Medicare does not have to feel like a maze.
Direct Insurance Solutions helps people understand Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D, dental, vision, hearing, and dual eligible options across the 38 states where we offer health coverage. We start with education, complete the required Scope of Appointment, then move into plan-specific help when appropriate.
☎ Call 800-619-8959Medicare is not one single plan. It is a set of coverage paths that can include Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, prescription drug coverage, Medicare Supplement coverage, extra benefits, or Medicaid coordination.
Part A - Hospital Insurance
OriginalHelps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
- ✓Inpatient hospital care
- ✓Skilled nursing facility care
- ✓Hospice and some home health
Part B - Medical Insurance
OriginalHelps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, medical equipment, and medically necessary care.
- ✓Doctor and specialist visits
- ✓Outpatient care and lab tests
- ✓Preventive screenings
Part C - Medicare Advantage
Private PlansPrivate Medicare plans that bundle Part A and Part B. Many include Part D and extra benefits depending on the plan and service area.
- ✓All-in-one private plan option
- ✓Networks and benefits vary
- ✓SOA required before plan comparison
Part D - Prescription Drugs
Drug PlansPrescription drug coverage through stand-alone plans or some Medicare Advantage plans. Formularies and pharmacy networks vary.
- ✓Medication coverage
- ✓Plan formularies vary
- ✓Pharmacy costs can differ
Medicare Supplement
MedigapPrivate coverage that works with Original Medicare to help pay certain deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
- ✓Works with Original Medicare
- ✓Standardized plan letters
- ✓Separate from Advantage plans
Dual Plans — Medicare & Medicaid
(DSNP)If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP) can coordinate both programs into one plan — often with $0 premiums, dental, vision, transportation, and grocery benefits.
- ✓Combines Medicare & Medicaid
- ✓Often $0 premium & copays
- ✓Extra benefits (food, transport)
Choose the situation that sounds closest to you. The checklist updates instantly so the next step feels less abstract.
I am new to Medicare
Start with eligibility, Initial Enrollment timing, whether you need Part A and Part B, and how any employer coverage affects your timing.
Call 800-619-8959Not sure which path is right for you? Here’s a plain-language side-by-side of the three main Medicare routes.
A Scope of Appointment documents which Medicare product categories you want to discuss. It does not obligate you to enroll, but it is required before plan-specific conversations.
Before SOA
General education can happen first. This helps you get oriented without jumping straight into plan details.
- ✓Medicare basics and coverage types
- ✓Enrollment periods and eligibility basics
- ✓Official resources and preparation checklist
- ✓Questions to ask before choosing coverage
After SOA
Once the required SOA is complete, an agent can move into plan-specific support for the product types selected.
- ✓Plan benefits and cost details
- ✓Plan comparisons and carrier availability
- ✓Provider network and drug formulary review
- ✓Enrollment assistance if you choose to apply
Missing your enrollment window can mean permanent late-enrollment penalties. Here’s every period you need to know — and how DIS can help you navigate each one.
Starts 3 months before your birthday month and ends 3 months after. This is your first opportunity to sign up for Part A, Part B, and Part D. Enrolling on time avoids late penalties.
Every year during this window you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Original Medicare to Advantage (or back), or change your Part D drug plan. Changes take effect January 1.
If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan during AEP and want to make a change, you have until March 31 to switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare and add a Part D plan.
You can enroll outside normal windows if you lose employer-sponsored coverage, move to a new service area, qualify for Medicaid, or experience other qualifying events. Generally a 2–3 month window from the event.
If you missed your IEP and don’t qualify for an SEP, you can enroll in Part A and B during the GEP. Coverage starts July 1. Late-enrollment penalties may apply depending on your situation.
One call clarifies everything
Our licensed agents review your situation — current coverage, retirement date, employment status — and tell you exactly when and how to enroll to avoid penalties and coverage gaps.
