Medicare is a federal health insurance program for most people starting at age 65, as well as some younger adults with certain disabilities. It helps pay for many of the hospital, doctor, and medical services you may need as you age.

Think of Medicare as your basic health insurance foundation in retirement. It is not completely free, and it does not cover everything, but it is usually the starting point for your coverage decisions.

This guide focuses on how Medicare works for Colorado residents. State rules and plan options can vary, so it is helpful to talk with someone who works with Colorado plans every day.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

• You have Medicare through the federal government.
• You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
• You usually add a separate Part D drug plan.
• You can add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help with deductibles and coinsurance.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

• You enroll in a private plan that manages your Medicare benefits.
• Most plans use provider networks (HMO or PPO), so your costs are lower in-network.
• Many plans include Part D drug coverage and extras such as dental, vision, or fitness benefits.
• You still must be enrolled in Parts A and B and keep paying your Part B premium.

Key Things to Remember

• Both options are “Medicare” – you are not giving up Medicare when you choose Medicare Advantage.
• Original Medicare + Medigap can offer more flexibility with nationwide access.
• Medicare Advantage can offer extra benefits and predictable copays, but you work within a plan’s rules and network.
• The right choice depends on your health, prescriptions, doctors, travel, and budget.

Understanding Medicare’s timelines can help you avoid gaps in coverage and late-enrollment penalties.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

• A 7-month window around your 65th birthday (3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after).
• Most people sign up for Part A and Part B during this time, and choose either a Medicare Advantage plan or Medigap and Part D.

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

• Runs from January 1 through March 31 each year.
• For people who missed signing up for Part A and/or Part B when they were first eligible and are not eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

• Runs from October 15 through December 7 each year.
• You can review and change your Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for the upcoming year.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

• Certain life events—such as losing employer coverage, moving out of your plan’s service area, or qualifying for extra help—may give you a limited-time window to make changes.
• Rules can be complex, so it is wise to get guidance if you think a SEP might apply.

Heart 2 Heart can help you understand which enrollment periods apply to your situation and what steps to take next.

You do not have to become a Medicare expert. Your job is to understand the big picture, think about your health and budget, and bring your questions.

Helpful ways to get ready:

• Write down your current doctors, prescriptions, and any planned procedures.
• Note what is most important to you: keeping your doctors, lowering monthly costs, limiting big bills, or adding extras like dental.
• List any deadlines you are facing, such as turning 65 or losing employer coverage.

From there, Heart 2 Heart Senior Advisors can walk you through your choices step by step, in plain language, so you can feel confident in your Medicare decisions.