At a gross level, there are two different paths for medicare:


1) Traditional medicare. This covers major medical and hospitalization. There are a lot of holes in the plan, so you need to think about whether and how to supplement it:


a) take Part D, which gives you drug coverage but leaves gaps Optional
b) Enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, which covers the deductible and co-pays. This is sometimes called Medigap coverage. (1) and (1a) are purchased through Social Security and are gov't benefits. (1b) is purchased through an insurance company, an is private coverage.



2) Medicare advantage. If you choose this, you cannot take regular medicare, or purchase a Medicare supplement. A Medicare advantage plan is private insurance coverage which may cover more than traditional medicare, but comes with more restrictions. Again, offered through insurance companies or HMO's.


Once you choose (1) or (2), then there are dozens of insurance offerings to compare and consider. While the general structure of Medicare is standard nationwide, insurance companies are state chartered and medicare advantage (2) or supplemental (1b) plans are state specific. So advice you get from someone living outside your state is worthless. There's no obvious right choice, nor will it be the same for everyone. Your state probably has a website which provides comparison shopping information for locally chartered providers. You will have to do your own research.



This stuff is way more complicated than it has to be, and some of the decisions you make day 1 can affect you for the rest of your life, so think carefully. My suggestion is to get the book, "Get What's Yours for Medicare" by Phillip Moeller. You may hate the subject, but read it until you're crosseyed. Then research insurance providers in your state. Then make an informed choice.