Medicare in plain English. Short sentences. Real examples. 📘
The Complete Medicare Guide, First Edition by Sam Silva (Principal, EZ Access Insurance) is an 84-page (in print) large-print, step-by-step guide for people who are new to Medicare, helping a parent or spouse, or puzzled by a letter in the mail.
The ebook is available right now ($14.99). Want a paperback ($24.99)? Tap the red Paperback button next to the Ebook format above.
1. 📖 What is inside
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Original Medicare, Parts A, B, C and D. What each part does and what it does not cover.
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Medicare Advantage or Medigap? Side-by-side tables, so you can compare before you choose.
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Medigap guaranteed-issue and trial rights. Federal and state rules, including the 12-month trial right (the 12-month "try it and return" window) with a timeline and an example.
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When to enroll. Enrollment windows and calendars, so you do not miss a deadline.
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Costs, penalties and IRMAA. What you pay and when it can go up.
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Medicaid vs. Medicaid long-term care. How they differ, plus the Medicare Savings Programs that can help pay Medicare costs.
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New York and Florida information side by side, because state rules differ.
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2027 as the financial reference year. Where 2027 amounts are not yet published, the book shows the official 2026 amounts and labels them clearly.
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Wills and trusts. Estate planning basics: how wills and trusts work and why your documents matter.
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Extra insurance options. Dental, vision, hearing, hospital indemnity, cancer, life and final expense policies, and what each one does.
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HSA, HRA, FSA and MSA. How these health accounts relate to Medicare.
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Social Security timing, working past 65 and other coverage.
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84 pages in print, in large, easy-to-read type.
2. 🧮 Worked examples and checklists
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Worked examples with the math shown, so you can follow every step.
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Checklists and worksheets for your medications, doctors and questions.
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Questions to ask before you choose any plan or adviser.
- A glossary of plain-English definitions and a phone-number list.
3. 👥 Who this book is for
- People turning 65, or a few years away.
- Adult children and spouses who help with Medicare decisions.
- Anyone comparing Medicare Advantage and Medigap.
- Anyone who wants clear answers without insurance jargon.
4. 🔄 Updates
Medicare numbers change every year. Each table in the book has a year label and a QR code. Scan the code, or visit ezaccessinsurance.com/medicare-books, for current Medicare rates and annual updates.
5. 📋 Table of contents
Page numbers refer to the print edition.
| How to Use This Book |
p. 3 |
| Chapter 1: Medicare Basics |
p. 4 |
| Chapter 2: Prepare for Medicare Before 65 |
p. 6 |
| Chapter 3: Social Security First |
p. 9 |
| Chapter 4: Part A, Hospital Insurance |
p. 17 |
| Chapter 5: Part B, Medical Insurance |
p. 20 |
| Chapter 6: When to Enroll |
p. 22 |
| Chapter 7: Medicare Advantage or Medigap? (incl. Guaranteed Issue and the 12-month trial right) |
p. 28 |
| Chapter 8: Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) |
p. 46 |
| Chapter 9: Costs, Penalties and IRMAA |
p. 48 |
| Chapter 10: Medicaid and Help With Costs |
p. 54 |
| Chapter 11: Long-Term Care and Estate Planning (incl. wills and trusts, extra insurance options) |
p. 58 |
| Chapter 12: Working Past 65 and Other Coverage |
p. 64 |
| Chapter 13: Choose, Use and Protect Your Coverage |
p. 66 |
| Appendix A: Reference Tables |
p. 69 |
| Your Medicare Year at a Glance |
p. 74 |
| Glossary |
p. 75 |
| Resources and Phone Numbers |
p. 77 |
| Your Notes and Questions |
p. 78 |
| Sources and References |
p. 80 |
| Disclaimer |
p. 82 |
| Annual Update Log |
p. 83 |
6. ⚠️ Important notice
Educational information only. This book is not individual insurance, legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change, and benefits vary by state, location and plan. Confirm with Medicare (1-800-633-4227) or Social Security (1-800-772-1213) before you act.
Not affiliated with the U.S. government or the Medicare program.
