The official Medicare & You handbook is updated each year by the U.S. government. It contains a full breakdown of coverage, costs, plan types, and benefits available to you. You can download it for free here: The official U.S. government Medicare handbook
If you’re turning 65 soon, you’re likely eligible for your Initial Enrollment Period, a critical time to compare and select Medicare plans. We offer free Medicare consultations to help you understand your options and avoid late penalties.
There are two key opportunities outside of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period when you may be able to adjust your coverage:
You can change plans during specific Medicare enrollment periods. The main opportunity is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, anyone on Medicare can make coverage changes that take effect the following year. But what if your new plan doesn’t meet your needs? Maybe your medication isn’t covered, your doctor is out of network, or your benefits change unexpectedly. If this happens, you may qualify to make changes before the next Annual Enrollment Period. Not sure if you qualify? Contact us today for free, personalized guidance from our licensed agents. We’re here to help you understand your options and make confident decisions.
A Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP) is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These plans often include extra benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, and over-the-counter allowances. Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer low or $0 premiums, making them a cost-effective option for many Medicare beneficiaries.
A Medicare Supplement Plan, also known as Medigap, covers the gaps left by Original Medicare (Parts A & B). This includes copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. These plans do not include benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, or hearing.
Many people turning 65 choose popular Medicare Supplement Plans G or N.
However, the best Medicare plan depends on your unique health, lifestyle, and prescription needs. That’s why we meet one-on-one to find the right coverage options tailored for you.
We provide Medicare guidance at no cost to you. Our services are completely free - you never pay us directly. When you enroll in a plan, the insurance company pays us a standard “finder’s fee.” Our licensed agents, specializing in Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA, are non-commissioned to ensure unbiased help in selecting the best plan for your needs.
Silver health plans typically fall in the middle range of costs among Marketplace options. They usually have higher monthly premiums than Bronze plans, but lower premiums than Gold or Platinum plans, along with moderate out‑of‑pocket costs when you receive care.
Silver plans are often referred to as “benchmark plans” because they sit between lower‑cost and higher‑cost options in the Marketplace. Importantly, if you qualify for cost‑sharing reductions (also called “extra savings”), you must enroll in a Silver plan to receive those benefits, which can lower deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Learn more about Silver plans.
Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are extra savings that lower out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance). If you qualify, you generally must enroll in a Silver plan to get these extra savings (you can still use premium tax credits with other metal levels, but CSRs require Silver).
The Premium Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit that helps eligible people pay for Marketplace health insurance premiums. Many people use it as an advance payment sent directly to the insurer to lower monthly premiums.
For more detailed information, visit the IRS Premium Tax Credit FAQs or HealthCare.gov. You can also contact a Blue Compass Insurance agent for general help understanding your coverage options and the enrollment process.
No. Marketplace plans must cover treatment for pre‑existing conditions. Insurers can’t reject you, charge you more, or refuse to pay for essential health benefits for a condition you had before coverage started.
Exception: grandfathered plans don’t have to cover pre-existing conditions
Grandfathered plans don’t have to cover pre-existing conditions or preventive care. If you have a grandfathered plan and want pre-existing conditions covered, you have 2 options:
Learn more about grandfathered plans and what to do when your plan is changed or cancelled.
All plans offered in the Marketplace cover these 10 essential health benefits:
To enroll in Marketplace coverage, you generally must live in the U.S., be a U.S. citizen/national or lawfully present, and not be incarcerated. If you have Medicare, you cannot enroll in a Marketplace plan.
The Health Insurance Marketplace is a service that helps individuals and families compare health plans, enroll in coverage, and learn whether they may qualify for financial help (like premium tax credits) or programs such as Medicaid or CHIP.
Use HealthCare.gov or Medicaid.gov to select your state and get official contact information and next steps.
Medicaid is often free or low-cost, and costs depend on your state and eligibility category. If you qualify, your state will tell you whether there are any premiums or copays for certain services.
States decide the type/amount of services within federal guidelines. Federal law requires states to cover certain mandatory benefits (for example, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, physician services, lab and X‑ray services, and home health services), and allows optional benefits that states may choose to cover (for example, prescription drugs, case management, physical therapy, occupational therapy).
Requirements vary by state, but you may be asked for items like identity information (name/date of birth), Social Security number, proof of income (pay stubs/W‑2), housing costs (rent/mortgage/utilities), and citizenship/immigration documentation.
Common ways to apply include:
You can apply for Medicaid any time of year (there is no limited enrollment season like some private plans).
No. Medicaid is administered by states under federal guidelines, so eligibility rules and covered services can vary by state. Some states have expanded Medicaid to cover more adults; others have not.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to eligible people, including low-income adults, children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. Each state runs its program within federal rules, so details vary by state. Contact a Blue Compass Insurance agent today for more details.
Yes. Blue Compass Insurance takes privacy seriously. Any personal or health information you share is handled in accordance with privacy and data‑protection requirements and is used only to help determine eligibility, explain coverage options, or assist with enrollment. View Privacy Policy.
BCI agents provide unbiased guidance and help you review multiple plan options, when available, based on your location and eligibility. Our focus is on helping you understand your choices - not steering you toward a specific plan.
Yes. All BCI agents are properly licensed and certified, and they complete ongoing training to stay current on Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA program rules. This helps ensure the information you receive is accurate, up to date, and aligned with current regulations.
We provide Medicare guidance at no cost to you. Our services are completely free - you never pay us directly. When you enroll in a plan, the insurance company pays us a standard “finder’s fee.” Our licensed agents, specializing in Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA, are non-commissioned to ensure unbiased help in selecting the best plan for your needs.
Our experienced agents are here to help you move forward with confidence.
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