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New to Medicare? What You Need to Know
Turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare can feel like a lot, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. We can help.
Read our guide to help you understand the basics about Medicare and make confident decisions about your health coverage.
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:
- People 65 and older
- Some younger people with disabilities
- People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
The Four Parts of Medicare
- Part A (hospital insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and some home health care
- Part B (medical insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and some home health care
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative to Original Medicare, it’s offered by private insurers. Often includes Part A, B and sometimes D, plus extras like vision or dental.
- Part D (prescription drug coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. In 2025, out-of-pocket drug costs are capped at $2,000 per year, with an option to spread out payments monthly.
When to Enroll
There are several different time periods when you can enroll in Medicare, including:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month and ends three months after
- General Enrollment Period: Runs January 1 to March 31 every calendar year, with care coverage beginning July 1
- Special Enrollment Periods: Available if you qualify due to a life event like losing employer coverage
What’s New in 2025?
As of 2025, there are several updates and changes to Medicare that are important for you to know, including:
- Drug Cost Cap: Annual out-of-pocket costs for Part D are capped at $2,000
- Mental Health Expansion: Coverage now includes services from marriage and family therapists and intensive outpatient programs
- Changes to Telehealth Coverage: Beginning April 1, patients must generally be in a rural health facility or an area with a shortage of health professionals to use telehealth services. There are exceptions for mental and behavioral health, substance use disorder, acute stroke patients and home dialysis.
Tips for Getting Started
If you’re just enrolling in Medicare, here are some tips as you get started:
- Compare Plans: Use the Medicare Plan Finder to explore your options
- Consider Your Needs: Think about your prescriptions, preferred doctors and travel habits
Extra Help for AdventHealth Patients
As an AdventHealth patient, you’re eligible for trusted, one-on-one counseling through Chapter at no cost. Chapter is a licensed Medicare advisor, providing one-on-one counseling and assistance to help you select the best plan to meet your needs.
Call 833-201-6576 or visit AskChapter.org for more information.
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