Free guideTurning 65
Your Medicare Trailhead Guide
A step-by-step guide to signing up. Your window, your two paths, drug costs and the 2027 numbers.
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Learning Center
Medicare and health coverage, explained simply
Free guides, key dates and plain-English answers from Brandon and Jade Sowder, Licensed Independent Insurance Agents/Brokers. No jargon and no pressure.
No cost for our help
Licensed in 10 states
By phone or in person
No cost for our helpBy phone or in person
Licensed in 10 statesNPN 20622977 & 20595181
Where are you in your journey?
Tap the one that fits. We'll show your next three steps.
Turning 65?
Find your Medicare sign-up window
Enter your birth month and year. You'll see your 7-month window and when coverage can start.
Your window will appear here.
Guides
Browse our free guides
Pick a topic to narrow the list.
Free guideTurning 65On Medicare
Medicare Supplement plans
How Supplements work, why Plan G benefits are the same at every company, and when to compare rates.
Compare the plansTurning 65On Medicare
Medicare Advantage
Networks, copays and yearly out-of-pocket limits. Plus how to check that your doctors and drugs are covered.
Read the guideUnder 65
Marketplace (ACA) coverage
How Affordable Care Act plans and premium tax credits work before Medicare, and when you can enroll.
Read the guideWant to compare every kind of coverage at once? Read our coverage decision guide.
Myth or fact?
Medicare myths we hear every week
Tap a card to see the real answer.
Mark your calendar
Key enrollment dates
These countdowns update on their own every day.
What's new
Plan and policy updates
Reviewed by Brandon and Jade before posting. Newest first.
ACA Open Enrollment: November 1 – January 15
For 2027 Marketplace coverage, Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Choose a plan by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. In Maine, you enroll through CoverME.gov.
2027 drug costs: yearly cap rises to $2,400
For 2027, the most you'll pay for covered Part D prescriptions in a year is $2,400 (up from $2,100 in 2026). The most a Part D plan can charge for its deductible is $700 (up from $615).
2027 Part B premium: projected at $209.50
The 2026 standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month. The Medicare Trustees project about $209.50 for 2027. Medicare usually announces the official amount in November, and we'll post it here.
Medicare Annual Enrollment: October 15 – December 7
Watch for your plan's Annual Notice of Change letter. It lists what's changing next year, like premiums, copays, drug coverage and doctors.
Medicare
When should I sign up for Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period is 7 months: the 3 months before the month you turn 65, that month, and the 3 months after. Signing up in the first 3 months lets coverage start on time.
Still working with job-based coverage? Your timing may be different, so it's worth a quick review. Try the sign-up window finder above.
Will I be signed up for Medicare automatically?
Only if you're already getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. If you are, your Medicare card usually arrives in the mail before your 65th birthday. If not, you'll need to sign up yourself through Social Security.
What's the difference between a Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
A Supplement works with Original Medicare. You can see any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. It usually has a higher premium but more predictable costs.
Advantage plans bundle your coverage and often include drug coverage. They use a network, with copays up to a yearly limit. Extra benefits like dental vary by plan; not all plans include them. The right fit depends on your doctors, prescriptions, travel and budget.
Can I change my plan later?
Yes. Every year from October 15 to December 7, you can change Medicare Advantage and drug plans. Advantage members also get one change from January 1 to March 31.
You can apply for a different Supplement any time. But after your first 6 months with Part B, most states let insurers ask health questions, and they may say no.
Is there a penalty if I don't sign up for drug coverage?
Yes. If you go 63 days or more in a row without Part D or other creditable drug coverage after you're first eligible, a late penalty is added to your premium for as long as you have Part D.
Under 65
I'm under 65 and lost my job coverage. Can I get a plan now?
Usually, yes. Losing qualifying health coverage generally gives you a Special Enrollment Period, typically 60 days, to pick a Marketplace plan. Other life changes, like moving, marriage or having a baby, can qualify too.
What is a premium tax credit?
It's a tax credit that can lower your monthly Marketplace premium. It's based on your expected household income and size. You can use it each month or claim it when you file your taxes.
We're not tax advisors. For your specific tax situation, talk with a tax professional.
Working with us
Do you charge for your help?
No. There's no fee for our help. Insurance companies pay us, and plan prices are the same whether you enroll with us or on your own.
Questions? Talk with Brandon and Jade.
"Every question is a good question. We're happy to walk you through it."
Licensed Independent Insurance Agents/Brokers with Sowder Insurance and Mayfield & Associates. Brandon: NPN 20622977. Jade: NPN 20595181. We help by phone or in person, at no cost to you.