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Medicare covers a lot. But not everything. I'll show you exactly where the gaps are and help you close them with the right plan for your life.
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Medicare Insurance
— Independent Guidance
Medicare Guidance From a Broker Who Works for You
I'm Chris Schaefer, an independent Medicare broker based in Oregon. I've helped hundreds of clients navigate Medicare enrollment, plan comparisons, and annual coverage reviews — without any obligation to a single carrier.
Every Medicare website you find is trying to point you somewhere. National aggregators collect your information and sell it. Captive agents can only show you what their company offers. As an independent broker, I represent dozens of carriers and earn the same commission regardless of which plan you choose. That means my only job is finding what actually fits you.
Working with me costs you nothing. Broker compensation is built into every Medicare plan — you pay the same premium whether you enroll through a broker or call the carrier directly. The difference is that with a broker, you get someone in your corner for the long haul.
Understanding Your Medicare Options
Medicare isn't a single plan — it's a system of coverage categories that work together. Here's what each part covers and how they connect.
Life Insurance
Term, whole life, or indexed universal life — I help families and individuals find the right coverage without overcomplicating it. If you've been putting this off, let's make it a straightforward conversation.
Hospital Coverage
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A if they've worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Medicare Part A
Medical Coverage
Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medically necessary equipment. Part B carries a standard monthly premium and an annual deductible. Together, Parts A and B form Original Medicare — the foundation everything else builds on.
Medicare Part B
Bundled Coverage Through A Private Carrier
Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare through a private carrier and typically bundle hospital, medical, and drug coverage — often with extras like dental, vision, and hearing. Costs and network restrictions vary significantly, and I compare options across Oregon carriers so you understand exactly what you're trading off.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Supplement plans cover the cost-sharing gaps Original Medicare leaves behind — deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — with no network restrictions. Oregon residents also benefit from the Oregon Birthday Rule, which gives Medigap holders an annual window to switch plans without underwriting.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Covering What Original Medicare Leaves Behind
Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D plans cover prescription medications through private carriers approved by Medicare. If you're enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan, you'll need a standalone Part D plan to cover your prescriptions. Costs and formularies vary — I compare plans based on your specific medications to find the lowest real-world cost.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement — The Decision That Matters Most
For most people approaching Medicare, the central question is whether to go with Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement plan paired with Part D. Both have legitimate advantages. The right answer depends on your health, your finances, your doctors, and how much unpredictability you're comfortable with.
This is the conversation I have most often with new Medicare enrollees — and it's exactly the kind of comparison where an independent broker earns their value. I'll walk you through the real trade-offs without steering you toward the option that benefits any carrier.
What Medicare Clients Ask Most
What is the best Medicare plan?
There's no single best plan — the right Medicare plan depends on your health needs, your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget. What I can do is compare options from dozens of carriers and explain the real trade-offs so you can make a confident decision.
How do I choose between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Advantage typically has lower premiums but comes with network restrictions and variable out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Supplement has higher premiums but gives you more predictable costs and the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider. The right choice depends on your specific situation — I break this down in detail on the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement pages.
Does working with a Medicare broker in Oregon cost anything?
No. Broker compensation is built into the premiums of every Medicare plan — you pay the same whether you enroll through a broker or go directly to the carrier. The only difference is that with a broker, you have someone to compare options, answer questions, and advocate for you after enrollment.
What is the Oregon Birthday Rule for Medicare Supplement?
Oregon law gives Medigap policyholders a 30-day window beginning on their birthday each year to switch to a Medicare Supplement plan with equal or lesser benefits — without medical underwriting. This is one of the strongest consumer protections for Medicare Supplement holders in the country and is unique to Oregon.
When should I sign up for Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. If you're still working and covered by employer insurance, different rules apply. Missing your window can trigger premium penalties that follow you permanently. I cover enrollment timing in full on the When to Enroll page.
Can an independent Medicare broker help me review my plan every year?
Yes — and annual plan reviews are one of the most underused benefits of working with an independent broker. Plan benefits, premiums, and formularies change every year. I review coverage with my clients annually at no cost to make sure their plan still makes sense.
Get in touch
When to Enroll in Medicare — And Why Timing Matters
Enrollment windows in Medicare are specific, and missing them can result in permanent premium penalties or gaps in coverage. Whether you're turning 65, still working with employer coverage, or approaching retirement, the timing of your enrollment decisions matters.