
One of the quickest ways to start making sense of Medicare is to understand the two very different paths available once you sign up for Original Medicare: Medigap and Medicare Advantage. If you're new to Medicare, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in options. There are Parts A, B, C, and D… Plan letters like G and N… TV commercials promising cash back or gift cards… but barely any of them actually explain what these plans really are.

Here's the three things you absolutely need to know before you enroll in Medicare: Do you understand YOUR personal timeline? Why you need to go on an "information diet" (and what that means). The only two plan types you need to know to make a decision. This is going to pinpoint exactly what you need to do and when, so you can stay focused and avoid costly mistakes.