Your Complete Medicare 2026 Guide — Simplified & Explained by Trusted Experts

Understand how Medicare works, what each part covers, and how to choose the right plan for your needs in 2026.

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What Is Medicare?

What Exactly Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for:

  • People 65 and older

  • Individuals under 65 with certain disabilities

  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS

At LA Castle Brokers Group, we help you understand each part of Medicare and guide you toward the best option for your situation.

The Four Parts of Medicare

Part A – Hospital Insurance Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and limited home health care.
💡 Free if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Part B – Medical Insurance Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable equipment.
💡 Has a monthly premium, adjusted by income.
Part C – Medicare Advantage
Offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. Includes Part A & B benefits, often with added coverage for prescriptions, dental, vision, and hearing.
Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage Helps pay for prescription medications. Available through stand-alone PDPs or Medicare Advantage plans (MA-PD).
💡 Late enrollment may result in a penalty.

Medigap (Supplemental Insurance)

Fill the Gaps in Original Medicare

If you choose Original Medicare (Parts A & B), you may face out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance. Medigap policies (sold by private insurers) help cover these gaps.

Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, is designed to work alongside Original Medicare. These policies help pay for some of the healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as:

  • Copayments

  • Coinsurance

  • Deductibles

Some Medigap plans also cover:

  • Medical care when traveling outside the U.S.

  • Excess charges from providers who don’t accept Medicare assignment

There are several standardized Medigap plans (labeled A through N), each offering a different level of coverage. The most popular include Plan G and Plan N, known for their balance of benefits and affordability.

Important to Know:

  • You must have Medicare Parts A and B to buy a Medigap policy.

  • Medigap policies are individual—if both you and your spouse want coverage, you’ll each need your own policy.

  • Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage. You can enroll in a standalone Part D plan for that.

  • You cannot have a Medigap policy and a Medicare Advantage Plan at the same time.

Working with a licensed advisor can help you understand which Medigap plan is best suited to your needs and budget.

Enrollment Periods

Understanding these enrollment periods is crucial to avoid delays, penalties, and missed opportunities for coverage. Choosing the right Medicare plan at the right time ensures uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services and can save you money in the long run. Missing these dates can result in late penalties, coverage gaps, or being locked into a plan that doesn’t meet your needs. Here’s a quick overview of the key Medicare enrollment windows you should be aware of:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

  • 7-month window around your 65th birthday

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

  • October 15 – December 7: Change or enroll in Medicare Advantage or Part D

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

  • January 1 – March 31: Switch MA plans or return to Original Medicare

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)

  • For qualifying life events: retiring, moving, losing employer coverage, and more

Financial Help Is Available

Financial Help for Those Who Qualify

Programs like Extra Help, Medicaid, and State Savings Programs assist low-income beneficiaries with premiums, deductibles, and medication costs.

Ask our team if you qualify for additional savings.

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Added Benefits of Medicare Advantage

Extra Benefits That Go Beyond Basic Medicare

Medicare Advantage plans don’t just cover the basics — they’re designed to enhance your quality of life. These plans often include extra benefits that help you stay active, independent, and connected to the care you deserve.

  • Dental, vision, and hearing coverage

  • Gym memberships (SilverSneakers)

  • Transportation to appointments

  • Post-hospital meal delivery