Medicare Benefits Hub

Start here for Medicare: our main guides, grouped by topic. New to Medicare? Begin with the Medicare checklist, then pick the section you need.

Note: guides marked with a year use that year’s official figures. CMS publishes 2027 premiums and deductibles each fall, and we are updating our cost guides as the official numbers are released. Always confirm current amounts on Medicare.gov.

Getting started

• How to enroll in Medicare for the first time
• Medicare Special Enrollment Periods
• The General Enrollment Period and avoiding penalties
• Dual-eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)

Costs and premiums

• Medicare Part B premium: what to expect
• IRMAA: how the high-income surcharge works and how to lower it

Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medigap

• Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
• How to choose and compare Medicare Advantage plans
• Switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
• Medigap Plan G vs Plan N
• Choosing a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan

Prescription drugs (Part D)

• Medicare Part D explained
• Part D in 2027: what’s changing
• The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan
• Medicare’s negotiated drug prices
• The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program

Help paying for Medicare

• Medicare Savings Programs
• The QMB program
• Extra Help with drug costs
• What the ‘Medicare giveback’ benefit really is

What Medicare covers

• Eye exams and glasses
• Cataract surgery
• Mammograms
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Home health care
• Second opinions
• Walk-in tubs

Appeals, denials and prior authorization

• How to appeal a Medicare decision
• Prior authorization in Original Medicare (WISeR)
• What to do when a prior authorization is denied

Official sources and free help

• Medicare.gov and the Medicare Plan Finder; 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
• Free counseling from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program: shiphelp.org
• Social Security and Extra Help: SSA.gov

Seniors Secrets offers research and education, not licensed insurance or medical advice. Please confirm plan details with Medicare.gov or a licensed advisor before enrolling.