Medicare Videos
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Medicare Explained in Plain English
Welcome to the Health Coverage Solutions Medicare Video Library, featuring educational videos from Tim Ahlbum — The Medicare Dad.
Medicare can feel complicated, especially when you are turning 65, retiring, comparing Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage, reviewing prescription drug coverage, or trying to understand when you can make a change.
Our videos are designed to break Medicare down one topic at a time so you can better understand your options before making a decision.
Choose a topic below to get started.
- Independent Guidance and Education.
- New to Medicare
Start Here If You're Turning 65 or New to Medicare
If Medicare is new to you, this is the best place to start.
These videos explain the basics of Medicare in plain English, including Medicare Part A, Part B, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription coverage, enrollment periods, costs, and the decisions you may need to make when becoming Medicare eligible.
Whether you’re turning 65, retiring, or enrolling in Medicare for the first time, this playlist will help
you build a strong foundation before comparing coverage.
Topics Include:
- What is Medicare?
- Medicare Part A
- Medicare Part B
- How to enroll in Medicare
- What Medicare costs
- What Original Medicare covers
- What Original Medicare leaves you responsible for
- Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Part D
- Important Medicare enrollment periods
- Medicare Supplements
Understanding Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, is designed to work alongside Original Medicare.
These videos explain how Medicare Supplements work, what they cover, and how plans such as Plan G, Plan N, and High-Deductible Plan G compare.
You’ll also learn about Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment, medical underwriting, guaranteed issue rights, premiums, provider access, and important considerations when choosing a Medicare Supplement company.
Topics Include:
- How Medicare Supplement works
- Plan G
- Plan N
- Plan G vs. Plan N
- High-Deductible Plan G
- Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment
- Medical underwriting
- Guaranteed issue rights
- Choosing a Medicare Supplement carrier
- Medicare Supplement premiums
- Changing Medicare Supplement plans
- Medicare Advantage Plans
Understanding Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage, also called Medicare Part C, is a private alternative to receiving your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits directly through Original Medicare.
These videos explain how Medicare Advantage plans work and what you should review before enrolling.
Medicare Advantage plans can vary significantly by location, insurance company, provider network, costs, prescription coverage, and benefits.
Topics Include:
- How Medicare Advantage works
- HMO plans
- PPO plans
- Provider networks
- Doctor and hospital access
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
- Maximum out-of-pocket limits
- Prior authorization
- Prescription drug coverage
- Extra benefits
- Annual plan changes
- Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage
Comparing Two Very Different Ways to Receive Medicare Coverage
One of the biggest Medicare decisions you may make is whether to choose:
Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement
or
Medicare Advantage
Both can provide Medicare coverage, but they work very differently.
These videos compare the two approaches so you can better understand the trade-offs before making a decision.
Topics Include:
- Monthly premiums
- Provider access
- HMO and PPO networks
- Doctor and hospital choices
- Copayments and coinsurance
- Out-of-pocket exposure
- Maximum out-of-pocket limits
- Prior authorization
- Prescription drug coverage
- Travel
- Extra benefits
- Changing coverage later
- Medical underwriting
- Which option may better fit different situations
The goal is not to tell you that one option is better for everyone.
The goal is to help you understand:
How do you want your health insurance to work when you actually need medical care?
- Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
Understanding Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D helps cover outpatient prescription medications.
But choosing a Part D plan involves much more than simply looking at the monthly premium.
These videos explain how Medicare prescription drug coverage works and what you should consider when comparing plans.
Topics Include:
- Medicare Part D basics
- Stand-alone prescription drug plans
- Medicare Advantage drug coverage
- Formularies
- Drug tiers
- Preferred pharmacies
- Deductibles
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
- Prior authorization
- Step therapy
- Quantity limits
- Part D late enrollment penalties
- Reviewing prescription coverage each year
Your Part D coverage should be evaluated based on your medications, your dosages, and your pharmacy.
The least expensive plan for one person may be completely different from the best option for someone else.
- Medicare Enrollment Periods
When Can You Enroll or Make Changes?
Medicare has several different enrollment periods, and they do not all allow the same changes.
Understanding which enrollment period applies to you can help you avoid missed deadlines, delayed coverage, or unnecessary penalties.
These videos explain Medicare enrollment periods in plain English.
Topics Include:
- Initial Enrollment Period
- Turning 65 enrollment
- Annual Enrollment Period
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
- General Enrollment Period
- Special Enrollment Periods
- Working past 65
- Retiring after 65
- Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment
- Guaranteed issue situations
- Moving and Medicare
- Plan termination and non-renewal
Medicare timing matters.
If you’re unsure which enrollment period applies to you, speak with HCS before making a change.
- Ask Medicare Dad
Real Medicare Questions. Straight Answers.
Have a Medicare question?
The Ask Medicare Dad playlist answers common questions we receive from Medicare beneficiaries and people approaching Medicare eligibility.
Tim addresses individual Medicare topics in short, easy-to-understand videos designed to give you a clear answer without unnecessary insurance jargon.
Questions May Include:
- Should I choose Plan G or Plan N?
- Can I change Medicare Supplements?
- Can I leave Medicare Advantage?
- What happens if my Medicare Advantage plan terminates?
- Can I delay Medicare if I'm still working?
- Does Medicare cover a particular service?
- What is guaranteed issue?
- What is IRMAA?
- How does Medicare Part D work?
- What happens when I move?
- When can I change my Medicare coverage?
If you have a question that isn’t covered yet, let us know.
It may become the next Ask Medicare Dad video.
- Use this quick guide.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Meet The Medicare Dad
TA
Tim Ahlbum
Tim Ahlbum is President of Health Coverage Solutions and creator of Medicare Dad, an educational Medicare video channel focused on making Medicare easier to understand.
For more than 15 years, Tim has helped Medicare beneficiaries understand their coverage options and make informed decisions.
The HCS approach is simple:
- Understand what you're buying.
- Understand how it works.
- Understand what it costs.
- Understand your potential financial exposure.
Then make an informed decision.
That philosophy is behind every Medicare Dad video and everything we do at Health Coverage Solutions.
Independent Guidance and Education.
Watch. Learn. Then Explore More.
Our video library is only one part of the HCS Medicare Education Center.
After watching a video, you can explore detailed information about:
Understanding Medicare
Turning 65 & New to Medicare
Medicare Supplement
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Part D
Working Past 65
Medicare Guides
Medicare FAQ
Medicare Glossary
Important Medicare Dates
Each resource is designed to help you better understand Medicare before making a decision.
Have a Medicare Question?
Sometimes a video answers your question.
Sometimes your situation needs a more personalized conversation.
If you are turning 65, retiring, reviewing existing Medicare coverage, losing a Medicare Advantage plan, moving to Florida, or simply trying to understand your options, the HCS team is here to help.
Schedule a Medicare Consultation
Health Coverage Solutions
6810 N State Road 7
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Independent Guidance and Education