Medicare 101
Happy birthday
Turning 65 is an exciting milestone—and it’s also time to start thinking about Medicare. Your first step should be to learn when and how to enroll, especially if you’re retiring or losing other coverage. It’s important to understand your options so you can choose the right plan for your needs and budget. With the right guidance, getting started with Medicare can be simple and stress-free.
Other times when you qualify for Medicare
Medicare is available to U.S. citizens and legal residents who are 65 or older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS. Most people qualify for premium-free Part A if they or their spouse have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Parts of Medicare
Medicare has four main parts, each covering different healthcare needs. Part A helps cover hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and hospice—it’s often premium-free if you’ve worked enough years. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services, and usually has a monthly premium. Together, Parts A and B are called Original Medicare. Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is offered by private insurance companies and combines Parts A and B, often with extra benefits like vision, dental, and drug coverage. Part D helps cover prescription drugs and is also provided by private companies. You can choose to stay with Original Medicare and add Part D and a supplement, or go with a Medicare Advantage plan that bundles it all together. Of course, this is a start to planning for your journey with Medicare. When you meet with me, you will be guided step by step through all the parts in a simplified way.
My Approach
I'm Cherie Clough, Medicare Advisor and Senior Insurance Specialist. I truly care about helping people make sense of their Medicare and health insurance options. With a background in education, I bring not just knowledge—but heart—to the work I do. As a broker, I’m able to offer most of the plans available in our area, so I can focus on what’s best for you, not just one company. I take the time to get to know your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget so we can find a plan that’s tailored just for you—not just what someone else has or what others might recommend. I know these decisions can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to walk you through it with patience, honesty, and compassion—just like I would for my own family.
