whichever comes first — you have 8 months to enroll in Medicare without penalty. Don’t wait until COBRA runs out to enroll. The 8-month clock starts from when your group coverage ends, not when COBRA ends.

Key requirements:

The employer must have 20+ employees
Coverage must be through your own current employment or a current spouse’s employment (not a former employer or retiree coverage)
Get written confirmation from your employer that your coverage is “creditable” and keep it in your files

General Enrollment Period (GEP) — The Catch-Up Window

If you missed your IEP and don’t qualify for an SEP, the GEP is your annual catch-up opportunity:

Dates: January 1 – March 31 each year
Coverage starts: July 1 of the same year
Penalty: Late enrollment penalties will apply

The GEP is a safety net — but it’s not a good situation to be in. The coverage gap (you could wait months for coverage to start) and the lifetime penalties make missing your IEP genuinely costly.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) — For Plan Changes

If you’re already enrolled in Medicare and want to switch plans:

Dates: October 15 – December 7 each year
Changes take effect: January 1 of the following year

During AEP, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, join or change a Part D plan, or add a Part D plan if you didn’t have one.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)

Dates: January 1 – March 31 each year
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch to a different Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare, this is your window.

What Happens If You Miss Your Enrollment Window?

Missing your enrollment window without qualifying coverage is one of the most consequential — and unfortunately common — Medicare mistakes. Here’s what it actually costs:

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty

For every 12-month period you were eligible for Part B but didn’t enroll, your Part B premium increases by 10% — permanently.

If you went 2 years without enrolling, your premium goes up 20% — for life. At $202.90/month in 2026, a 20% penalty means an extra $40.58 every month for as long as you have Medicare.

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty

For every month you went without creditable prescription drug coverage, you pay 1% of the national base beneficiary premium added to your monthly Part D premium — permanently.

In 2026, the base beneficiary premium is approximately $34.50/month. One year without coverage = roughly $4.14/month added permanently.

Part A Penalty (Less Common)

Most people don’t pay a Part A premium at all. But if you need to pay for Part A and delay enrollment, the premium can increase by 10% for twice the number of years you delayed.

The bottom line: These penalties are permanent. They follow you for life. The best way to avoid them is to enroll during your IEP, or to make sure you have documented, creditable employer coverage if you’re delaying.

Special Situations Worth Knowing

Still Working at 65 With Employer Coverage

As described above, you can delay Medicare without penalty if you have active employer coverage from a company with 20+ employees. But there are nuances worth knowing:

If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes your primary insurance at 65 even if you stay on the employer plan. In this case, you should enroll in Medicare on time.
COBRA and retiree coverage do not count as qualifying employer coverage for SEP purposes. If you leave a job at 65 and go on COBRA, your 8-month SEP clock has already started.
Always get written confirmation from your employer or plan administrator that your coverage is creditable before deciding to delay.

IRMAA — Higher Premiums for Higher Earners

If your income exceeds certain thresholds, you pay more for Part B and Part D through what’s called IRMAA — the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.

Medicare uses your tax return from two years prior to determine your current-year premium. So your 2026 premiums are based on your 2024 income.

2026 IRMAA thresholds:

Individual filers: $109,000+
Married filing jointly: $218,000+

At the highest income tier, Part B premiums can reach $689.90/month per person. If your income dropped significantly due to retirement, divorce, or death of a spouse, you can request a reduction using a life-changing event form (SSA-44).

Turning 65 but Not Yet on Social Security

You don’t need to be collecting Social Security to enroll in Medicare. If you’re not yet taking Social Security at 65, you’ll need to actively enroll in Medicare yourself through Social Security’s website (ssa.gov) or by visiting a local Social Security office. It won’t happen automatically.

Your Simple Step-by-Step Medicare Action Plan

Here’s the practical roadmap — what to actually do and when:

6–9 Months Before Turning 65:

Confirm your IEP dates (3 months before your birthday month)
If you have employer coverage, get written confirmation it’s creditable
Start researching Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage options
Talk to an independent broker who works with 40+ carriers

3 Months Before Turning 65 (Your IEP Opens):

Enroll in Parts A and B through ssa.gov or your local Social Security office (if not automatically enrolled)
Enrolling in the first three months of your IEP means coverage starts the first of your birthday month

At the Same Time:

Choose your coverage path — Medigap or Medicare Advantage
If Medigap: select your carrier and apply during your guaranteed issue window (the six months after your Part B effective date)
If Medicare Advantage: compare plans in your area for the upcoming plan year
Select a Part D plan if you’re going the Medigap route

After Enrollment:

Review your Part D plan every year during AEP (October 15 – December 7)
Check your Medigap premium against alternatives periodically — especially if your rate has increased significantly
Keep all Medicare and insurance documents in one organized place

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I sign up for Medicare? Your Initial Enrollment Period opens three months before your 65th birthday month. Enrolling in those first three months ensures your coverage starts on the first day of your birthday month. If you’re not yet collecting Social Security, you’ll need to actively sign up at ssa.gov. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be enrolled automatically.

