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For people turning 65

Medicare 101

A simple, visual guide to Medicare’s four parts, your two main coverage paths, cost-saving programs, and where personal guidance can help.

Start the Guide
Jesse Bannister with his family in Arizona
Meet your agent

Jesse Bannister

Jesse is a licensed insurance agent and owner of Summit Life and Health. For the past 18 years, he has helped seniors across the country understand Medicare and find coverage that fits their needs.

He provides one-on-one guidance, answers questions in plain language, and remains available after enrollment when clients need help.

☎ Call Jesse: 602-833-1802
The foundation

There are four parts to Medicare.

Tap or click each card for a plain-language explanation.

Remember: You generally need both Part A and Part B to enroll in Medicare Advantage or Medigap. The standard 2026 Part B premium is $202.90 per month, although some people pay more based on income and some may qualify for help.
Two common paths

How people build their Medicare coverage.

Both paths begin with Original Medicare Parts A and B. Availability, benefits, networks, and costs vary.

Option 1

Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D

Original Medicare A & BHospital and medical benefits administered by the federal government
MedigapHelps pay certain costs left by Original Medicare
Example: $100–$150/mo
Part DStandalone prescription drug coverage
Example: $15–$55/mo
Option 2

Medicare Advantage — Part C

All-in-one private planProvides Part A and B benefits, commonly includes Part D, and may offer extras
Many areas have $0-premium options
Optional hospital indemnity coverage
May pay cash benefits for covered hospital stays or other events. Example: $30–$55/month.
Illustrative examples

What could the monthly cost look like?

Educational examples using the standard 2026 Part B premium—not quotes or guarantees.

1

Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D

Part B premium$202.90
Example Medigap Plan G$100–$150
Example Part D plan$15–$55
Estimated monthly total$317.90–$407.90
2

Medicare Advantage

Part B premium$202.90
Example plan premium$0
Part DIncluded
Estimated monthly total$202.90
3

Advantage + Hospital Indemnity

Part B premium$202.90
Example plan premium$0
Example indemnity plan$30–$55
Estimated monthly total$232.90–$257.90
4

Advantage + Indemnity + Example Giveback

Part B premium$202.90
Example plan premium$0
Example indemnity plan$30–$55
Illustrative Part B giveback−$100
Estimated monthly total$132.90–$157.90

Giveback benefits are not available with every plan or in every service area, and the amount varies. You must continue paying the Part B premium.

Help with Medicare costs

Medicare Savings Programs

State-run programs may help eligible people pay Medicare premiums and, in some cases, cost sharing.

Lower Part B costs

QMB may help with Part A and B premiums and Medicare cost sharing. SLMB and QI may help pay the Part B premium.

Lower prescription costs

People who qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI also qualify for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.

2026 programIndividual incomeMarried couple incomeResource limit (individual / couple)
QMB$1,350/mo$1,824/mo$9,950 / $14,910
SLMB$1,616/mo$2,184/mo$9,950 / $14,910
QI$1,816/mo$2,455/mo$9,950 / $14,910

Federal 2026 limits shown. Alaska and Hawaii are higher, and some states use higher limits or count income and resources differently. Applying through your state is the only way to know whether you qualify.

Coordinated coverage

How Medicare and Medicaid work together.

People eligible for both programs are often called “dual eligible.” Details depend on Medicaid eligibility and available plans.

Medicare

Generally pays first for Medicare-covered doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, and other services.

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Medicaid

May help with premiums, cost sharing, and other services, depending on eligibility.

Dual Eligible Medicare Advantage plan (D-SNP)

  • Coordinates Medicare medical and prescription benefits.
  • May include additional benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs.
  • Benefits and cost sharing vary by plan and Medicaid eligibility level.
Personal guidance

Why work with an independent agent?

Jesse can explain coverage choices and compare available plans at no extra cost to you.

🔎 More plan options

Compare multiple plans and carriers instead of seeing only one company’s offerings.

🤝 One-on-one help

Get plain-language answers, provider and prescription checks, and help understanding tradeoffs.

💲 No-cost guidance

There is no extra charge to work with an independent agent, and support continues after enrollment.

Questions are welcome

Talk through your Medicare choices with Jesse.

Call for a free, no-obligation review.

☎ Call 602-833-1802
Educational information only. Costs are examples and may vary by plan, location, age, prescriptions, eligibility, and provider availability. Summit Life and Health is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or federal Medicare program. Contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, your state Medicaid office, or a licensed agent for individualized information.