Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors aged 65 years or older, as well as younger individuals with disabilities. It covers a significant portion of treatment costs; however, individuals must pay an annual premium to access these benefits. They should also check eligibility and enrollment windows early on. For easy access to information, seniors can consider checking out AARP’s website. 

AARP partners with health insurance providers to offer some of the most popular Medicare plans in the country. It is a strong advocate for Medicare, low treatment costs, discounted health-related services and products, and supporting family caregivers.

When to apply for Medicare

Individuals are automatically enrolled in the Medicare Plan A and B after the age of 65 years. This is provided they have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for four months or more before said age. 

Non-working individuals need to sign up for Medicare during the initial enrollment period. This period starts three months before the person turns 65 and lasts for three months after their 65th birthday. For many, exploring AARP Medicare options during this window helps simplify the transition from employer-based insurance to senior coverage.

Different types or parts of Medicare

Medicare is primarily divided into four different parts. These are responsible for covering different aspects of care. 

Part A

This is often free for most individuals. It takes care of hospitalization expenses. When an individual applies for Medicare coverage, they are automatically enrolled in Part A. This covers hospital, hospice, and rehabilitation care for patients with hip replacement, stroke, or other conditions that require assistance. 

Most get Part A coverage for free because they have already paid for it through Medicare payroll deductions from their paychecks. That said, there is still a deductible for each hospital stay. To mitigate these costs, seniors can look into a Medicare supplement from AARP to bridge the financial gap.

Part B

Both Part A and Part B make up the original Medicare. Part B covers the services provided by doctors. It covers lab tests, diagnostic screening, preventive services, and outpatient care. Some might also get transportation coverage and coverage of select medical equipment. Certain services, such as mental health services, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, and occupational therapy, may be covered. Individuals who have been advised to use assistive devices can also make use of Medicare Part B. 

Part C

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to original Medicare. It is privately run rather than federally run. These are Medicare plans offered by private insurance companies that Medicare approves. They combine Medicare Parts A and B into a single plan, with some even offering partial Part D coverage in a single comprehensive package. 

Individuals can choose from a list of approved insurers based on their location and coverage preference. However, they still need to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B to choose a Medicare Advantage plan.

Many AARP health plans for 2026 fall into this category, combining hospital, medical, and often prescription coverage into a single plan. These plans include additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and fitness memberships, that Original Medicare does not cover.

Part D

Medicare Part D provides seniors with coverage for treatment they administer themselves. The plan is a stand-alone plan that can be added to original Medicare Parts A and B, or even to Medicare Advantage. There are several options available to individuals, based on where they live. The idea is to cover short- and long-term prescription treatments without paying out of pocket. Choosing the right AARP Medicare Part D plan ensures that specific prescriptions are covered.

Medicare Supplement Plan

Also known as Medigap Plan, Medicare Supplement Plan helps cover out-of-pocket costs that original Medicare does not cover. There are several Medicare supplement AARP plans or Medigap plans. They help cover copays, coinsurance payments, and several other costs. Most Medigap plans cover a significant portion of the remaining 20% costs after the original Medicare has paid its 80% share of the bills. 

Costs of Medicare

For most, Part A of Medicare is free. However, for individuals who do not qualify for premium-free Part A, the monthly premium can cost between $311 to $565. For Part B, the premium is approximately $200 per month, and individuals must pay even if the covered charges are not used. Similarly, Part C and Part D Medicare services also come with premium charges for the coverage they provide. The costs, however, can vary depending on the chosen plan.