Turning 65 Email 2 of 5 — Medicare in Plain English: Parts A, B, D, Medigap and Advantage
Internal note (delete before sending): Email 2 of 5. Send about 3 days after Email 1. Suggested subject: Medicare in plain English: A, B, D, Medigap and Advantage. Preview text: The alphabet soup, decoded.
Hello {{first_name}},
Medicare is easier once you see how the pieces fit together.
Original Medicare (the federal program)
- Part A (hospital insurance): inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying stay, hospice, and some home health. Most people pay no premium for Part A if they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes for enough years.
- Part B (medical insurance): doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium, and higher-income households may pay an income-related surcharge.
Original Medicare typically pays about 80% of approved Part B costs after your deductible, with no annual out-of-pocket maximum. That gap is why most people add something more.
Your two main paths
Path 1: Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Part D
- Medigap plans (Plan G, Plan N and others) help pay costs Original Medicare leaves behind.
- You can generally see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, nationwide.
- You add a separate Part D prescription plan.
- Medigap premiums are typically higher, with fewer surprise costs at the point of care.
Path 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- A private plan that replaces Original Medicare and bundles A, B and usually D.
- Often has a low or $0 premium, and may include extras such as dental, vision or hearing.
- Uses networks, may require referrals or prior authorization, and has an annual out-of-pocket maximum.
- Plans, networks and benefits can change each year.
Why Medigap timing matters
When you first enroll in Part B at 65 or later, you get a 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period with guaranteed acceptance. Outside of it, in most states, insurers can use health questions to decide whether to approve you or what to charge. Moving from Advantage back to Medigap later may not be guaranteed. Oregon has some state-specific rules, so ask us how they apply to you.
Neither path is “best”
The right choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel habits and health. We compare options from multiple carriers so you can see them side by side.
Next time: the Part D check most people skip.
Questions? Call 503-832-8555 or book a free consultation.
Warm regards, Rodney Cummings Legacy Wealth Services
Legacy Wealth Services is an independent insurance agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Plan availability, benefits and costs vary by carrier and service area. This message is educational and is not individualized advice.