Medicare FAQs for Michigan

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is run by the federal government and lets you see any provider that accepts Medicare; many people add a Medigap supplement and a Part D drug plan. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans come from private insurers, combine hospital, medical and usually drug coverage, and typically use provider networks with an annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Medigap plans help pay costs Original Medicare doesn’t, such as deductibles, coinsurance and copays. The best time to buy is your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that window, insurers can’t deny you or charge more because of your health.

The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7, with changes taking effect January 1. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can also switch plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31. Special Enrollment Periods apply after events like moving or losing other coverage. See our AEP cheat sheet.

It depends on your employer coverage. If you have group coverage through your own or your spouse’s current job at an employer with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay Part B without a penalty. With a smaller employer, Medicare typically pays first, so you’ll usually need Part B. Missing enrollment when you need it can bring a lifelong penalty, so check before you decide.

No. Medicare plan premiums are the same whether you enroll directly or through a licensed broker, and our help is free. We compare plans from multiple carriers and review them with you every fall.