Tools & Resources

What it is: The official tool for comparing Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans available in your area.

When to use it: Every fall during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). Also when you first enroll in Medicare.

How to use it — step by step

1. Go to medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your zip code.
2. Log in with your Medicare number (from your red, white, and blue Medicare card) for the most accurate results. You can browse without logging in, but plan costs won't reflect your specific situation.
3. Enter your prescription drugs. This is the most important step for Part D comparison. Include every drug, the dose, and how often you take it. The tool will show you the estimated annual drug costs for each plan.
4. Enter your preferred doctors and pharmacies. The tool will flag whether they're in-network for each plan.
5. Sort and compare. Filter by plan type (HMO, PPO, etc.) and sort by estimated total cost — premium plus expected drug costs plus copays.
6. Look beyond the premium. A $0 premium plan can cost more overall than a plan with a modest premium. Always compare total estimated costs, not just the monthly premium.

What it is: The official U.S. government Medicare website. Your first stop for anything official.

Most useful sections:

• What Medicare covers — look up whether a specific service, drug, or supply is covered
• Plan compare — the Plan Finder tool above
• My account — view your Medicare Summary Notices, track claims, and manage your information
• Appeals — how to appeal a coverage denial

What it is: The agency that handles Medicare enrollment for most people, along with Social Security benefits.

When to use it:

• To enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you're not automatically enrolled
• To appeal an IRMAA determination if your income dropped (use Form SSA-44)
• To check your Social Security benefit amount and understand how Part B premiums are deducted
• To set up or manage your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount

What it is: IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is a surcharge added to Part B and Part D premiums for higher earners. It's based on your income from two years ago.

When to appeal: If your income dropped significantly due to a life-changing event, you may be able to lower your IRMAA. Qualifying events include:

• Retirement or reduction in work hours
• Death of a spouse
• Divorce or annulment
• Loss of income-producing property (due to disaster or other involuntary circumstance)
• Loss of pension income

How to appeal: Complete Form SSA-44 and submit it to your local Social Security office along with documentation of the life event and your more recent income. Appeals are often approved and can save hundreds per year.

See the current IRMAA brackets on the Medicare Costs 2026 page.

What it is: Drug or health coverage that is at least as good as Medicare's standard. If you have creditable coverage when you turn 65, you can delay enrolling in Part D without a late penalty.

How to know if your coverage is creditable: Your employer or union plan is required by law to notify you every year — before October 15 — whether your drug coverage is creditable. Look for the Annual Notice of Creditable Coverage they send you.

Why it matters: If you delay Part D enrollment and your coverage was not creditable, you'll owe a permanent penalty when you do sign up — 1% of the national base premium for every month you went without creditable coverage.

What it is: State Health Insurance Assistance Programs — free, unbiased Medicare counseling funded by the federal government and available in every state.

What SHIP counselors can help with:

• Understanding Medicare basics
• Comparing Medigap policies
• Reviewing Medicare Summary Notices for billing errors
• Filing appeals for denied claims
• Finding programs to help with costs (Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs)

What they can't do: SHIP counselors are not licensed agents and cannot enroll you in a plan. They can advise — but when you're ready to enroll, you'll need to work with a licensed agent or contact Medicare directly.

North Carolina SHIP: Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) — 1-855-408-1212

South Carolina SHIP: SC SHIP — 1-800-868-9095

What it is: State programs that help people with limited income pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Also called MSPs.

The four MSP levels:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB): Pays Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB): Pays Part B premium only
• Qualifying Individual (QI): Pays Part B premium only (limited slots, first-come first-served)
• Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI): Pays Part A premium for certain disabled individuals who return to work

Income and asset limits vary by state. Apply through your state Medicaid office. If you qualify, it's worth it — the savings can be substantial.