Can I delay Medicare if I’m still working? Yes — but only if you have active coverage through a current employer with 20 or more employees. Once that coverage ends, you have 8 months to enroll in Medicare without penalty. COBRA and retiree coverage do not qualify.

What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement? Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare, covering the 20% gap and other cost-sharing. You can see any Medicare-accepting provider in the country, pay predictable monthly premiums, and have very low out-of-pocket costs when you use care. Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that usually has lower premiums but network restrictions, copays when you use care, and prior authorization requirements. The right choice depends on your health, your priorities, and your budget.

Is Medicare free at 65? Part A is free for most people (those who worked 40+ quarters). Part B has a standard premium of $202.90/month in 2026. Part D (prescription drug coverage) has an additional premium that varies by plan. If your income exceeds $109,000 (individual) or $218,000 (married), you’ll pay more through IRMAA surcharges.

What is the Medicare donut hole in 2026? The donut hole no longer exists. Starting in 2026, the Inflation Reduction Act has replaced the old coverage gap with a simple $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap on covered prescription drug costs. Once you spend $2,100 at the pharmacy on covered medications, your plan pays 100% for the rest of the year.

What is Plan G and why is it so popular? Plan G is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan available to new enrollees in 2026. It covers 100% of the Medicare gaps — including the 20% coinsurance, Part A hospital deductible, and SNF coinsurance — after you pay the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). After that small deductible, your out-of-pocket exposure is essentially zero. It’s popular because it combines near-complete coverage with the freedom to use any Medicare-accepting provider in the country.

How much does a Medicare Supplement plan cost? Medigap premiums vary significantly by state, age, gender, tobacco use, and carrier. Plan G premiums for a 65-year-old woman in 2026 range from roughly $100 to $230/month depending on location and carrier. An independent broker can run a side-by-side comparison of every A-rated carrier in your area in about 15 minutes — at no cost to you.

Does it cost me anything to use an independent Medicare broker? No. Independent Medicare brokers are compensated by the insurance carrier when you enroll. Your premium is identical whether you use a broker or contact the carrier directly. There’s no markup, no fee, and no financial reason not to use one. What you gain is access to 40+ carriers, unbiased guidance, and an advocate who works for you — not for any single company.

What if I’m confused and don’t know where to start? Start with a conversation. A good independent Medicare broker will ask you about your health, your doctors, your medications, and your budget — and walk you through your options in plain English. There’s no pressure, no obligation, and no cost. It’s the fastest way to go from confused to confident.

The Bottom Line

Medicare isn’t as complicated as the insurance industry makes it seem. Once you understand the four parts, the 20% gap, the enrollment windows, and the Medigap vs. Advantage decision, the whole picture becomes manageable.

The most important things to remember:

Know your enrollment window. A 7-month window around your 65th birthday. Don’t miss it without qualifying coverage.
Understand the 20% gap. Original Medicare alone leaves significant financial exposure. Know how you’re going to cover it before you need care.
Make the Medigap vs. Advantage decision thoughtfully. It’s the most consequential Medicare choice you’ll make. Don’t let a TV commercial or a piece of mail make it for you.
Work with an independent broker. Not a captive agent who represents one company, and not a call center that will transfer you to whoever pays the highest commission. A truly independent broker who represents 40+ carriers and works exclusively in Medicare.

If you’d like a free, no-pressure conversation about your specific situation — your doctors, your medications, your budget, and your state — I’m happy to help.

Call 631-358-5793 or visit paulbinsurance.com to schedule your free consultation.

Paul Barrett is the founder and Principal Agent of The Modern Medicare Agency, a Medicare-only independent brokerage based in Melville, NY. With 18+ years of Medicare-exclusive experience, licensure in 34 states, and relationships with 40+ carriers, Paul has helped 5,000+ clients navigate Medicare with clarity and confidence. He is the author of Medicare Mastery Unlocked.

paulbinsurance.com | 631-358-5793 | medicare@paulbinsurance.com