Medicare Providers
1. Boomer Benefits
Overall Score: 8.7
User Reviews: 3,242
- Compare Policies from Top Insurers
- Highly Qualified Team of Medicare Experts
- Free Assistance with Appeals
2. UnitedHealthcare
Overall Score: 4.3
User Reviews: 24
- Partnered with AARP
- Good Medicare Plan Options
- No Part A or Part B
3. BlueCross BlueShield
Overall Score: 4.2
User Reviews: 23
- Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Part D
- Helpful Online Resources
- Operates Through Local Subsidiaries
4. Cigna
Overall Score: 3.9
User Reviews: 16
- Good Medicare Options
- Online Enrollment in a Couple of Minutes
- Nice Medigap Plan Perks
5. Humana
Overall Score: 3.6
User Reviews: 19
- Enroll Online in Minutes
- Great Plan Perks
- Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, Medigap
6. Aetna
Overall Score: 2.8
User Reviews: 38
- Instantly Enroll Through the Website
- Wide Range of Medicare Plans
- Health Management Support
7. Anthem
Overall Score: 2.1
User Reviews: 12
- 2015 Data Breach
- Medicare and Medicaid Combined Plans
- Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap Available
8. AARP
Overall Score: Insufficient
User Reviews: 1
- Good Selection of Medicare Plans
- View Plans and Estimated Costs with Zip Code
- No Part A or Part B
9. American Insurance Company
Overall Score: Insufficient
User Reviews: 0
- Unverified Profile
- Time in Business: Undisclosed
- Cost: Undisclosed
10. Bankers Fidelity
Overall Score: Insufficient
User Reviews: 1
- Unverified Profile
- Time in Business: Undisclosed
- Cost: Undisclosed
Important Things to Know About Medicare
Most adults in the United States become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. We will go over Medicare basics to make it easy to understand, which will help you determine the best way to enroll in the program.
Qualifying for Medicare
You qualify for Medicare if:
- You're age 65 and eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
- You're age 65+ and you or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.
- You're under age 65 and have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24 months.
- You may qualify if you've been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS).
Medicare Parts
Medicare consists of different parts:
- Part A — Hospital insurance covering medically necessary hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care.
- Part B — Medical insurance that covers treatment, preventive care, and outpatient services.
- Part C — Offers coverage as Part A and B under one plan with added extras.
- Part D — Prescription drug coverage through private insurance plans.
Medicare Costs
Costs vary by part:
- Part A — Premiums vary based on work history.
- Part B — Premiums based on income, with a penalty for late enrollment.
- Part C — Varies by insurer and plan.
- Part D — Varies by plan and assessed late enrollment penalties.
Medicare Enrollment Periods
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — A 7-month period around turning 65.
- Annual Election Period (AEP) — Allows changes to Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans.
FAQ
- What is Medicare? A federal program offering health insurance to seniors and certain individuals with disabilities.
- How do I sign up for Medicare? Depends on the plan, often via Social Security or the insurance company directly.
- What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Medicaid serves low-income individuals; Medicare primarily benefits seniors and those with disabilities.