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New to Medicare? Understand it all, in your language

What each part covers, what it costs, how to enroll and where to get help paying. All in plain words, with a licensed insurance agent with Aion Insurance Group Corp whenever you need one, in English or Spanish.

  1. AHospital
  2. BDoctor
  3. CAdvantage
  4. DDrugs
  • Plain language
  • English & Spanish
  • Licensed agents

Page operated by US Enrollment Center Corp, a marketing and lead-generation company for Aion Insurance Group Corp. Guidance and enrollment are provided by licensed insurance agents of Aion.

Step 1 of 4≈ 1 min
Where are you with Medicare?

So we can point you the right way from the start.

What health coverage do you have today?

So we avoid coverage gaps or double payments.

Where do you live and what interests you?

Last step: where can we reach you?

Just your phone and email. Your browser can fill them in for you.

Your permissions

US Enrollment Center Corp generates requests for , a licensed insurance agency. We share your request only with Aion. We don't sell your data.

Read full textInformation sharing (required). I authorize US Enrollment Center Corp to share the information in this form with Aion Insurance Group Corp. I authorize a licensed insurance agent with Aion to contact me about the coverage types I selected: Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) and/or Part D prescription drug plans.
Read full textEducational emails (optional). I agree to receive emails from US Enrollment Center Corp and Aion Insurance Group Corp with Medicare guides, date reminders and updates. I can unsubscribe with one click in any email.

By submitting I accept US Enrollment Center's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Aion Insurance Group's Terms.

We never ask for your Medicare or Social Security number. Submitting doesn't enroll you in any plan.

(855) 925-6430 · TTY 711US Enrollment Center connects you with a licensed insurance agent with Aion Insurance Group Corp. Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–9 p.m. · Sun 12–9 p.m. (Central Time).

Who can enroll

This page is for people new to Medicare. Enrolling in Medicare Advantage or a Part D drug plan depends on having an applicable enrollment period, such as your Initial Enrollment Period, the Annual Enrollment Period, or a Special Enrollment Period you qualify for.

Medicare notice

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Aion Insurance Group currently represents 8 Medicare organizations and serves beneficiaries across 18 states, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The plans we offer vary by state, county, and ZIP code and are limited to those available through our contracted carriers. For information regarding all available Medicare plan options, please visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048), or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP; in Texas, HICAP: 1-800-252-9240).

Who we share your information with

Page operated by US Enrollment Center Corp, a marketing and lead-generation company for Aion Insurance Group Corp. Guidance and enrollment are provided by licensed insurance agents of Aion. With your permission, your request is shared only with:

  • Aion Insurance Group CorpLicensed insurance agency · Medicare guidance and enrollmentaionigc.com

Your authorization applies only to Aion Insurance Group Corp; it does not extend to other companies. We don't sell your information. You can withdraw permission at any time by writing to newclients@usenrollmentcenter.us.
The basics

What is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, and for some people under 65 with certain disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It's run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and enrollment in Parts A and B goes through Social Security (SSA).

Medicare has four parts (A, B, C and D) and can be supplemented with a Medigap policy. There are three main paths: Original Medicare (government Parts A and B, with Part D for drugs), Original Medicare with Medigap (a Supplement that helps with what A and B don't pay) or Medicare Advantage (Part C, plans from Medicare-approved private insurers). Understanding how they fit together is the first step to deciding calmly.

Last reviewed: October 5, 2026 · Reviewed by licensed agents of Aion Insurance Group, US Enrollment Center's partner agency · Sources: Medicare.gov, SSA.gov, CMS.gov.

How it fits together

How is your Medicare coverage put together?

There are three paths. Pick one and see, piece by piece, how your coverage comes together.

  1. 1 · Base
    AHospitalBDoctor
    From the federal government
  2. 2 · Add
    DDrugs
    Private drug plan
  3. 3 · Keep in mind
    %20% of Part B
    You pay your share of each service and there is no yearly limit

Path 1 · Original Medicare

  • Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare
  • Usually no referrals to see specialists
  • No yearly out-of-pocket limit

On all three paths you usually keep paying the Part B premium.

The parts

What does each part of Medicare cover?

