Buffer Insurance is an independent brokerage — not captive to any single carrier. We work with UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Mutual of Omaha, and others to find the Medicare plan that fits your health needs, your doctors, and your budget.
Schedule a Free Consultation →Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and covers hospital care, medical services, and prescription drugs — but it does not cover everything. Understanding the parts of Medicare, the enrollment windows, and your supplemental options is critical to avoiding gaps in coverage and unnecessary penalties.
Most people become eligible at age 65. If you have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years), you qualify for premium-free Part A. Part B, Part D, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage all have separate enrollment rules and costs that Buffer can help you navigate.
Not sure if your current Medicare plan is working as hard as it should? Our Medicare Maximizer Assessment walks you through the key questions to find out — and helps you understand where you might be overpaying or missing better coverage.
Medicare is divided into distinct parts, each covering different types of care. Most people need a combination of these parts to build complete coverage.
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services. Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters.
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and some home health services. Part B has a monthly premium that most people pay, with higher-income individuals paying more (IRMAA).
Private insurance plans that contract with Medicare to provide all Part A and Part B benefits. Most Advantage plans also include Part D drug coverage and extras like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits. Plans typically use HMO or PPO networks.
Covers the cost of prescription medications. Available as a standalone plan (paired with Original Medicare) or bundled into most Medicare Advantage plans. Plans vary significantly in which drugs they cover, pharmacy networks, and out-of-pocket costs.
Standardized supplemental plans sold by private insurers that help pay out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare does not cover — deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Plans are identified by letters (A, B, D, G, N are most common). With Medigap, you can see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare.
This is the most important decision you will make in Medicare. Both paths provide quality coverage, but they work differently. Buffer helps you evaluate both options based on your health needs, doctors, medications, travel habits, and budget.
| Feature | Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Original Medicare + Medigap |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Private plan replaces Original Medicare. Bundles Part A, B, and usually D into one plan. | Government-run Part A & B, plus a private Medigap policy to cover gaps, and a separate Part D plan. |
| Monthly cost | Many plans have $0 premiums beyond your Part B premium. Lower upfront cost. | Part B premium + Medigap premium + Part D premium. Higher upfront cost, but more predictable total spending. |
| Out-of-pocket costs | Copays and coinsurance per service. Annual out-of-pocket maximum applies. | Medigap covers most or all out-of-pocket costs. Plan G covers everything except Part B deductible. |
| Doctor & hospital choice | Must use plan's network (HMO/PPO). Referrals may be required for specialists. | Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. No referrals needed. |
| Prescription drugs | Usually included in the plan. | Requires a separate standalone Part D plan. |
| Extra benefits | Often includes dental, vision, hearing, fitness (SilverSneakers), OTC allowances. | Medigap does not include extras. You would purchase dental/vision separately. |
| Travel coverage | Coverage may be limited outside the plan's service area. | Original Medicare works nationwide. Some Medigap plans include foreign travel emergency coverage. |
| Best for | People who want lower premiums, are comfortable with networks, and value bundled extras. | People who want maximum flexibility, see specialists frequently, travel often, or want predictable costs. |
Missing an enrollment window can mean penalties, coverage gaps, or being locked into a plan that does not fit. Buffer helps you stay ahead of every deadline.
Your first chance to enroll in Medicare. A 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday: starts 3 months before your birthday month, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.
7 months around your 65th birthdayThe yearly window to make changes to your Medicare coverage. You can switch between Original Medicare and Advantage, change Advantage plans, or join, switch, or drop Part D coverage.
October 15 – December 7For Medicare Advantage enrollees only. You can switch to a different Advantage plan or drop Advantage and return to Original Medicare (with a standalone Part D plan).
January 1 – March 31Triggered by qualifying life events — such as losing employer coverage, moving to a new area, qualifying for Medicaid, or other specific circumstances. Allows you to make changes outside standard windows.
Varies by qualifying eventYour one guaranteed-issue window to buy any Medigap policy without medical underwriting. Starts the first month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Lasts 6 months. After this window, insurers can deny coverage or charge more based on health.
6 months starting with Part B at age 65+Medicare is complicated. There are dozens of plans in most areas, and the right choice depends on your doctors, medications, health needs, and budget. Buffer simplifies the process and advocates for you — not for a carrier.
Buffer is not captive to any single insurance carrier. We have appointments with all major Medicare carriers and recommend the plan that fits you — not the plan that pays us the most.
Buffer is compensated by the insurance carriers, not by you. The premium you pay is the same whether you enroll directly or work with Buffer. Our guidance, plan comparison, and support come at no extra cost.
UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Mutual of Omaha, and more. We compare plans from across the market so you see all your options — not just one carrier's lineup.
Work directly with Taylor Turner, Tanner Little, or Alice Wyatt — licensed Medicare specialists who understand the enrollment process, plan differences, and how to match coverage to your needs.
We do not disappear after enrollment. Claims issues, coverage questions, doctor changes, prescription updates — Buffer is available year-round, not just during enrollment season.
Late Enrollment Penalties for Part B and Part D are permanent. Buffer ensures you understand your enrollment windows, creditable coverage rules, and deadlines so you never pay more than you should. Use our penalty calculator to estimate your potential surcharges.
Real clients share how Buffer helped them navigate Medicare enrollment, find the right plan, and feel confident about their coverage.
Straightforward answers to the questions we hear most from people navigating Medicare for the first time — or looking to make a change.
Let Buffer compare plans from every major carrier. We will walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you enroll — all at no cost to you.
Schedule a Call with Taylor →Medicare is one part of a complete insurance plan. Explore these related solutions to make sure every aspect of your coverage is handled.