Medicare & Health Plans

It depends on the plan type. Many **Medicare Advantage (Part C)** plans, especially HMOs, use network restrictions, meaning you *must* use in-network doctors. If you want to keep your current doctors and have the freedom to see specialists without referrals, a **Medicare Supplement (Medigap)** plan is often a better choice, as you can see any doctor accepting Medicare.

Medicare imposes a permanent penalty if you don't sign up for **Part B** or **Part D** when you're first eligible (unless you have creditable coverage through an employer). The penalty is added to your premium for the rest of your life. It's a silly, costly mistake, and we make sure you avoid it by getting your enrollment timing perfect.

**Medicare** is the primary federal health insurance program (Part A and B). **Medigap** is a private, secondary insurance policy designed to cover the costs—like deductibles and co-pays—that Original Medicare *doesn't* cover. It fills the "gaps," which is where its nickname comes from.

**Absolutely not, and this is the biggest financial trap.** Medicare only pays for medically necessary **skilled** care (like a brief hospital stay or short-term rehab). It does **not** cover long-term custodial care—the help you need with daily activities like bathing or dressing. That's why separate **Long-Term Care** or **Home-Health** supplemental insurance is critical.