Tap each letter. We explain what it includes and what to keep in mind, in plain words.

Nurse caring for an older patient in a hospital roomA

Part A · Hospital insurance

Helps with care when you're admitted as an inpatient. Most people pay no Part A premium because they worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters).

What it includes

  • Inpatient hospital stays
  • Limited skilled nursing facility care
  • Hospice care
  • Some home health care

Keep in mind

  • Has a deductible per benefit period
  • Doesn't cover long-term custodial care
Will you pay a Part A premium?

We review your work history with you and when it makes sense to enroll.

Get guidance (855) 925-6430
Older man visiting with his doctorB

Part B · Medical insurance

Helps with care outside the hospital: doctor visits, tests and preventive services. It has a monthly premium and, generally, you pay 20% coinsurance after the yearly deductible.

What it includes

  • Doctor and specialist visits
  • Outpatient care and tests
  • Many preventive services
  • Durable medical equipment

Keep in mind

  • Enrolling late without other qualifying coverage can bring a penalty
  • With higher income the premium can be higher (income-related monthly adjustment amount, IRMAA)
Enroll now or wait because of work coverage?

We explain how to avoid the Part B late-enrollment penalty.

Get guidance (855) 925-6430
Older couple talking with an advisorC

Part C · Medicare Advantage

A different way to get your Medicare benefits: a plan from a Medicare-approved private insurer that bundles Parts A and B, and often D.

What it includes

  • Everything Parts A and B cover
  • Often, drug coverage
  • An annual out-of-pocket limit
  • In some plans, extras like dental or vision

Keep in mind

  • Each plan has its own network, costs and rules
  • Availability changes by county
Which Advantage plans are in your ZIP?

We compare doctor networks, copays and extra benefits in your county.

Get guidance (855) 925-6430
Older adult organizing medicines in a weekly pill organizerD

Part D · Prescription drugs

Helps pay for prescription drugs. You get it through a standalone drug plan (with Original Medicare) or inside a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it.

What it includes

  • Drugs on the plan's list (formulary)
  • The plan's network pharmacies
  • A yearly out-of-pocket cap on drug costs

Keep in mind

  • Check that your drugs and pharmacy are included
  • Not having qualifying coverage on time can bring a penalty
Are your medications covered?

We check your medication list against plan formularies.

Get guidance (855) 925-6430
Older couple reviewing bills and documents at home+

Medigap · Supplemental insurance

Policies from private insurers that work with Original Medicare to help with costs it doesn't pay, like deductibles, copays and coinsurance.

What it includes

  • Standardized plans identified by letters
  • Help with part of your cost-sharing
  • Works with doctors who accept Medicare

Keep in mind

  • Only works with Original Medicare, not Advantage
  • Has its own premium and doesn't include drugs
Is Medigap right for you?

We show you when you can buy it without health questions.

Get guidance (855) 925-6430
2026 costs

How much does Medicare cost in 2026?

These are the standard Original Medicare figures published by CMS. What you pay can vary with your income, work history and the coverage you choose.

Part A · premium $0

For most people, if they worked 40 quarters (about 10 years) paying Medicare taxes.

Part A · deductible $1,736

For each inpatient hospital benefit period.

Part B · standard premium $202.90/mo

Most people pay this; with higher income it can be more (IRMAA).

Part B · deductible $283/yr

After that, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Private plans: premiums, copays and benefits for Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap vary by plan and county.

Limited income? There may be programs that help with these costs. See available help.

Source: CMS, 2026 Medicare Part A and Part B figures.

Comparison

How do Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage differ?

There's no single "best" option: it depends on your doctors, prescriptions, how you travel and your budget.

TopicOriginal Medicare + Medigap + Part DMedicare Advantage (Part C)
Who offers itParts A and B: the federal government. Medigap and Part D: private insurers.Medicare-approved private insurers.
DoctorsAny doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide.Usually a plan network (HMO or PPO).
ReferralsGenerally not needed for specialists.Some plans require them (especially HMOs).
PrescriptionsYou add a separate Part D plan.Many plans include Part D.
Out-of-pocket costsOriginal Medicare has no yearly cap; Medigap helps with copays and coinsurance.Plan copays and an annual out-of-pocket limit.
Extra benefitsGenerally no routine dental, vision or hearing.Some plans include extra benefits.
TravelCoverage across the U.S.Depends on the network; emergencies are covered.
PremiumsPart B premium + Medigap premium + Part D premium.Part B premium + the plan's premium, if any.

