Medicare Basics
Learn how Medicare works.
Short, simple videos that explain Medicare in plain English — no jargon, no sales pitch. Start anywhere, watch at your own pace.
Getting Started
What Is Medicare?
A quick overview of Medicare — who qualifies, when coverage starts, and what the program includes.
Parts A, B, C & D Explained
Hospital coverage, medical coverage, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drugs — each part broken down simply.
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Understand the two main paths and how to decide which one fits your needs.
Enrollment & Timing
When to Enroll: Your Enrollment Periods
Initial Enrollment Period, Annual Enrollment Period, Open Enrollment Period, and Special Enrollment Periods — know your windows.
What Happens If You Miss Enrollment?
Late enrollment penalties, gaps in coverage, and how to avoid them.
Turning 65: A Step-by-Step Guide
Everything you need to do in the months before and after your 65th birthday.
Plans & Coverage
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
How MA plans bundle your coverage, common benefits like dental and vision, and network types (HMO, PPO, PFFS).
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
How Medigap works with Original Medicare, the standardized plan letters, and when you can enroll.
How Drug Coverage Works (Part D)
Tiers, formularies, the donut hole, and how to check if your medications are covered.
Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
D-SNPs, C-SNPs, and I-SNPs — who qualifies and what extra benefits they offer.
Costs & Savings
Understanding Medicare Costs
Premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums — what you'll actually pay.
Extra Help & Low-Income Subsidies
Programs that can lower your premiums and drug costs if you qualify.
Working with an Agent
What a Medicare Agent Does
How licensed agents help you compare plans, what they can and can't do, and why it costs you $0.
Your Rights as a Medicare Beneficiary
Scope of Appointment, your right to end a conversation, and how to report issues.
Still have questions?
Talk to a licensed Medicare agent who can walk you through your options — at $0 cost to you.
Find My AgentWe do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent multiple organizations which offer Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, and Medicare Supplement Insurance plans. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048), or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Sidebar Benefit Advisors is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
The Medicare plans represented are PDP, HMO, PPO, or PFFS plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in plans depends on contract renewal. Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year. Eligibility may require a Special or Initial Enrollment Period.
Benefits shown are for the 2026 plan year. Not all plans offer all of the benefits mentioned. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, limitations, and exclusions may apply. $0 premium plans are not available in all areas. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.
Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next.
This plan is available to anyone with Medicare who has one or more qualifying chronic conditions. Contact the plan for additional information.
This is a solicitation for insurance. By requesting information, scheduling a call, or initiating a chat, you agree to be contacted by a licensed insurance agent by phone, email, or text message to discuss Medicare insurance plans. Standard messaging rates may apply.
Other pharmacies are available in-network.
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