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About the Author:

Tonia Pettitt, CMIP©, (NPN 14374308), is a seasoned Medicare specialist with more than 40 years of hands-on experience guiding individuals and families through the complexities of Medicare planning. As a senior advisor with the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Tonia provides clear, dependable guidance across all areas of Medicare—including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription coverage. Leveraging active contracts with dozens of highly rated insurance carriers, she helps clients compare options objectively and secure the most suitable coverage for their health and budget.

Known for her patient, education-first approach, Tonia has built a reputation as a trusted resource for retirees seeking reliable, unbiased Medicare support. With four decades of experience across evolving Medicare laws, carrier changes, and plan structures, she brings unmatched insight to every client conversation—ensuring clients feel confident, protected, and fully prepared for each stage of their retirement healthcare journey.

Last Reviewed: September 26, 2025 | Reviewed by: Tonia Pettitt, CMIP©
Medicare Specialist, Diversified Insurance Brokers, Inc. | NPN: 14374308 | Diversified Insurance Brokers, Inc. — Licensed in all 50 states

Fact Checked by: Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC, DIA, CAA
Chief Underwriter, Diversified Insurance Brokers, Inc. | NPN: 20471358 | Diversified Insurance Brokers, Inc. — Licensed in all 50 states

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Navigating Medicare Without an Expert Is a Costly Mistake

Medicare is not a single plan — it is a system of moving parts, and choosing the wrong combination can mean paying thousands more than necessary or losing access to the doctors and coverage you need. Unlike captive agents who represent a limited number of plans in your area, an independent Medicare broker compares every available option across all carriers. Tonia Pettitt (CMIP©) has over 40 years of Medicare experience helping retirees and pre-retirees understand their options, avoid costly enrollment mistakes, and select the right combination of coverage for their health needs and budget. Connect with Tonia before you enroll — the right guidance at the right time costs nothing, and the wrong decision can follow you for years.

Plan Type	What It Covers	Out of Pocket Exposure	Best For
Medicare Part A	Hospital inpatient care, skilled nursing facility, hospice, and some home health care	Inpatient deductible and coinsurance apply; no cap on extended stays	Foundation coverage for all Medicare beneficiaries; typically premium-free for those with sufficient work history
Medicare Part B	Outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, durable medical equipment	Annual deductible plus 20% coinsurance with no out-of-pocket maximum	All Medicare beneficiaries; pairs with a Supplement or Advantage plan to limit exposure
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)	Bundles Part A, Part B, and usually Part D through a private insurer; may include extra benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing	Varies by plan; network restrictions and prior authorization requirements apply	Those comfortable with network-based care; may appeal to those seeking low or zero premium options
Medicare Part D	Prescription drug coverage added to Original Medicare or standalone alongside a Supplement plan	Varies by formulary, tier, and plan; late enrollment penalties apply if delayed without creditable coverage	Anyone on Original Medicare with a Supplement plan; critical to enroll at the right time to avoid penalties
Medigap Plan G	Covers most gaps in Original Medicare including Part A and Part B coinsurance, hospital costs, and foreign travel emergency	Part B deductible only; highly predictable annual costs	Those who want maximum coverage and budget predictability; frequent healthcare users
Medigap Plan N	Similar to Plan G with some cost-sharing at point of service; small copays for office and ER visits	Part B deductible plus small copays; generally lower premium than Plan G	Those who want strong coverage at a lower premium and are comfortable with modest cost sharing
A Note on IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) IRMAA is an additional surcharge added to Part B and Part D premiums for beneficiaries whose income exceeds certain thresholds. It is determined by the IRS using income reported two years prior and can significantly increase your Medicare costs if not planned for in advance. IRMAA adjusts annually and applies automatically — most people are caught off guard the first time it applies to them. Working with an experienced Medicare broker like Tonia means having someone who understands how retirement income events such as Roth conversions, asset sales, or Required Minimum Distributions can trigger or increase IRMAA — and who can help you plan around it before it becomes a surprise on your bill. Connect with Tonia if IRMAA may apply to your situation.

Note: Medicare plan availability, premiums, and benefits vary by carrier and location. Enrollment timing matters — mistakes made at initial enrollment can be difficult or impossible to reverse. An independent Medicare broker reviews your full situation before making any recommendation.