We Are Your Medicare Resource Experts

Your Trusted Guide To Medicare Options And Coverage

Welcome to Niche Market Insurers, your trusted source for all your Medicare needs. We understand that navigating the world of healthcare can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to Medicare. That's why we're here to guide you through the different types of Medicare options available to you, including Original Medicare, Part D Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplements.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B):

Original Medicare consists of two parts: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Medicare Part B covers services from doctors and other healthcare providers, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and preventive services.


Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older who meet applicable citizenship or residency requirements. Some people may qualify before age 65 because of a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease. Original Medicare covers many healthcare services and supplies, but it does not cover all healthcare costs. Additional coverage options may be available depending on your eligibility and individual needs.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage:

Original Medicare includes limited prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part B generally covers certain medications administered in a doctor’s office or hospital outpatient setting, while Medicare Part D helps cover many prescription drugs that Part B does not cover. Part D coverage is optional and is offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

2026 Part D update: In 2026, out-of-pocket costs for drugs covered under Medicare Part D are capped at $2,100 for the calendar year. Medicare also offers a voluntary Medicare Prescription Payment Plan that allows participants to spread eligible out-of-pocket prescription costs across the calendar year. This payment option may make monthly expenses easier to manage, but it does not reduce the total cost of the medications.

Medicare Advantage (Part C):

Medicare Advantage, also called Medicare Part C, is another way to receive Medicare coverage through a private insurance company approved by Medicare. These plans provide almost all Medicare Part A and Part B benefits and usually include Part D prescription drug coverage. Some plans may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and wellness services.

Costs, benefits, provider networks, service areas, and availability vary by plan. Original Medicare continues to cover certain services, including hospice care and some costs associated with approved clinical trials.

Medicare Supplements (Medigap):

Medicare Supplements, or Medigap plans, are designed to work alongside Original Medicare. These plans are also offered by private insurance companies. Medigap plans help cover the "gaps" in Original Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. They provide additional financial protection and allow you to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare. In most states, Medigap plans are standardized and labeled with letters—Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N—with each plan offering a different set of standardized benefits. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin standardize Medigap policies differently.

Please note: Medigap Plans C and F are not available to people who became newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Individuals who were eligible for Medicare before that date may still be able to purchase these plans, depending on availability and eligibility.


Choosing the right Medicare option for your needs is a personal decision. It's important to assess your healthcare needs, budget, and preferences before making a choice. At Niche Market Insurers, our experienced agents are here to help you understand your options, compare plans, and find the best Medicare solution tailored to your unique situation.

Frequently asked questions

Remember, these answers are general and may not apply to every individual situation. For personalized information and advice, it's always best to consult with a licensed insurance agent or contact Medicare directly.

  • What is Medicare?

    Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that provides coverage to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as to certain younger individuals with disabilities or end-stage renal disease.

  • What are the different parts of Medicare?

    Medicare consists of four main parts: Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D. 

    • Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services.
    • Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
    • Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, offers an alternative to Original Medicare and includes additional benefits provided by private insurance companies.
    • Part D provides prescription drug coverage.

  • When can I enroll in Medicare?

    You can typically enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts three months before your 65th birthday month and ends three months after. There are also other enrollment periods like the General Enrollment Period and Special Enrollment Periods for certain situations.

  • Do I need both Medicare Part A and Part B?

    Most people are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A if they or their spouse have paid Medicare taxes while working. While Part A is often free, Part B usually requires a monthly premium payment. Part B covers medical services and is typically necessary to have alongside Part A.

  • What does Medicare cover?

    Medicare coverage varies depending on the specific part. Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and limited home health services. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) typically include coverage for Parts A, B, and often prescription drugs. Part D focuses solely on prescription drug coverage.

  • Can I get additional coverage with Medicare?

    Yes, you have options for additional coverage. You can either enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) offered by private insurance companies or purchase a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy to help cover costs not covered by Original Medicare.

  • What is the Medicare Advantage (Part C) program?

    Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They provide all the benefits of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and often include additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing services.

  • Can I change my Medicare plan?

    Yes, there are specific times when you can change your Medicare plan. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) takes place from October 15th to December 7th each year, during which you can switch between Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa. There are also other enrollment periods for specific situations, such as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.


    If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. During this period, you may switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and, when applicable, enroll in a separate Medicare drug plan.

Have questions for Niche market Insurers?

Contact Niche Market Insurers today to explore your Medicare options and gain peace of mind knowing that you have the coverage you need to stay healthy and protected.

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