☎ Call 800-619-8959Top Medicare carriers in Florida
We shop multiple top-rated carriers to find the plan that fits your needs and budget
across 38 states
Education without pressure
We can help you understand Medicare language before you make any coverage decision.
Plan-specific help after SOA
Once the required Scope of Appointment is complete, an agent can discuss plan-specific details.
English and Spanish service
Medicare questions deserve clear answers in the language you are most comfortable using.
No cost for guidance
There is no cost to you for speaking with our agents. Carrier compensation may apply if you enroll.
Official tools and counseling resources can help you verify information while our team helps you prepare for the next step.
Medicare.gov
The official U.S. Medicare website. Compare plans, find doctors in network, review your coverage, and manage your account.
Visit Medicare.gov →Medicare Plan Finder
Search and compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans available in your ZIP code, filtered by your specific prescriptions and preferred pharmacies.
Compare plans →Social Security Administration
Apply for Medicare through SSA, check your Social Security statement, and manage SSDI benefits that affect your Medicare eligibility.
Visit SSA.gov →Florida SHINE Program
Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders — Florida’s free counseling program that provides unbiased Medicare assistance to Florida residents.
Visit SHINE →Extra Help (LIS)
The Low Income Subsidy program helps people with limited income pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug costs. Check if you qualify at SSA.gov.
Check eligibility →Still have questions?
Our licensed agents can walk you through any of these resources — or skip them entirely and just find you the right plan directly.
Call 800-619-8959 →When can I first enroll in Medicare?
Many people first enroll during a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period around their 65th birthday month. Some people qualify earlier due to disability, ALS, or End-Stage Renal Disease. Your timing can depend on current employer coverage and other factors.
What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare?
Original Medicare is Part A and Part B through the federal Medicare program. Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and provides another way to receive Part A and Part B benefits. Costs, networks, drug coverage, and extra benefits vary by plan.
Do I need a Scope of Appointment?
General Medicare education can happen before a Scope of Appointment. A Scope of Appointment is required before an agent discusses plan-specific benefits, compares plans, reviews costs, checks networks or formularies, or assists with enrollment for Medicare insurance products.
Is Medicare Supplement the same as Medicare Advantage?
No. Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, works with Original Medicare to help pay certain out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage is a private-plan alternative for receiving Part A and Part B benefits. They are different coverage paths.
Can I get dental, vision, or hearing benefits with Medicare?
Some Medicare Advantage plans may include extra benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing coverage. Benefits vary by plan, carrier, and service area. Original Medicare generally does not cover most routine dental, vision, or hearing services.
Does Direct Insurance Solutions help Medicare clients in multiple states?
Yes. Direct Insurance Solutions offers Medicare guidance across the 38 states where we also offer health coverage. Plan availability still depends on state, county, ZIP code, carrier, eligibility, and enrollment period.
Bring these to the Medicare conversation
A little prep makes the call much easier.
- ✓Medicare card if available
- ✓Doctors and specialists
- ✓Prescription list and pharmacy
- ✓Current plan or employer coverage
- ✓Medicaid status, if applicable
Start with general Medicare guidance. When you are ready for plan-specific discussion, we will complete the required Scope of Appointment first.
Call a licensed agent
Speak directly with a licensed Medicare agent and ask where to begin.
800-619-8959Send a message
Send your Medicare questions and a team member can follow up with next steps.
Send a messagePrepare for SOA
Bring your coverage questions, doctors, prescriptions, preferred pharmacy, and Medicaid status if applicable.
Review SOA*Direct Insurance Solutions is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This page is for general educational purposes only and is not a complete description of Medicare benefits, costs, eligibility, enrollment rules, plan availability, or carrier offerings. Plan availability, premiums, benefits, drug formularies, provider networks, pharmacies, cost sharing, and enrollment rules vary by plan, county, state, carrier, eligibility, and enrollment period. A Scope of Appointment is required before an agent can discuss plan-specific Medicare products, compare plans, explain plan benefits, review costs, check networks or formularies, or assist with enrollment.
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