Evidence-based coverage guide
Medicare coverage
Use Medicare.gov for eligibility, enrollment, Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D, and plan comparison.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program with distinct parts and enrollment rules. It is not sold through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap are separate product categories with different comparison methods.
Begin with Medicare.gov and the applicant's eligibility or enrollment status. For plan comparisons, record covered drugs and pharmacies, provider participation, service area, premium, cost sharing, authorization, maximum out-of-pocket rules where applicable, and star ratings shown by Medicare.
Verification checklist
Collect the controlling facts
- Enrollment in Parts A and B and relevant dates
- Original Medicare versus Medicare Advantage path
- Part D drug and pharmacy comparison
- Provider participation and network
- Costs and plan-year changes
- SHIP or Medicare help for unbiased assistance
Reusable process
Turn information into a dated record
- Start at the responsible official source. Confirm the program, plan, Marketplace, or agency that controls the question.
- Match identity and date. Use the exact plan, coverage year, notice, person, service area, or program record.
- Write unknowns as unknown. Ask the responsible organization instead of filling a gap with a national average.
- Keep the documents. Save the current notice, policy, result, reference number, and the date checked.
When this topic needs another check
Review the official source again when the plan year changes, the household moves, eligibility facts change, a new notice arrives, a provider or prescription changes, or an important service is planned. Saved web pages and directories are dated evidence, not permanent promises. Keep new records beside the earlier version so a change is visible.
Verification links
Primary sources
Primary sources checked August 11, 2026. Follow the current official record for an individual decision.