Medicare guidance

Make the choices
easier to understand.

Talk through your Medicare options with a local licensed insurance agent.

Review the plans we offer with your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacy and budget in mind.

There is no obligation to enroll. We do not charge a fee for our assistance.

Reception desk and Michiana Health Insurance logo in our South Bend office
Local guidance from our South Bend office

Know the building blocks

The parts, without the alphabet soup.

01

Parts A and B

Original Medicare combines hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B).

02

Part D

Prescription coverage comes through a separate drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it. Check the exact plan.

03

Medicare Supplement

Medigap helps with certain out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare. It is different from Medicare Advantage.

Explore Supplements →

Two coverage paths

Start by understanding the difference.

Original Medicare

Parts A and B provide the core coverage. You may consider a separate Part D plan and Medicare Supplement insurance.

Review how covered costs are shared and which additional coverage, if any, is appropriate.

Learn about Medigap →

Medicare Advantage

A Medicare-approved private plan provides an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits. Many include drug coverage.

Check the network, prescription coverage, prior-authorization rules, costs and exact benefits for the plan and year.

Ask about your options →

A more useful review

Bring priorities, not just a plan name.

  • The doctors, hospitals and pharmacies you want to keep.
  • A current prescription list to review through an appropriate secure process.
  • Your present coverage, the change you are considering and any employer or retiree coverage.
  • The date coverage may need to change and the costs you want to understand.

Timing and eligibility depend on your circumstances. Do not cancel current coverage based only on this educational page.

Good questions to ask

Before choosing a next step.

Is Medicare Supplement the same as Medicare Advantage?

No. Medigap supplements Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage is a different way to receive Medicare benefits. The terms should not be used interchangeably.

Can a plan change from one year to the next?

Yes. Review current costs, networks, covered drugs and benefits for the plan year you are considering. A prior-year summary is not enough.

Will you show me every plan?

We do not offer every plan in every area. For all Medicare options, use Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

A clear next step

Let’s put your Medicare questions in order.

Ask for a conversation about your situation, coverage path and the details to check.

Start a conversation →