General educational information; details vary by plan and county.

Coverage

What does Original Medicare cover, and what doesn't it?

Knowing what's left out helps you decide whether you need more.

Usually covers

  • Hospital stays
  • Doctor and specialist visits
  • Preventive services and screenings
  • Lab tests and X-rays
  • Medical equipment (walkers, chairs)
  • Mental health care

Usually doesn't cover

  • Most dental care
  • Eye exams for glasses
  • Hearing aids
  • Long-term care
  • Drugs without Part D
  • Care outside the U.S.

Some Medicare Advantage plans include benefits like dental, vision or hearing; coverage depends on the plan and area.

Help paying

Is there help paying Medicare costs?

Yes. If you have limited income and resources, these official programs may help. We can point you to the right one.

Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy, LIS)

Helps pay Part D (drug) premiums, deductibles and copays.

Who may qualify: people with Medicare who have limited income and resources. You apply through Social Security.

See on SSA.gov →

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)

May help pay the Part B premium and, in some cases, deductibles and coinsurance.

Who may qualify: Texas residents with Medicare and limited income (QMB, SLMB, QI). Run by Texas HHS.

See on Texas HHS →

Medicaid + Medicare (dual eligibility)

Some people qualify for both programs at once; Medicaid can help with costs Medicare doesn't cover.

Who may qualify: depends on income, resources and other Texas requirements.

See on Your Texas Benefits →

Eligibility is determined by Social Security and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHS). General information, not legal or financial advice.

Step by step

How do I enroll in Medicare?

Enrollment in Parts A and B is done through Social Security. If you already get Social Security benefits, you're usually enrolled automatically and your card arrives by mail.

Onlinessa.gov/medicare By phone1-800-772-1213 In personlocal SSA office

Wondering when to enroll? See our Medicare guide.

  1. 1

    Confirm you qualify

    65 or older, or under 65 with certain disabilities, ESRD or ALS. You must be a citizen or lawful resident (5 continuous years).

  2. 2

    Gather your documents

    Social Security number, proof of age (birth certificate), proof of citizenship or lawful residence and, if it applies, your employer coverage details.

  3. 3

    Apply for Parts A and B

    Online, by phone or at a Social Security office. Keep your red, white and blue card: it has your Medicare number (MBI).

  4. 4

    Make your list

    Write down your doctors, medicines and pharmacy. That list makes comparing paths much easier.

  5. 5

    Choose, and review every year

    Decide between Original Medicare (with Part D and Medigap if you want) or Medicare Advantage. Plans change, so it's wise to review yearly.

Glossary

What do Medicare words mean?

Tap each card to see its meaning in plain words.

What you pay each month to have coverage, whether you use it or not.
What you pay first before Medicare or your plan starts paying.
A fixed amount you pay for a service, such as a doctor visit.
A percentage of the cost you pay, for example 20%.
The doctors, hospitals and pharmacies that work with a plan.
The list of drugs a Part D plan covers.
The yearly cap on what you pay for covered services in a Medicare Advantage plan.
An extra charge on Part B and D premiums for people with higher incomes.
The dates when you can sign up or make changes to your coverage.
Your permission, before a meeting, on which plan types you want the agent to explain.
Myths and facts

Which Medicare ideas aren't true?

Myth"Medicare covers everything."

FactOriginal Medicare has deductibles and coinsurance, and usually doesn't cover most dental care, vision, hearing aids or long-term care.

Myth"Medicare and Medicaid are the same."

FactMedicare is federal and based on age or disability. Medicaid is run by the state and based on income. Some people have both.

Myth"With Medicare Advantage I stop paying Part B."

FactYou generally keep paying the Part B premium, plus the plan's premium if it has one.

Myth"If I keep working, I don't need to think about Medicare."

