Medicare can be complex, but here are some key steps
to help you get started.

Medicare can be complex, but here are some key steps to help you get started.
First, you need to get enrolled in Original Medicare A and B through Social Security by visiting www.ssa.gov.
After logging in, follow the instructions to sign up for Medicare Part A. Part A is free for most people who have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, or about 40 quarters of work. Medicare Part A helps to cover 80% of hospitalization costs. So it’s wise to enroll at age 65, even if you’re still working, as it provides a Medicare ID and may supplement your work coverage if needed.
Medicare Part B has a monthly premium determined by your annual income and covers 80% of outpatient medical costs. If you are 65 or older, are eligible for Medicare, and do not have creditable coverage through your employer, you can face a lifetime late enrollment penalty for not enrolling in Original Medicare during your initial window of eligibility.
Medicare Part C, more commonly known as Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPD), is offered by private insurers to help cover the remaining 20% of costs that Original Medicare does not cover. These plans are typically run by health maintenance organizations and require referrals and prior authorization for medical care in addition to copays and, in some scenarios, co-insurance.
Medicare Part D, also known as a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), helps to cover your prescription drug costs. These plans are also offered by private insurance carriers and come with a lifetime late enrollment penalty if you do not enroll when eligible or have credible coverage.
Medicare Supplement Plans, known as Medigap plans, are offered by private insurance carriers at a monthly premium amount. These policies help to cover the 20% that original Medicare does not cover. Medicare supplement plans do not work within a network of doctors, but you can see any doctor you’d like as long as they bill Original Medicare.
Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Whether you are signing up for Medicare for the first time or exploring your options, our expert team will guide you through Medicare Parts A, B, C, D, and a Supplement plan. Contact us for personalized assistance today at Pacific Insurance Group at 425-246-4222 or schedule an appointment here to speak with one of our licensed agents.

Medicare Insights : Simplified for You

The Book of Medicare : Medicare Made Easy

Are You Really "Entitled" to Medicare?

The Truth About Medicare Part D

Is Your MAPD Plan Being Terminated? This Could Be Good News!

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New to Medicare?

The Book of Medicare was written by Pacific Insurance Group's Carter Gray to help anyone approaching Medicare eligibility at 65 learn how to enroll in Original Medicare.

The "Book of Medicare" is filed with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under MULTIPLAN_PACIFIC_BOM_M.

Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Whether you’re signing up for the first time or exploring your options, our expert team is ready to guide you through Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Contact us for personalized assistance today.

Click here to enrol in Original Medicare

Nearby Social Security Office Location

**We do not offer every plan in your area. Currently, we represent 5 organizations which offer 58 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Blogs

Is Your MAPD Plan Being Terminated?

If a Medicare beneficiary does not “join” or “switch” to another MAPD plan, they will automatically be switched back to Original Medicare. Hopefully they are speaking with
someone who can deliver the bad news in a palatable way and explore all available options.

Read More »

“Entitled” to Medicare?

It has been 59 years since President Lyndon B.
Johnson signed into law legislation establishing the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Some would say this was the beginning of “entitlement” in the United States of America.

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Truth About Medicare Part D in 2025

Someone who still uses an iPhone 6 is comparable to someone who is on a Medicare plan from 2014. Speaking to someone who thinks there is no difference between the iPhone 6 and iPhone 16 is similar to communicating with someone who is still on a Part D plan from 10 years ago.

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