A PLACE TO START
New to Medicare? Start here.
Start with how Medicare works, when you may need to enroll, and how your current coverage fits into the picture.
Sams/Hockaday helps you walk through those decisions step by step. You can read the basics below or arrange a consultation in our office, by phone, or virtually.
Call to arrange a consultation
Understand the parts and coverage choices.
Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage is a private-plan alternative that provides your Part A and Part B benefits; most plans also include drug coverage.
With Original Medicare, you may consider separate prescription drug coverage and Medicare Supplement insurance for some of your share of costs. Understanding these choices is a useful first step.
Understand the parts of Medicare →Learn when enrollment applies to you.
Approaching 65, continuing to work and leaving employer coverage can raise different enrollment questions. Learn the basic enrollment periods, then consider which rules apply to your situation.
Explore enrollment periods →
Include your work and retirement coverage.
Before changing coverage, ask your benefits administrator how your employer coverage works with Medicare and what happens when you retire. If you contribute to a health savings account, include that in your planning too.
Explore working past 65 →Medicare enrollment and Social Security retirement benefits are separate decisions. Learn how they relate before assuming you need to start both at the same time.
Read about Medicare and Social Security →Consider costs alongside coverage.
Look at premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, as well as doctors, prescriptions and coverage rules. A lower monthly premium alone does not explain what you might pay for care.
Understand Medicare costs →Explore coverage options →Looking for a standalone prescription drug plan?
Our Part D page points you to official self-service resources so you can review drug plans independently.
See Part D self-service resources →Bring your next step into focus.
Have information about your current coverage available and write down what is changing. Call 217-423-8000 to arrange a consultation and talk through your Medicare questions.
Call 217-423-8000