Medicare solutions
Medicare, made clear.
Medicare is divided into parts. Here’s how they fit together, when to enroll, and how your choices connect to your taxes.
The parts of Medicare
A, B, C and D, in plain English.
Free PDF · Medicare
Medicare enrollment dates cheat sheet
Every enrollment window and penalty to know.
Medigap
Filling the gaps in Original Medicare.
If you choose Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you’ll likely want a private Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, plan to help cover deductibles, copayments and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Plans are standardized by letter.Plans with the same letter offer the same basic benefits; usually only the price differs between insurers.
- Timing matters.Your best window is the 6 months starting when you’re 65 and enrolled in Part B. After that, insurers in most states can charge more or turn you down based on health.
- Plan F isn’t available to newer enrollees.If you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you can’t buy Plan F or C. Plan G is the closest alternative.
Key dates
Enrollment windows to know.
- Initial Enrollment Period7 months: the 3 months before your 65th birthday month, that month, and the 3 months after.
- Annual Open Enrollment · Oct 15 to Dec 7Switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for the next year.
- General Enrollment · Jan 1 to Mar 31Sign up for Part A or B if you missed your initial window. Late penalties may apply.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment · Jan 1 to Mar 31If you’re in an Advantage plan, switch plans once or return to Original Medicare.
Where Medicare meets your taxesYour income can raise your premiums.
Part B and Part D premiums go up for higher incomes, based on your tax return from two years earlier. A large IRA withdrawal or Roth conversion can push you over a threshold, so we plan those moves with Medicare in mind. If your income dropped because of a life change like retirement, you may be able to appeal.
Free Medicare webinar
Medicare Made Simple: Your Choices at 65
Join Mary Garza live and get your Medicare questions answered.
See all dates and details →Dates
No date is set yet. Leave your details and we will email you as soon as the next webinar or seminar is scheduled.
Rather talk through your options one-on-one?
We’ll look at your Medicare choices alongside your tax return and retirement income.
Platinum Tax Advisory is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. This page is general information, not advice for your situation.
More resourcesFree checklists, guides, tools and webinars
Visit the resource center