Medicare Moving Forward
Navigating Medicare Together
Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, so we’re here to simplify the process and help you understand your choices. From there, we will help you find a plan that fits your health and budget needs. Whether you’re turning 65, already on Medicare, or helping a loved one—our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for:
- People age 65 and older
- Some people under 65 with disabilities
- People of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure)
Medicare helps cover many health care costs, like hospital visits, doctor services, and prescription drugs. You can choose between Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or add supplemental coverage like a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Supplement, and/or a Prescription Drug Plan to get your coverage.
The 4 Parts of Medicare
Part A: Hospital Insurance
Part A Helps Cover:
- Hospital stays
- Skilled nursing care
- Hospice care
- Some home health care
Most People don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A if they worked and paid taxes long enough.
Part B: Medical Insurance
Part B Helps Cover:
- Doctor visits
- Outpatient care
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Preventive services (like flu shots)
There is a monthly cost for Part B, and most people sign up when they turn 65.
Part C: Medicare Advantage
What is Part C?
- A different way to get Medicare coverage
- Offered by private insurance companies
- Includes everything in Parts A and B
- Often adds extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs
Many plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D Helps Pay for:
- Prescription medications
- Vaccines and some shots
- Can add Part D to Original Medicare or with a Medicare Supplement Plan
Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods
Know When You Can Roll or Make Changes
Medicare has specific times each year when you can sign up for, review, or change your coverage. Choosing the right plan at the right time helps ensure you don’t face late penalties or gaps in coverage.
Our licensed agents guide you through every enrollment period, helping you make confident, timely decisions about your Medicare Advantage, Supplement, and Prescription Drug plans.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Dates: October 15 – December 7
This is the main time of year when anyone with Medicare can review and change their coverage.
During AEP, you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Join, switch, or drop a Prescription Drug (Part D) plan.
Changes made during this period take effect January 1 of the following year.
Tip: Review your plan each fall — coverage, costs, and drug formularies often change yearly.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
Dates: January 1 – March 31
This period is only for individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
You can:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (with or without drug coverage).
- Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, with the option to join a Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
Only one change is allowed during this period — so make sure you’re confident in your decision.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Timing: 7-month window surrounding your 65th birthday
- Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Includes your birthday month
- Ends 3 months after your birthday month
During your IEP, you can sign up for:
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
If you’re turning 65 soon, Avanti can help you understand when and how to enroll — and what to expect from your first Medicare plan.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Special Enrollment Periods allow you to enroll or make changes outside the standard enrollment windows if you experience certain qualifying events, such as:
- Moving to a new service area
- Losing employer or group health coverage
- Becoming eligible for Medicaid or a Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP)
- Qualifying for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy for prescription costs)
- Enrolling in or leaving a 5-star Medicare plan
Each situation has its own time limits and rules — and Avanti can help determine if you qualify for a SEP.
Questions about Enrollment Periods?
Contact Avanti for help moving forward
Understanding Your Medicare Options
Choose the Right Medicare Option for You
When it comes to Medicare, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The right choice depends on your health needs, budget, and how you prefer to receive care.
We help simplify your options so you can confidently choose the coverage that fits your lifestyle.
Here’s an overview of the three main ways to get your Medicare benefits:
Medicare Advantage Plans
All-in-One Coverage for your Health Needs
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, combines all your essential health benefits into one simple plan. Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, these plans include all the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) — and often more.
We help individuals throughout West Michigan find Medicare Advantage plans that fit their needs, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you want extra benefits, lower costs, or local network access, we’ll guide you through your choices with clarity and confidence.
What’s Included with a Medicare Advantage Plan
Most Medicare Advantage Plans Offer Coverage for:
Disclaimer: Benefits, premiums, and availability vary by insurance carrier and service area. Not all benefits are offered in every plan or by every carrier. Plan features, networks, and costs are subject to change each year. For detailed and up-to-date plan information, visit the official Medicare website at Medicare.gov.
Key Benefits of a Medicare Advantage Plan
Convenience
One plan that covers your medical, hospital, and prescription needs.
Cost Savings
Many plans offer $0 premiums (you still pay your Medicare Part B premium).
Predictable Cost
Annual out-of-pocket limits protect you from unexpected expenses.
Coordinated Care
Networks often include care coordination and wellness support programs.