• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
• Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and some home health care. Note: Does not include prescription drug coverage or many extras like vision or dental.

Medicare has several key enrollment periods that determine when you can sign up or make changes to your coverage. Here's a break down.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
When: Starts 3 months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after (7 months total).
Who: For those new to Medicare (usually around age 65).
What: You can enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B.

General Enrollment Period (GEP)
When: January 1 to March 31 each year.
Who: For those who didn’t sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period.
What: You can enroll in Part A and/or Part B. Coverage begins July 1.
Note: You may face late enrollment penalties.