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Go to Medicare.gov on the Internet. This site has a wealth of info. Medicare A provides for hospital expenses; Part B provides for doctors charges and costs $96.40 per month, which is automatically deducted from monthly SS benefits; Part D provides for prescription drugs and usually must be purchased from an insurance carrier. Part D requires one to have both Part A and Part B. Part B has an enrollment date and process which should not be overlooked. Failure to enroll during the open enrollment period can result in a higher cost. Persons qualifying for SS disability benefits are generally eligible for Medicare before age 65.

Medicare also permits private insurers, HMOs, PPOs, etc., to offer a Plan C, called Medicare Advantage plans. Such plans integrate Parts A, B and Part D of Medicare.Several such plans are available in The Villages area. Some are managed care plans (HMO, PPO), and others may be fee for service plans which permit the insured to go to their provider of choice. Finally, look into a Medicare Supplement plan, aka "Medigap", that is designed to cover various levels of co-pays and deductibles under Medicare A and B. A wide variety of such plans are available from private insurers. These plans are not available if a Part C plan is selected. In MHO, HMO plans are not a preferred choice in this area unless a person is able to find a perfect fit with HMO providers and has limited plans for time/travel outside The Villages area. Also, in MHO, the less one pays for premiums for a Plan C or a Med Sup plan, the more likely out of pocket expenses will be greater if health care services are required. There is no free lunch. BTW, many of these plans can be applied for directly via Internet and do not require an agent/broker if you are comfortable making a decision. In FL there is the SHINE group which provides info and guidance for seniors. There is a chapter in The Villages.

AARP offers a stable of plans and is worth checking out. The Medicare.gov site has info available in this area u county/zip code, with benefit descriptions and costs. Good understanding of one's personal health status and anticipated health services and drug needs are very important in considering choices.

"Been there, done that--"