PlanMatch · Medicare
Medicare, made clear
PlanMatch is a free, plain-language guide to Medicare. Learn how the parts fit together, what coverage costs in 2026, and how Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans differ — then compare the actual plans available where you live.
Medicare has a lot of moving parts, and the jargon makes it harder than it needs to be. These guides explain how the pieces fit together in plain language — no sales pitch, no carrier names — so you can understand your choices before you ever compare a plan.
The parts of Medicare
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
The federal hospital and medical coverage that everything else builds on.
Read more →Medicare Advantage (Part C)
An all-in-one private plan that bundles Parts A, B, and usually D, with extras.
Read more →Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
A policy that pays your share of Original Medicare’s costs, with no network.
Read more →Part D (drug coverage)
Prescription coverage from private plans, with a $2,100 out-of-pocket cap in 2026.
Read more →Enrolling, costs, and choosing
Eligibility & enrollment
When you qualify, the sign-up windows, and how to enroll without a penalty.
Read more →Help with costs
Programs that lower your costs if your income is limited.
Read more →What Medicare costs in 2026
Every premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket figure across all four parts.
Read more →Advantage vs. Supplement
The core decision most people face, compared side by side.
Read more →How to choose
Decision guides for picking the plan that fits you.
Read more →Medicare in real life
Ready to compare?
Ready to see real plans and prices?
Enter your ZIP and we’ll take you to PlanMatch Medicare to compare the 2026 plans available where you live.