Understanding your Medicare options is one of the most important decisions you'll make. We'll help you compare Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plans — with full transparency and no pressure.
Understanding Medicare
Before choosing a Medicare plan, it's essential to understand the difference between the federal Medicare program and private insurance products. This distinction is the foundation for every Medicare coverage decision.
Original Medicare is administered directly by the federal government through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It consists of two parts:
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement are private insurance products — not government programs. They are offered by insurance companies approved by Medicare:
Medicare Plan Options
An alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private insurer. Most plans include prescription drug coverage (MAPD) and may include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness.
Works alongside Original Medicare to cover the "gaps" — the deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments that Original Medicare doesn't cover. Offers the most flexibility in provider choice.
Stand-alone Part D plans add prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare + Medigap. Each plan has its own formulary (drug list), tiers, premiums, and preferred pharmacy networks.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by the federal government. Each plan letter (A through N) offers the same basic benefits regardless of which private insurer sells it — the difference is in price, company reputation, and additional benefits. We'll compare pricing across all available carriers in your area.
Basic benefits only — Part A coinsurance, Part B coinsurance, first 3 pints of blood, and Part A hospice coinsurance.
Covers nearly everything except the Part B deductible. Most popular plan for new enrollees since 2020.
Broad coverage with small copays (up to $20 for office visits, up to $50 for ER). Lower premiums than Plan G.
Most comprehensive coverage — covers Part B deductible. Only available to those eligible before Jan. 1, 2020.
Solid mid-tier coverage. Covers skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part A deductible, foreign travel emergency.
Cost-sharing plan with lower premiums. Covers 50% of many Medicare cost-sharing items; includes out-of-pocket limit.
Similar to Plan K but covers 75% of cost-sharing. Lower premiums with a built-in annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Covers 50% of the Part A deductible; covers skilled nursing facility coinsurance and foreign travel emergency.
Plan availability varies by state and insurer. Not all plan letters are available in all areas. Contact us to compare plans and pricing available in your specific county.
Enrollment Periods
Missing a Medicare enrollment window can result in permanent late enrollment penalties and coverage gaps. Understanding when you can make changes is critical.
A 7-month window surrounding your 65th birthday: 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after. This is when most people first enroll in Medicare Parts A and B.
October 15 – December 7 each year. During AEP, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, or change Part D drug plans. Changes take effect January 1.
January 1 – March 31. If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan during AEP, you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare during this period.
Triggered by qualifying life events — moving to a new service area, losing other coverage, qualifying for Extra Help, or a plan leaving your area. SEPs allow mid-year enrollment or plan changes.
A one-time 6-month window starting the month you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny you a Medigap policy or charge more based on health status.
As required by CMS, any discussion of Medicare Advantage or Part D plans must be preceded by a completed and documented Scope of Appointment. We will send you the SOA form before any Medicare plan discussion.
Required Disclosures
Not a Government Agency: Johnson & Johnson Agency LLC is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. Carla Johnson is a licensed insurance agent/broker — not a government employee or government-authorized navigator.
Medicare Has Not Reviewed This Information: Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed the information on this website or in our marketing materials.
This Is a Solicitation for Insurance: Calling the phone numbers on this website or submitting a contact form will connect you with a licensed insurance producer. This is a solicitation for the purchase of insurance products.
Private Insurance Products: Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are private insurance products offered by insurance companies that contract with Medicare — they are not the federal Medicare program itself. Benefits, premiums, provider networks, and formularies are set by the private insurer and can change each plan year.
Plan Availability: Not all plans are available in all areas. Plan benefits, premiums, and networks vary by location (county) and are subject to change annually. Enrollment in a plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare.
Scope of Appointment: As required by CMS, a Scope of Appointment (SOA) form must be completed and documented before any discussion of Medicare Advantage or Part D plans can take place. The SOA form defines the scope of our conversation and protects you from unwanted solicitation.
Medicare Plan Finder: Medicare beneficiaries may also compare and enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D plans directly through the CMS Medicare Plan Finder tool at medicare.gov. You do not need to work with an agent to enroll.
SHIP Counseling: Free, unbiased Medicare counseling is also available through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP counselors are not insurance agents and do not sell plans. Contact your local SHIP for free assistance.
1-800-MEDICARE: For complete information on all Medicare plans available in your area — including plans we may not offer — contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY users call 1-877-486-2048, or visit medicare.gov.
TPMO Disclosure (Required by CMS): We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Required Plan Language: Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the described plan type may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
This page does not constitute a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan or review the plan's Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for complete information. Plan benefits may vary based on your specific circumstances and county of residence.
We offer free, no-obligation Medicare consultations. A Scope of Appointment will be sent to you before we discuss any Medicare Advantage or Part D plan — as required by CMS.
Schedule a Free Consultation Call (228) 325-2618