Medicare 101 | Jesse Bannister
👤 Meet your Agent: Jesse Bannister
Jesse Bannister and family

Jesse is a licensed insurance agent and owner of Summit Life and Health. For the past 18 years, he has helped seniors across the country understand Medicare and find coverage that fits their needs best.

Call Jesse: 602-833-1802

Medicare 101

A simple guide to understanding your Medicare options

There are 4 Parts to Medicare

Tap or click each square to view a short description.

PART A

🏥

Hospital
coverage

PART B

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Doctor
coverage

PART C

Medicare
Advantage

PART D

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Pharmacy
Rx

Remember: You must have A and B to get Part C, Part D or Medigap. The 2026 cost for Part B is $202.90 , however there are ways to reduce this cost.

Option 1: Original Medicare with a Supplement

Medigap

Pays deductibles and copays of Part A and B

$100–$150/mo
+

Part D

Covers Rx that you get at the pharmacy

$15–$55/mo

Option 2: Medicare Advantage Part C

🏥👨‍⚕️💊

Medicare Advantage

All-in-one plan that includes doctors, hospitals, Part D and extra benefits. Some plans may also offer Part B reduction benefits.

$0/mo in most areas
+
🛡️

Optional: Hospital Indemnity Plan

Pays tax-free cash benefits to help cover hospital and emergency copays.

$30–$55/mo
Example Cost Scenarios

These are example monthly costs for 2026. Your actual costs may vary.

1

Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D

Part B premium $202.90
Medigap Plan G $100–$150
Part D plan $15–$55
Estimated monthly total $317.90–$407.90
2

Medicare Advantage Part C

Part B premium $202.90
Medicare Advantage plan $0
Part D Included
Estimated monthly total $202.90
3

Medicare Advantage + Hospital Indemnity

Part B premium $202.90
Medicare Advantage plan $0
Hospital Indemnity plan $30–$55
Estimated monthly total $232.90–$257.90
4

Medicare Advantage + Hospital Indemnity + Part B Giveback

Part B premium $202.90
Medicare Advantage plan $0
Hospital Indemnity plan $30–$55
Part B giveback -$100
Estimated monthly total $132.90–$157.90
How Medicare Savings Programs Help

Lower Part B costs

Medicare Savings Programs can help pay your Part B premium. Some programs may also help with deductibles, coinsurance and copays.

Lower Rx copays

If you qualify for QMB, SLMB or QI, you automatically qualify for Extra Help, which can lower Medicare Part D prescription drug costs and copays.

2026 Monthly Income Requirements
Most states use these limits for Medicare Savings Programs.
Program
Individual
Married Couple
QMB
$1,350/mo
$1,824/mo
SLMB
$1,616/mo
$2,184/mo
QI
$1,816/mo
$2,455/mo
Income limits may vary by state. Alaska and Hawaii are higher. Applying is the only way to know if you qualify.
How Medicare and Medicaid Work Together

Medicare

Covers your doctors, hospitals, Part D prescriptions and other Medicare-covered services through a Dual Eligible MAPD plan.

Medicaid

Can help with costs Medicare does not fully cover, such as certain copays, cost sharing and extra support based on your Medicaid level.

Together

When you have both Medicare and Medicaid, a Dual Eligible MAPD plan coordinates your benefits so they work together in one plan.

+
Dual Eligible MAPD Plan
Combines Medicare medical coverage and prescription drug coverage in one coordinated plan.
May include additional benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Helps simplify coverage by coordinating what Medicare pays first and what Medicaid may help pay after.
Benefits and cost sharing can vary based on plan availability and your level of Medicaid eligibility.
Why Work With an Independent Agent?

Working with an independent agent like Jesse gives you personal help understanding your options and comparing plans at no cost to you.

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More Plan Options

An independent agent can help compare multiple plans and carriers instead of just one company’s options.

🤝

Personal Guidance

You get one-on-one help understanding Medicare, checking benefits, and finding coverage that fits your needs.

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No Cost Help

There is no extra cost to work with an independent agent, and ongoing support is available when questions come up.

An independent agent can help review your coverage options, answer questions, and support you before and after enrollment.

Costs are examples for education only and may vary by plan, location, prescriptions, age, eligibility, and provider availability.

Questions? I’m here to help!

Call Jesse today for a free, no-obligation review.

602-833-1802
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