What is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare Parts A & B is federal government health insurance covering hospital care (Part A) and medical services (Part B). It is accepted at most providers nationwide and includes hospital & medical coverage. However, it has no out-of-pocket maximum, prescription coverage (Part D) is sold separately, and it does not include dental, vision, or hearing benefits.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a private insurance alternative to Original Medicare, typically with lower cost-sharing and added benefits. It includes out-of-pocket maximum protection, prescription drug coverage often included, and dental, vision & hearing benefits. It typically has lower cost-sharing but is network-restricted to in-network providers only.

When is the Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare?

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change your Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan for the coming year.

When is the Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare?

The Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window centered around your 65th birthday, covering 3 months before and after turning 65. Enrolling during this window avoids late enrollment penalties.

What is a Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period is triggered by qualifying life events such as moving, losing employer coverage, or other qualifying circumstances. These events may allow you to enroll or switch plans outside standard enrollment windows.

Insurance & Medicare

We accept Medicare and we'll help you understand it

Q: When is the General Enrollment Period for Medicare?

The General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 for those who missed their Initial Enrollment Period. Coverage begins July 1, and late penalties may apply.

Hopscotch accepts coverage from major Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans (including those with Medicare+Medicaid). Our service team is here to help you navigate your coverage and make the most of your benefits.

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2026 Accepted Plans

In-network Medicare plans

We're proud to be in-network with major Medicare and Medicare Advantage carriers. If you don't see your plan, call us to confirm.

Original Medicare

Active Part B Required

Blue Cross NC

Medicare Advantage

Humana

Medicare Advantage

UnitedHealthcare

Medicare Advantage

Aetna

Medicare Advantage

Alignment Health

Medicare Advantage

Not sure if your plan is accepted? Find your nearest location and give us a call.

Medicare 101

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Understanding your options is the first step to choosing the right coverage. Here's how the two main types compare.

Original Medicare

Parts A & B

Federal government health insurance covering hospital care (Part A) and medical services (Part B). Hopscotch requires active Part B coverage.

✓Accepted at most providers nationwide
✓Hospital & medical coverage
–No out-of-pocket maximum
–Prescription coverage (Part D) sold separately
–No dental, vision, or hearing benefits

Medicare Advantage

Part C

Private insurance alternative to Original Medicare, typically with lower cost-sharing and added benefits.

✓Out-of-pocket maximum protection
✓Prescription drug coverage often included
✓Dental, vision & hearing benefits
✓Typically lower cost-sharing
–Network-restricted (in-network providers only)

Enrollment

When can you enroll?

Medicare has specific windows for enrollment and plan changes. Missing them can result in coverage gaps or late penalties.

Annual Enrollment

Annual Enrollment Period

Oct 15 – Dec 7

Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change your Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan for the coming year.

New to Medicare

Initial Enrollment Period

3 months before & after turning 65

A 7-month window centered around your 65th birthday. Enrolling during this window avoids late enrollment penalties.

Missed Initial Enrollment

General Enrollment Period

Jan 1 – Mar 31

For those who missed their Initial Enrollment Period. Coverage begins on the first day of the month after you sign up. Late penalties may apply.

Life Changes

Special Enrollment Period

Triggered by qualifying life events

Moving, losing employer coverage, or other qualifying life events may allow you to enroll or switch plans outside standard windows.

Already a Hopscotch Patient?

If you have questions about your Medicare plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7), reach out to your service team. We can connect you with a team member to review your plan options for the upcoming year.

Have questions about your Medicare coverage?

Our care team can help you understand your benefits, find cost-saving strategies, and navigate your plan options at no extra cost to you.

New Patients Welcome

Ready to make Hopscotch your Medicare home?

We accept most major Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Request a visit today and our team will take it from there.

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We accept Medicare and we'll help you understand it

In-network Medicare plans

Original Medicare

Blue Cross NC

Humana

UnitedHealthcare

Aetna

Alignment Health

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Parts A & B

Part C

When can you enroll?

Annual Enrollment Period

Initial Enrollment Period

General Enrollment Period

Special Enrollment Period

Already a Hopscotch Patient?

Have questions about your Medicare coverage?

Ready to make Hopscotch your Medicare home?

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