Medicare
Calm, clear Medicare guidance
Medicare can feel complicated, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be. B&B Insurance Brokerage Solutions can break everything down into easy-to-understand pieces, so you feel confident choosing the coverage that fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your health needs.
Important facts about Medicare
What Original Medicare includes
Part A — Hospital coverage
- Hospital stays
- Skilled nursing (short-term)
- Hospice
- Some home health care
Part B — Medical coverage
- Doctor visits
- Outpatient procedures
- Lab work, X-rays, imaging
- Preventive services
- Durable medical equipment
Important to know
- Medicare covers most, but not all, medical costs.
- You’ll still have deductibles, copays, and 20% coinsurance on most outpatient services.
- There is no out-of-pocket maximum, meaning there is no limit to your financial responsibility.
- Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage.
Original Medicare leaves several common services out
- Most dental care
- Routine vision exams and eyewear
- Hearing aids
- Prescription drugs (Part D needed)
- Care outside the U.S.
- Long-term care
- Fitness or wellness benefits
- Custodial care (help with daily activities)
Why this matters
You could face significant out-of-pocket expenses without additional coverage. This is why most people add coverage—to protect their health and finances.
Your two main Medicare paths
Path 1: Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D
For people who want:
- Freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide
- No or low costs when you receive services
- Coverage that travels
- Predictable monthly premium payment
Path 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C)
For people who want:
- Low or $0 monthly premium
- Extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, OTC, fitness)
- Medical and drug coverage combined in one plan
- Predictable out-of-pocket costs and a simple plan experience
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
What Medigap plans do
Medigap helps pay the costs Original Medicare doesn’t, including:
- Part A & B deductibles
- Copays
- Coinsurance
- Unexpected medical bills
Why people choose Medigap
- Use any provider who accepts Medicare
- Excellent coverage for major medical events
- Predictable annual expenses
- Great for travelers or snowbirds
What you add
- Standalone prescription drug plan (Part D)
- Optional dental, vision, and hearing coverage
Medicare Advantage
What’s included in Medicare Advantage
- Part A hospital
- Part B medical
- Usually, Part D prescription drug coverage
PLUS extra benefits such as: Dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, over-the-counter allowances, transportation, meal support
Why people choose Medicare Advantage
- Low or $0 monthly premiums
- One simple plan to manage
- Predictable copays
- Built-in extras that Original Medicare doesn’t offer
Things to know
- Network limitations may apply
- You may have copays and coinsurance when receiving services
- Plans vary by ZIP code
Medigap vs Medicare Advantage
| Topic | Medigap path | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Often higher | Often $0 |
| Out-of-pocket style | Very low / predictable | Pay-as-you-go copays |
| Providers | Any Medicare provider | Networks (HMO/PPO) |
| Prescription drugs | Added separately (Part D) | Usually included |
| Travel flexibility | Excellent | Limited to service area/network |
| Extra benefits | Not included | Many extras available |
There is no “best” option—only the best option for you.
Which path fits your lifestyle?
You may prefer Medigap if you…
- Travel often
- Want predictable costs
- Prefer nationwide provider access
- Want strong financial protection
You may prefer Medicare Advantage if you…
- Want low monthly premiums
- Like dental, vision, and hearing benefits
- Prefer a bundled, all-in-one approach
- Want care coordination and wellness programs
Important Medicare notice
B&B Insurance Brokerage Solutions is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Plain-language education
Understand how Medicare options differ without the jargon overload.
Plan option exploration
Review available plan types that may fit your needs and licensed service area.
Appointment support
Schedule a conversation when you are ready to talk through details.
Thoughtful next steps
Move forward with clear guidance—and the right authorization when required.
Before we discuss certain plan details
Medicare Scope of Appointment
Federal Medicare rules generally require documenting which product types you agree to discuss before a personal marketing appointment for Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Completing this electronic Scope of Appointment helps Igsa prepare for your conversation and stay within the scope you select.
B&B Insurance Brokerage Solutions is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Helpful Medicare downloads
Optional reading from trusted Medicare education materials. These downloads are for your information—they are not an application or enrollment.
- Medicare for Veterans 101A plain-language overview of how Medicare works with VA care, TRICARE for Life, and other veteran coverage options.
- How Medicare works with other insuranceA plain-language guide to coordination of benefits and other coverage situations.
- Medicare & You handbookThe official Medicare handbook covering Parts A, B, C, D, and common questions.
Medicare FAQs
Yes. Igsa provides calm, clear Medicare education and can help you explore available plan options. Additional authorization may be required before discussing certain Medicare plan details, and Igsa will guide you through the appropriate next step. B&B Insurance Brokerage Solutions is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
You can schedule a consultation through Calendly, request a quote online, call (636) 232-1237, or email ibrown@chcagents.com. Choose the option that feels most comfortable for you.
After you submit a quote request, Igsa will review your information and follow up using your preferred contact method. Together you can discuss your goals, review relevant options, and determine next steps. Submitting a form does not enroll you in coverage.
No. Coverage availability varies by state, eligibility, carrier, appointment status, and plan type. Igsa will help you understand what may be available where you live.
No. Completing a quote request or inquiry form does not create coverage. Coverage is not effective until all required applications, eligibility steps, approvals, and enrollment processes are complete.
The Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window surrounding your 65th birthday. It’s one of the most important times to review Part A, Part B, and whether Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Part D may fit your situation.
There is a 6-month Open Enrollment Period when you initially enroll in Part B. Outside that window, you can often apply at any time (subject to medical underwriting in most states) or if you qualify for a Guaranteed Issue right.
Key windows include October 15–December 7 (Annual Enrollment Period) and January 1–March 31 (Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period). Special enrollment periods may also apply if you move, retire, or lose coverage.
Important notice
Coverage availability varies by state, eligibility, carrier, and plan type. B&B Insurance Brokerage Solutions is an independent insurance brokerage and is not an insurance carrier.
Next step
Ready to explore your coverage options?
Request a quote or schedule a consultation with Igsa. No pressure—just clear next steps.