Roger L. Daniel Insurance provides the Medicare 101 Educational Series to help Medicare beneficiaries throughout Montana better understand how Medicare coverage works. These guides are designed to explain Medicare in clear, practical terms so individuals can make more confident decisions about their coverage.
Start With the Medicare Foundation
Medicare can feel complicated at first. If you are trying to understand Medicare basics, this page is a good place to start. We will walk through how Medicare works, the main parts of Medicare, the two main coverage paths, and the topics to explore next based on your situation.
How Medicare Works
Medicare is built in parts. Each part covers a different piece of your health coverage.
Original Medicare Part B
Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services.
The Two Main Ways Medicare Works
One of the most important Medicare decisions is understanding the two main ways people receive coverage.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. Many people also add a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan and may choose a Medicare Supplement policy for added protection from out-of-pocket costs.
- Part A + Part B
- Add Part D if needed
- Option to add Medigap
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans are an alternative to Original Medicare and often include prescription drug coverage.
- Alternative to Original Medicare
- Often includes drug coverage
- May include provider networks and plan rules
Start Based on Your Situation
People come into Medicare from different directions. Start with the path that best fits where you are right now.
Turning 65 and Ready To Explore
A strong place to begin if you are approaching Medicare for the first time.
What Medicare May Not Cover by Itself
A common misunderstanding is thinking Medicare covers everything. It does not. Depending on the path you choose, you may still need to plan for coverage gaps and out-of-pocket costs.
Examples may include:
- Long-term care
- Most routine dental care
- Most routine vision care
- Many hearing-related expenses
- Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
- Prescription drug coverage, depending on your setup
Learn What Medicare May Not Cover
Common Medicare Questions
Do I automatically get Medicare?
Some people are automatically enrolled, but many are not.
Learn how auto-enrollment works
Do I need Part B if I am still working?
That depends on your employer coverage and timing.
Explore working past 65
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?
These are different coverage paths, not the same thing.
Compare the two
Do I need prescription drug coverage?
Drug coverage timing matters, even if you do not take many medications now.
Learn about Part D
What should I do first?
Start by understanding your situation, your enrollment timing, and the two main Medicare paths.
Start with enrollment and timing
Understand Medicare the Right Way
Join one of our local Medicare educational seminars and get clear, plain-English guidance in a simple, no-pressure setting.
Explore Medicare Topics
Use this page as your starting point, then go deeper into the Medicare topics that matter most to your situation.
Disclaimer:
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 33 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.
Roger L. Daniel Insurance is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This page is for educational purposes only.