2025 Medicare Guide

Your Complete Medicare Overview for 2025

Navigate Medicare with confidence. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, plus 2025 costs, enrollment periods, and coverage options.

65M+

Americans on Medicare

$185

Part B Premium 2025

4

Medicare Parts

2025 Medicare Quick Facts

Part A Deductible $1,676
Part B Deductible $257
Part B Premium $185/month
Open Enrollment Oct 15 - Dec 7
Updated for 2025
The Four Parts of Medicare

Understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C & D

Medicare is divided into four distinct parts, each covering different aspects of your healthcare needs. Here's what you need to know about each part in 2025.

A

Part A

Hospital Insurance

FREE*

for most people

What's Covered:

  • Inpatient hospital stays
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Hospice and home health care
2025 Costs:
Deductible per benefit period $1,676
Days 1-60 $0 (after deductible)
Days 61-90 $419/day
B

Part B

Medical Insurance

$185

per month

What's Covered:

  • Doctor visits and outpatient care
  • Lab tests and diagnostic services
  • Preventive services and vaccines
2025 Costs:
Annual deductible $257
Your cost after deductible 20% coinsurance
IRMAA (high earners) Up to $628.90
C

Part C

Medicare Advantage

Varies

by plan

What's Included:

  • All Part A & B benefits
  • Often includes prescription drugs
  • May include vision, dental, hearing
2025 Features:
Maximum out-of-pocket $9,350
Network restrictions Yes
Extra benefits Often included
D

Part D

Prescription Drug

Varies

by plan

What's Covered:

  • Prescription medications
  • Some vaccines and insulin
  • Through approved pharmacies
2025 Changes:
Annual out-of-pocket max $2,000
Insulin cap (monthly) $35
Late penalty 1% per month

Important: You Need Both Parts A & B for Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part C (Advantage plans) replace your Original Medicare (Parts A & B), but you must still be enrolled in both A & B to qualify. Part D can be standalone or included in your Advantage plan.

2025 Enrollment Periods

When Can You Enroll in Medicare?

Understanding Medicare enrollment periods is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure you have coverage when you need it. Here are the key dates for 2025.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your first chance to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65 or become eligible due to disability.

Duration: 7 months
Starts: 3 months before turning 65
Ends: 3 months after turning 65

Critical Information

  • Best time to enroll without penalties
  • Coverage can start as early as your 65th birthday
  • Delay may result in late enrollment penalties

2025 Dates

Jan 1 - Mar 31

Enrollment period

July 1

Coverage begins

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll during this annual period.

Late Penalties Apply

Part B penalty: 10% per 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled

Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

Oct 15 - Dec 7, 2025

The most important period for current Medicare beneficiaries

Switch Medicare Advantage plans
Change Part D prescription plans
Switch from Original to Advantage

Coverage Changes Take Effect

Jan 1
2026

All plan changes made during Open Enrollment become effective on January 1st of the following year.

Qualifying Events

  • Moving to a new service area
  • Losing employer coverage
  • Getting married or divorced
  • Qualifying for Extra Help

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)

Life changes can trigger special enrollment opportunities outside of regular enrollment periods.

Time Sensitive

Most SEPs last 2-3 months from the qualifying event date

Don't Miss Your Medicare Enrollment Deadline

Missing enrollment periods can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in penalties. Let our experts help you understand your options and enroll at the right time.