FactIt depends on your employer's size and your coverage. It's wise to check before declining Part B to avoid penalties.

Myth"Once I choose, I can't change."

FactEvery year there are periods to review and change your Medicare Advantage or drug plan. Medigap may have different rules.

Myth"If my English isn't great, Medicare is too hard."

FactMedicare and Social Security offer help in Spanish, and at US Enrollment Center we explain everything in your language.

All of Texas

Where can I get Medicare help in Texas?

Medicare Advantage and drug plan options change by county, so we review your case using your ZIP code. We serve people statewide, including these areas:

  • Houston
  • Dallas – Fort Worth
  • San Antonio
  • Austin
  • El Paso
  • Rio Grande Valley
  • Corpus Christi
  • Laredo
  • Lubbock
  • Amarillo

Official resource in Texas: HICAP, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), 1-800-252-9240. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Pareja de adultos mayores revisando documentos de Medicare en casa
People, not forms

How does US Enrollment Center help you?

Being new to Medicare brings lots of questions. We explain every option in plain language and guide you through the whole process, in English or Spanish.

  1. 1You tell us your situation on the form or by phone.
  2. 2A licensed Aion agent calls you during the hours you authorized.
  3. 3A licensed agent from Aion Insurance Group reviews your options with you, at no cost.
  4. 4You decide. No obligation.
Start my review → I'd rather call: (855) 925-6430
Agente de seguros explicando opciones de Medicare en una tableta a una pareja de adultos mayores en su casa
Abuela y nieta sonriendo mientras miran un celular en la sala
For families

Helping a family member with Medicare?

Many Medicare decisions are made as a family. We guide you and your loved one step by step, in English or Spanish, always with the enrolling person's permission.

  • We explain each letter in simple language
  • We review doctors and prescriptions together
  • No pressure: you decide
Start the review →

How do we use and protect your information?

No hidden fine print: this is exactly what happens when you submit the form.

Who receives your data

US Enrollment Center receives your request and shares it with Aion Insurance Group Corp, the licensed insurance agency that advises and enrolls you. We don't sell your information or share it with other companies for their own marketing.

Calls

A licensed insurance agent with Aion Insurance Group Corp calls you 9 a.m.–9 p.m. (Mon–Sat) and 12–9 p.m. (Sun), recipient's local time. Calls may be recorded. Before discussing plans we read the Medicare notice and ask your permission.

Text messages

Appointment reminders and Medicare information. Frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for help.

Emails

Your request confirmation and, if you agree, guides and reminders. Every email has a one-click unsubscribe link. We never ask for your Medicare or Social Security number by email.

How to opt out

SMS: reply STOP. Calls: tell the agent "don't call me" or email newclients@usenrollmentcenter.us. Email: use "unsubscribe". We process it right away in both systems.

Your rights

You can request access, correction or deletion of your data and withdraw consent at any time, under Texas privacy law. Write to newclients@usenrollmentcenter.us or info@aionigc.com.

FAQ

What do people new to Medicare ask?

Is Medicare the same as Medicaid?

No. Medicare is federal insurance for people 65 or older and some people with disabilities. Medicaid is a state program for people with limited income and resources. Some people qualify for both.

Can I get Medicare before 65?

Yes, in some cases. For example, if you've received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, or you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS.

Do I have to pay for Part A?

Most people pay no Part A premium because they or their spouse worked at least 10 years (40 quarters) paying Medicare taxes. There is a deductible when you use hospital care.

How much does Part B cost in 2026?

The standard Part B premium in 2026 is $202.90 a month. People with higher incomes may pay more due to the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA), and some people with limited income can get help paying it.

Can I have Medicare and my job's insurance?

Yes. How they work together depends on your employer's size and the type of coverage. Before declining or delaying Part B, confirm whether your coverage counts as qualifying coverage to avoid penalties.

Does Medicare cover dental, vision and hearing?

Original Medicare usually doesn't cover most dental care, eye exams for glasses or hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits; coverage depends on the plan and area.

Can I combine Medigap with Medicare Advantage?

No. Medigap only works with Original Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can't be sold a Medigap policy to use with it.

How do I know if I qualify for help with costs?

