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Plain-Language Answers to Medicare Questions.
Medicare Questions? We’re Here to Make Things Clear.
Whether you are turning 65, leaving an employer plan, or reviewing your coverage during Open Enrollment, these Medicare resources are designed to help you understand your choices before you talk with an advisor. Start with our most popular guides:
Medicare Resources and Coverage Guides
Medicare Resources: The Basics
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They provide an alternative way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, and many plans also include prescription drug coverage. Benefits, networks, and costs vary by plan and location.
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, is sold by private insurers and helps cover certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, such as some copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Medicare Part D helps cover prescription medications. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs (a formulary), pharmacy network, and costs. Coverage for a specific medication depends on the plan you choose.
Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) are the official sources for Medicare information. Social Security handles enrollment in Part A and Part B.
Part A is hospital insurance, Part B is medical insurance, Part C is Medicare Advantage, and Part D is prescription drug coverage. Read our guide to Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare.
Most people pay $0 for Part A and $202.90 a month for Part B in 2026, plus any Medigap, Part D or Medicare Advantage premium. See How Much Does Medicare Cost in 2026?
Medigap, or Medicare Supplement Insurance, helps pay costs Original Medicare doesn't. Learn more in What Is Medigap?
Enrollment
Medicare has specific enrollment periods during the year, and certain life events can also create opportunities to make changes. We can help you understand which periods may apply to your circumstances.
Most people sign up during their 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around their 65th birthday. Read When to Sign Up for Medicare.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, with changes starting January 1. See our tips on Medicare Open Enrollment 2027 mistakes to avoid.
Yes. Late enrollment penalties can apply to Part B and Part D if you don't sign up when first eligible and don't have qualifying coverage.
Caring Curations offers free consultations, and your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) also provides free counseling.
Working With Us
You can book a time directly on our Book a Consultation page, call us at 848-257-9344, or send a message through our contact form and we will follow up with you.
No preparation is required. If it is convenient, having a general sense of your current coverage, your preferred doctors, and any questions you would like answered can help make the conversation more useful.
There is no charge to have a conversation with us about your questions. We are happy to explain how our services work when we speak.
No. Caring Curations is an independent insurance advisory practice. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, Medicare, or CMS.
No. Our Medicare resources explain general rules in plain language. Your best choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget and location, so a personal review is always recommended before you enroll.
Medicare.gov, the Medicare & You handbook, Social Security for enrollment questions, and your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) are all trusted Medicare resources.
We review our guides when Medicare announces new costs and rules, usually each fall, so our Medicare resources reflect the current year and upcoming changes.
Preparing for a consultation
Medicare Guides
Popular Medicare Guides
For official information, Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE are always good Medicare resources. When you are ready for personal guidance, our advisors in Staten Island can review your options at no cost.
New guides are added regularly, covering topics such as Medicare Advantage plan changes, Part D costs and Medigap rules in New York.