Serving Virginia | Health Insurance | Medicare
(757) 690-0255 Email Us f
HOLLOWAY
BENEFITS GROUP
Guidance • Protection • Peace of Mind
2027 Virginia Open Enrollment
2027 Open Enrollment Is Open

Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 29, 2027. Enroll by Dec 31 for coverage starting Jan 1.

Get Enrollment Help → Learn About 2027 Savings ↗
Holloway Benefits Group • Medicare

Understand Medicare.
Compare Your Options.

Whether you're approaching 65 or already have Medicare, we'll help you understand Parts A and B, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Part D — then help you compare coverage options available to you.

I'm New to Medicare → Talk With a Medicare Advisor →
Prefer personal help? Call Holloway Benefits Group at (757) 690-0255.
New to Medicare?

Start with your Medicare roadmap.

Before choosing additional coverage, it helps to understand how Medicare starts and where your coverage decision comes in.

01

Enroll in Medicare

Some people are enrolled automatically. Others need to sign up for Medicare through Social Security.

02

Get Parts A & B

Part A is hospital insurance and Part B is medical insurance. Together they form Original Medicare.

03

Get Your Medicare Card

Your Medicare card contains your unique Medicare number, which you'll need when enrolling in additional Medicare coverage.

04

Choose Your Coverage Path

Once you have Parts A and B, you can decide how you want to receive your Medicare coverage and whether you need additional coverage.

Still working at 65? Your enrollment timing may be different if you or your spouse have qualifying employer coverage. Don't assume you should delay or enroll without first understanding how your current coverage works with Medicare.
The Medicare Basics

What are Parts A, B, C and D?

Medicare uses letters to describe different types of coverage. Here's what each one means.

Part A

Hospital Insurance

Helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and certain home health care.

Part B

Medical Insurance

Helps cover doctors, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, home health care and many preventive services.

Part C

Medicare Advantage

A Medicare-approved private plan that provides another way to receive your Part A and Part B benefits. Most plans also include Part D.

Part D

Prescription Drugs

Helps cover prescription medications. Part D can be added to Original Medicare or is included with most Medicare Advantage plans.

Where does Medicare Supplement fit? Medicare Supplement — also called Medigap — isn't another “Part” of Medicare. It's private insurance designed to work with Original Medicare and help pay certain out-of-pocket costs left by Parts A and B.
The Big Decision

Two main ways to receive your Medicare coverage.

Once you have Medicare Parts A and B, you'll generally choose between Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Path 1

Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement

Medicare Part A + Part B
↓
Original Medicare
↓
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
+
Separate Part D Drug Plan

With Original Medicare, you can generally use any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. A Medigap policy can help with certain Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs. Prescription coverage is typically handled through a separate Part D plan.

Compare the Differences →
Path 2

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part A + Part B
↓
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
↓
Part D Included in Most Plans
+
May Include Additional Benefits

Medicare Advantage is another way to receive your Medicare benefits through a Medicare-approved private plan. Plans may use provider networks, have plan-specific costs and may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision or hearing.

Ask About Medicare Advantage →
Ready to Compare?

Already have your Medicare number?

Talk with HBG and we'll help you review the Medicare options available to you.

Request a Medicare Review → Call (757) 690-0255
Compare the Two Paths

Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage?

Both can be valid ways to structure Medicare coverage. The differences are in how you receive care, how costs are structured and how the coverage works.