It depends on your income and resources. You apply for Extra Help through Social Security and for Medicare Savings Programs through Texas HHS. Our team can point you to the program to look into.

Do I need my Medicare or Social Security number to talk with you?

No. The form doesn't ask for them and you don't need them to get guidance. If you later decide to enroll in a plan, the licensed agent will explain what information is needed.

What happens after I send the form?

US Enrollment Center receives your request and, with your permission, shares it with Aion Insurance Group Corp, a licensed insurance agency. A licensed insurance agent with Aion Insurance Group Corp calls you during permitted hours, recipient's local time. Guidance is at no cost, and sending the form doesn't enroll you in any plan.

You know the basics. Now, your case.

A licensed insurance agent with Aion Insurance Group Corp explains, in English or Spanish, how Medicare applies to your doctors, medicines and budget. No-cost, no-obligation review. Call (855) 925-6430 (TTY: 711): Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–9 p.m. · Sun 12–9 p.m. (Central Time).

Get my guidance(855) 925-6430
Pareja de adultos mayores sonriendo juntos

Questions about Medicare?
Let's talk in your language.

(855) 925-6430 Get guidance

(855) 925-6430 · TTY: 711 · Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–9 p.m. · Sun 12–9 p.m. (Central Time)

US Enrollment CenterAion Insurance Group

Page operated by US Enrollment Center Corp, a marketing and lead-generation company for Aion Insurance Group Corp. Guidance and enrollment are provided by licensed insurance agents of Aion.

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Who we are and how your information is shared

Aion Insurance Group Corp is a licensed insurance agency (NPN 20292767; licensed producing agent: Davey Selva, NPN 18969537). US Enrollment Center receives requests from this page and, with your authorization, shares your information with Aion Insurance Group Corp solely to handle your Medicare request. Advice, quoting and enrollment are performed by Aion Insurance Group's licensed agents. We don't sell your information or share it with third parties for their own marketing.

Phone calls

By checking the calls and texts box, you authorize US Enrollment Center and Aion Insurance Group Corp to call you at the number provided, including by autodialer or artificial or prerecorded voice, even if it is on a Do Not Call registry. Consent is not a condition of purchase. We call 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 12–9 p.m. Sunday, local time. Calls may be recorded for quality and compliance. Before discussing plan benefits we will read the Medicare notice and ask for a Scope of Appointment (SOA). You may ask us at any time to stop calling.

Text message (SMS) terms

Program: "US Enrollment Center Medicare TX", operated by US Enrollment Center and Aion Insurance Group Corp. You will receive informational and promotional messages about your Medicare request, appointments and reminders. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel at any time (you'll receive one final confirmation) and HELP for help, or call (855) 925-6430. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Your phone number and SMS consent are not sold or shared with third parties for their own marketing.

Email

We'll send your request confirmation. If you check the optional box, you'll also get Medicare guides and reminders from US Enrollment Center and Aion Insurance Group Corp. Every email identifies the sender, includes our postal address (701 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131) and a one-click unsubscribe link; we process opt-outs within 10 business days. We will never ask for your Medicare or Social Security number by email.

Privacy and location

To suggest your ZIP code we use the approximate location of your internet connection (not your device's GPS); you can change it. You may request access, correction or deletion of your data and withdraw consent by writing to newclients@usenrollmentcenter.us or info@aionigc.com.

Medicare is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Insurer and plan names belong to their owners. Plan and benefit availability vary and may change every year. Photos are illustrative and do not depict actual customers. General educational information; not legal or tax advice.

Important Medicare notice

We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Aion Insurance Group currently represents 8 Medicare organizations and serves beneficiaries across 18 states, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The plans we offer vary by state, county, and ZIP code and are limited to those available through our contracted carriers. For information regarding all available Medicare plan options, please visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048), or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP; in Texas, HICAP: 1-800-252-9240). You may enroll in a plan only during applicable enrollment periods.

© 2026 US Enrollment Center · Aion Insurance Group Corp.

Medicare 2027 guide · PDF

Medicare from A to Z

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  • 1Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage: how to choose
  • 2What you'll pay for drugs (Part D) in 2027
  • 3Key dates and how to avoid penalties

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