Independent Medicare Broker
Medicare,
explained in
plain English.
Personal guidance on Parts A, B, C & D, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap — from a licensed broker who works for you, not the insurance companies. It never costs you a penny.
Four letters. One decision. We'll walk it together.
Your broker
Hi, I'm Sarah Jenkins.
Independent Medicare Broker, CLTC
I'm an independent, licensed Medicare broker. I compare plans from many top-rated carriers to find coverage that fits your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget — at no cost to you.
The alphabet of Medicare
Parts A, B, C & D — what each one actually does
Original Medicare is Parts A and B. Part C is a private all-in-one alternative, and Part D covers prescriptions. Here's the plain-English breakdown.
Hospital Insurance
Your room-and-board coverage
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
- Some home health care
Premiums and cost-sharing depend on your work history and care. Check official Medicare costs ↗
Medical Insurance
Your doctor-and-outpatient coverage
- Doctor visits & specialists
- Outpatient care & lab work
- Preventive screenings
- Durable medical equipment
The standard premium and deductible can change annually; higher-income beneficiaries may pay more. Check official Medicare costs ↗
Medicare Advantage
A private alternative to A + B
- Bundles Parts A & B (usually D too)
- Often adds dental, vision & hearing
- Annual out-of-pocket maximum
- Network-based care (HMO / PPO)
Premiums, copays, and provider networks vary by plan and county. Compare official plan options ↗
Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps pay for prescriptions
- Retail & mail-order prescriptions
- Formulary tiers set your copay
- Standalone plan or built into Part C
- Catastrophic coverage protection
Premiums, formularies, deductibles, and copays depend on the plan and prescriptions. Explore official Part D coverage ↗
Medicare Advantage — Part C
All-in-one plans from private insurers
Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare with a single plan from a private, Medicare-approved company. They must cover everything Parts A and B cover — and most add prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing, often for a $0 additional premium.
The trade-off: you generally use the plan's network of doctors and hospitals.
Why people choose it
- ✓Low or $0 additional monthly premium
- ✓Annual cap on out-of-pocket spending
- ✓Often includes dental, vision, hearing & fitness
- ✓Usually bundles Part D drug coverage
- ✓One card, one plan, one company
What to watch for
- Provider networks (HMO/PPO) limit your doctors
- Prior authorization for some services
- Plans can change benefits every year
- Out-of-network care can be costly or uncovered
Medicare Supplement — Medigap
Fill the gaps in Original Medicare
Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B), paying most of the deductibles and 20% coinsurance Medicare leaves behind. You keep the freedom to see any doctor in the country who accepts Medicare — no networks, no referrals.
Plans are standardized by letter (A through N), so a Plan G from one company covers the same things as a Plan G from another; only the price and service differ.
Why people choose it
- ✓See any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare
- ✓Very predictable, low out-of-pocket costs
- ✓No referrals or prior authorizations
- ✓Standardized plans (A–N); Plan G is popular
- ✓Guaranteed renewable for life
What to watch for
- Higher monthly premium on top of Part B
- No dental, vision or hearing extras
- No drug coverage — pair with Part D
- Medical underwriting may apply after your initial window
The question everyone asks
Medigap + Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage
Both approaches can provide valuable coverage. The right fit depends on your doctors, budget, travel, and how you prefer to pay for care.
| Consideration | Original Medicare + Medigap | Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Higher (pays for predictability) | Lower, often $0 extra |
| Doctor choice | Any Medicare provider, nationwide | Plan network (HMO/PPO) |
| Out-of-pocket costs | Minimal & predictable with suitable coverage | Copays as you go, with an annual max |
| Extra benefits | Rarely included | Dental, vision, hearing, fitness may be included |
| Drug coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually built in |
| Travel coverage | Broad access to Medicare providers nationwide | Routine care generally follows the plan network |
| Referrals | Usually not required | Depends on the plan |
This is a general comparison, not a guarantee of benefits or costs. Coverage, eligibility, provider access, and plan rules vary. Review the official plan documents before enrolling.
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