Luminarie Financial
Medicare Can Feel Overwhelming.
We Make It Simple.
You are not expected to know the difference between Part A, Part B, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage. That is our job.
Our licensed advisors explain everything in plain language, compare every plan available in your area, and help you enroll - at no cost to you.
So, What Exactly Is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. It helps cover the cost of hospital stays, doctor visits, and medications - but it does not cover everything, and there are important decisions to make when you first enroll.
The confusing part is that Medicare is split into different “parts” - and then there are also private plans you can add on top of it. Understanding how all the pieces fit together is exactly what we help you do.
The good news: once it is set up correctly for your situation, Medicare works really well. Most people are very happy with their coverage once they have the right plan. Our job is to get you there without the headache.
Medicare, Part by Part
Here is what each part covers - in plain language, no jargon.
Hospital Coverage
Covers your hospital stays.
If you are ever admitted to a hospital, need skilled nursing care, or require hospice care, Part A covers it. Most people pay nothing for Part A as long as they worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Doctor & Outpatient Care
Covers your doctor visits.
Part B covers visits to your doctor, specialist appointments, lab tests, and preventive care like flu shots and cancer screenings. There is a monthly premium for Part B - most people pay around $170/month in 2024.
Medicare Advantage
An all-in-one alternative.
Medicare Advantage is a private plan that bundles Parts A and B - and usually includes prescription drugs, dental, and vision too. Think of it as an alternative way to get your Medicare benefits, often at a lower monthly cost.
Prescription Drugs
Covers your medications.
Part D is a separate plan that covers prescription drugs. If you have Original Medicare (Parts A & B) without a Medicare Advantage plan, you need a standalone Part D plan to keep your drug costs manageable.
The Two Paths Most People Choose
Once you have Parts A and B, the next decision is how to fill in the gaps. Most people choose between one of these two options. Neither is wrong - it just depends on your life.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Lower out-of-pocket costs. Maximum freedom.
Original Medicare pays about 80% of your bills. Medigap pays most of the remaining 20% - so you have very little out-of-pocket exposure. You can see any doctor or specialist in the country who accepts Medicare. No networks, no referrals.
People choose this when...
Best For
People who value freedom and predictability over the lowest monthly premium.
Medicare Advantage
Extra benefits. Often lower premiums.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and often cost less per month than Medigap. Many include extras like dental cleanings, vision exams, hearing aids, and even gym memberships. You will use a network of doctors, similar to a regular health insurance plan.
People choose this when...
Best For
People who want extra benefits and are comfortable using a network of doctors.
Still not sure which one is right for you?
That is completely normal. Most people are not sure until they talk to someone. Our advisors compare both options side-by-side for your specific situation - no guessing, no pressure, no cost.
Help Me Choose - It's FreeTiming Matters With Medicare
Enrolling at the right time avoids penalties and gaps in coverage. Here is a simple breakdown of when to act.
Turning 65 soon
3 months before your birthdayThis is your most important window. You have 7 months total - 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday. We recommend starting the conversation at least 3 months before you turn 65.
Still working at 65
May be able to delay - call us firstIf you have good health coverage through your employer, you may be able to delay Medicare without penalty. But the rules are specific - we will check your exact situation to make sure you are safe to wait.
Already on Medicare, want to change plans
October 15 – December 7 each yearThe Annual Enrollment Period is when you can switch between Medicare Advantage plans or change your Part D drug plan. We review your coverage every year to make sure you still have the best plan.
Life changed unexpectedly
Special windows applyIf you lost employer coverage, moved, or had another major life change, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Call us right away - these windows are time-sensitive.
Not sure which situation applies to you?
Let Us Figure It Out TogetherMedicare and Retirement Planning
Work Together
Choosing a Medicare plan is not just a health decision - it is a financial one. The plan you pick affects your retirement budget for decades.
Your premiums come out of retirement income
Medicare Part B, Part D, and supplement premiums are ongoing monthly costs. If your retirement plan doesn't account for them, you'll be caught short. We build these into your income projections from the start.
Medicare doesn't cover long-term care
This surprises almost everyone. If you need extended nursing care or home health aide support, Medicare covers very little of it. A nursing home can cost over $100,000 a year - and that comes straight from your savings.
Your income affects what Medicare costs you
High earners pay more for Medicare through something called IRMAA - Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts. How you structure your retirement withdrawals can reduce or eliminate these surcharges entirely.
Why It Matters
The two decisions are connected.
Plan them together.
People who plan their Medicare and retirement income side-by-side end up with lower costs, fewer surprises, and more confidence. People who treat them as separate conversations often discover the gaps too late.
Questions We Hear Every Day
If you are asking it, you are not alone.
I just turned 65. What do I do first?
Start by deciding whether to enroll now or wait. If you are no longer working or your employer coverage is ending, you should sign up for Medicare right away. If you still have good coverage through a job, you may be able to delay without penalty. Call us and we will walk you through your exact situation - it takes 15 minutes.
What happens if I miss my enrollment window?
Missing your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7 months around your 65th birthday) can result in a permanent late enrollment penalty added to your monthly premium. That is why we recommend calling an advisor before your birthday - not after. We help hundreds of people navigate enrollment every year.
How do I choose between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?
The honest answer is: it depends on your health, your doctors, your medications, and your budget. There is no single right answer for everyone. Our advisors compare the actual plans available in your zip code against your specific needs - and give you a clear, unbiased recommendation with no pressure.
Does Medicare cover my prescriptions?
Original Medicare does not cover most drugs. You will need either a Part D drug plan (a standalone add-on) or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. We compare drug formularies to make sure your specific medications are covered before we recommend any plan.
Is your Medicare help really free?
Yes - completely free, with no strings attached. We are licensed Medicare advisors, and insurance carriers pay us a small fee when you enroll through us. That means you get expert, personalized guidance at zero cost. We are on your side, not the insurance company's.
You Do Not Have to Figure This Out Alone
Our advisors have helped hundreds of people navigate Medicare for the first time. We explain everything clearly, answer every question, and make sure you are enrolled in exactly the right plan - at no cost to you.
No obligation. No pressure. Just answers.