Navigating Medicare.gov

Posted July 30, 2025

Two seniors looking on their phone and tablet

A Senior’s Guide to Navigating Medicare.gov

Navigating the Medicare website can feel overwhelming at first, but with a little guidance, you’ll find that it’s an essential tool for managing your healthcare. Whether you’re exploring coverage options, checking claims or searching for providers, Medicare.gov is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health.

Getting started with Medicare.gov

Medicare.gov is the official website for Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older. The website allows you to:

Compare Medicare plans
Find healthcare providers
Check coverage details
Review claims and billing
Learn about preventive services

How to access the website

To begin, open a web browser on your computer, tablet or smartphone and type Medicare.gov into the address bar. Once the page loads, you’ll see a user-friendly homepage with several options.

Exploring key features

1. Finding and comparing Medicare plans

One of the most important uses of Medicare.gov is comparing plans. Whether you’re new to Medicare or considering a change, follow these steps:

Click on “Find Plans” at the top of the homepage.
Enter your ZIP code when prompted.
Compare different Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans based on coverage, costs, and provider networks.

Medicare.gov makes it easy to compare plans side by side, so you can select the one that best meets your needs.

2. Checking your coverage and claims

If you already have Medicare, you may want to check your coverage details or claims:

Click on “Sign in to MyMedicare.gov.”
If you don’t have an account, you can create one by selecting “Create an Account” and following the prompts.
Once logged in, you can review what Medicare covers, check past claims and see details about your plan.

3. Finding a provider or hospital

Medicare.gov helps you find providers, hospitals and other healthcare providers that accept Medicare.

Click on “Find Providers” in the main menu.
Choose the type of provider you need (doctor, hospital, nursing home, etc.).
Enter your location to see a list of providers near you.

Each provider listing includes important details like ratings, accepted Medicare plans and contact information.

4. Learning about preventive services

Medicare covers many preventive services to help you stay healthy, including screenings, vaccines and wellness visits.

Click on “What Medicare Covers” to see a full list of preventive services.
Select a service to learn about eligibility and coverage details.

Taking advantage of preventive care can help you catch health concerns early.

Tips for a smooth experience

Use the search bar: If you’re looking for specific information, type keywords into the search bar at the top of the page.
Look for help and contact support: Medicare.gov provides extensive help articles, FAQs and a contact section if you need further assistance.
Stay safe online: Be cautious when entering personal information and make sure you’re using the official Medicare website.

Conclusion

Medicare.gov is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to take control of their healthcare. Whether you’re comparing plans, checking coverage or finding providers, the site simplifies the process with easy-to-use tools and helpful information. By familiarizing yourself with its features, you can make confident healthcare decisions and get the most out of your Medicare benefits.

Have any questions about navigating Medicare.gov? Let a SummaCare Medicare Advantage Advisor know. They’re happy to help you break down complex information and help you learn about plan option to find the right plan to provide you with comprehensive medical coverage, supplemental benefits at a price point that fits your health and budget needs. Reach out to a SummaCare Medicare Advisor to learn more at 330.996.8440.

SummaCare is an HMO and HMO-POS plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in SummaCare depends on contract renewal.