Compare
Medicare Supplement
Medicare Advantage
How it works
Works alongside Original Medicare Parts A and B.
A Medicare-approved private plan provides your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits.
Doctors & hospitals
Generally, you can use any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
Plans may use provider networks and service areas. Out-of-network rules vary by plan.
Prescription drugs
Modern Medigap policies don't include drug coverage. A separate Part D plan can be added.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage.
Medical costs
You pay a separate Medigap premium, and the policy helps pay certain Original Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copayments depending on the plan.
Copays, coinsurance, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs vary by plan.
Annual medical out-of-pocket limit
Original Medicare itself doesn't have an annual out-of-pocket maximum, but Medigap helps cover specified Original Medicare cost sharing.
Medicare Advantage plans have a yearly limit on what you pay for covered Medicare services.
Prior authorization
In most cases, Original Medicare doesn't require prior authorization for covered services or supplies.
A plan may require prior authorization for certain services, supplies or drugs.
Additional benefits
Medigap generally doesn't provide routine dental, vision or hearing benefits.
Many plans offer additional benefits such as dental, vision or hearing coverage.
Can you have both?
Medigap is designed to work with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage.
You can't use a Medigap policy to pay Medicare Advantage copays, deductibles or coinsurance.
Important: Medicare Supplement enrollment rules matter. Your one-time federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally lasts six months beginning when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Outside protected enrollment situations, your ability to buy a Medigap policy and the price available to you may differ.
Prescription Drug Coverage

Where does Part D fit in?

Medicare Part D helps cover prescription medications. How you receive Part D depends largely on which Medicare coverage path you choose.

Original Medicare + Medicare Supplement Prescription coverage is generally handled through a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Medigap policies sold after 2005 don't include prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage as part of the plan. Drug formularies, pharmacy networks and costs vary by plan.
Don't overlook Part D just because you don't currently take prescriptions.
Medicare drug coverage is optional, but going 63 days or more without Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage after you're eligible can result in a late enrollment penalty if you enroll later.
Ready for the Next Step?

Have your Medicare number?

If you're enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, an HBG benefits professional can help you review Medicare plan options available in your area, including your doctors, prescriptions, costs and coverage preferences.

Request a Medicare Review → Call (757) 690-0255
Medicare Questions

Common questions when you're getting started.

Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?
Not everyone is enrolled automatically. Some people receiving Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled, while others need to sign up. Your situation and current coverage determine what steps you need to take.
Do I need both Medicare Part A and Part B?
If you're choosing Medicare Advantage or purchasing a Medicare Supplement policy, you'll generally need to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. If you're still working and covered by an employer plan, your enrollment timing may require additional consideration.
Where do I get my Medicare number?
Your unique Medicare number appears on your Medicare card. Once your Medicare enrollment is processed, you'll receive your Medicare card. Keep your Medicare number private and provide it only when legitimately needed for your Medicare coverage or care.
Is Medicare Supplement the same as Medicare Advantage?
No. A Medicare Supplement policy works alongside Original Medicare and helps pay certain costs left by Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage is another way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a Medicare-approved private health plan.
Can I have Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement?
Medigap isn't designed to work with Medicare Advantage, and a Medigap policy can't be used to pay Medicare Advantage copayments, deductibles or coinsurance.
Do I need Part D if I don't take prescriptions?
Medicare drug coverage is optional. However, if you go 63 days or more without Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage after you're eligible, you may owe a late enrollment penalty if you enroll in Part D later. That's why it's worth reviewing your drug-coverage situation even if you currently take few or no medications.
What if I'm still working when I turn 65?
Employer coverage can affect when you should enroll in Medicare. The rules depend on factors such as whose employment the coverage is based on and the type of employer coverage. Before delaying Part B or other Medicare coverage, verify how your current coverage coordinates with Medicare.
How can Holloway Benefits Group help?
HBG can help you understand your Medicare coverage choices and compare plan options based on factors such as your doctors, prescriptions, budget and coverage preferences.
Holloway Benefits Group

Still have Medicare questions?

You don't have to figure it out alone. Talk with an HBG benefits professional about the Medicare options available in your area.

Request a Review → Call HBG →

Holloway Benefits Group is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This website does not provide a complete description of all Medicare benefits, costs, limitations, exclusions or plan availability. Plan availability and information vary by service area and eligibility. Contact the plan or Medicare for complete information. Enrollment in a plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare.