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Most people first become eligible at 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. If you sign up in the first three months, coverage generally starts the first day of your birthday month. After that, it starts the month after you sign up. Missing the window can mean waiting for another enrollment period and paying a late penalty, though some people with job-based coverage qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Timing differs if you qualify before 65 because of a disability.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurers as an alternative to Original Medicare. It bundles Parts A and B, many plans include drug coverage, and most use a provider network with copays and a yearly out-of-pocket limit. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy works alongside Original Medicare and helps pay costs like deductibles and coinsurance. It doesn't include drug coverage, and you can't have Medigap and Medicare Advantage together. Plans and prices vary by area, and the right fit depends on your doctors, prescriptions and budget.

From October 15 to December 7 each year, during the Annual Enrollment Period, you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Outside that window, a Special Enrollment Period may apply after events like moving or losing coverage. Medicare Supplement timing works differently and isn't tied to the fall period, so ask us before you decide.

Original Medicare doesn't cover most outpatient prescriptions. Drug coverage comes from a standalone Part D plan added to Original Medicare, or from a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs, pharmacy network and costs, so check your prescriptions against any plan you're considering. If you go without creditable drug coverage when you're first eligible, you may pay a late enrollment penalty.

An independent broker isn't tied to a single insurance carrier. KM Insurance Planning can explain your options, compare the plans we offer, and help with enrollment. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 24 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

KM Insurance Planning is based in Gig Harbor, Washington, and Kristin is licensed in 14 states: Washington, Oregon, Alabama, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, Florida, Virginia, Kansas, Tennessee, Texas, Nebraska and Ohio. Available plans vary by state and county. Call 253-241-3603 to talk through your situation.

Generally, no — Medicare does not cover ongoing custodial care such as help with bathing or dressing. Long-term care insurance and annuity riders are two ways to plan around this gap.

It depends on the policy. Some simplified-issue and guaranteed-issue policies skip the traditional exam, while larger traditional policies typically require health underwriting.

Many experts suggest looking into it in your 40s or 50s — earlier purchase can mean lower premiums and easier qualification before health changes.

Yes. This is often called "laddering" — for example, term coverage for a mortgage or children, paired with permanent or final-expense coverage for lifelong needs.

Fixed and indexed annuities are built around principal protection and are backed by the issuing insurance company's financial strength and claims-paying ability.

Immediate annuities can begin paying out relatively quickly; deferred annuities let your money accumulate first before the income phase begins.

Many voluntary benefit plans are portable, meaning you may keep coverage after changing jobs or retiring — subject to the plan's terms and continued premium payments.