Understanding Medicare
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) covers about 80% of your healthcare costs. The remaining 20% — plus deductibles, copays, and prescription drugs — is where your choices matter. As an independent brokerage, we compare plans across multiple carriers to find the right fit for your doctors, medications, and budget.
Parts A & B
Federal coverage for hospital and medical. Covers ~80% of approved costs.
Part C or Supplement
Fills the gaps in Original Medicare or replaces it with bundled coverage.
Prescription Drugs
Standalone drug coverage added to Original Medicare + Medigap.
Coverage Options
Click any plan type to expand the full explanation, highlights, and key tips.
Plan Comparison
All Medigap plans are standardized — the same letter plan offers identical benefits regardless of carrier. The only difference is the premium.
| Plan | Part A Deductible | Copays / Coinsurance | Part B Excess | Foreign Travel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan A | No | No | No | No | |
| Plan B | Part A only | No | No | No | |
| Plan D | Part A only | No | No | 80% | |
| Plan G | Part A only | No | Yes | 80% | Most Popular |
| Plan G-HD | After HD deductible | No | Yes | 80% | Lowest Premium |
| Plan K | 50% | 50% | No | No | |
| Plan L | 75% | 75% | No | No | |
| Plan M | 50% Part A | No | No | 80% | |
| Plan N | Part A only | Up to $20/$50 ER | No | 80% | Best Value |
Plans C and F are not available to those who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Key Terms
Common questions
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to pay the out-of-pocket costs Medicare leaves behind, lets you see any doctor that accepts Medicare nationwide, and usually pairs with a separate Part D drug plan. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that often bundles drug coverage and extras like dental or vision but uses provider networks. As an independent broker, we compare both so you choose what fits your doctors, medications, and budget.
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the seven-month window around your 65th birthday. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15–December 7 each year, when you can change Advantage and Part D plans. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs January 1–March 31. Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you move or lose coverage. We'll make sure you enroll in the right window to avoid penalties.
No. Our Medicare services are provided at no cost to you. Brokers are compensated by the insurance carriers, and plan premiums are the same whether you enroll through us or directly. You get personalized, independent guidance comparing multiple carriers without paying a fee.
Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. If you choose Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, you'll typically add a standalone Part D plan; many Medicare Advantage plans include drug coverage built in. Going without creditable drug coverage can trigger a lifelong late-enrollment penalty, so we help you choose a plan that covers your specific medications.
Medigap plans are standardized and labeled by letter — such as Plan G, Plan G High-Deductible, Plan N, and others. Each letter offers the same core benefits from any carrier, but premiums vary by company. Plan G is the most popular for new enrollees. We compare carriers offering the same plan letter to find the lowest premium for identical coverage.
Yes. We review your current doctors, preferred hospitals, and prescription list to find plans that include your providers in-network and cover your drugs at the best cost. This is especially important with Medicare Advantage plans, which use networks and formularies.
Call (573) 694-4452, email michael@hutchisoninsurancegroup.com, or visit hutchisoninsurancegroup.com to schedule a free Medicare consultation. We'll review your situation, compare plans from multiple carriers, and guide you through enrollment at no cost.