Plans & Coverage
Annuities
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company that can provide guaranteed income for life, protect your principal from market losses, or grow savings tax-deferred. For retirees worried about outliving their money, the right annuity can be a stable foundation alongside Social Security — but they're not right for everyone, and we'll tell you honestly if one isn't a fit.
Types of annuities
Fixed annuities offer a guaranteed interest rate, like a CD from an insurer. Fixed-indexed annuities link growth to a market index with a floor that protects you from losses. Income (immediate) annuities turn a lump sum into a guaranteed paycheck for life. Each solves a different problem, and we explain the trade-offs in plain English.
Who they're for
Annuities can suit retirees who want a portion of their savings to generate income they can't outlive, who want principal protection without stock-market risk, or who want tax-deferred growth. They're one tool among several — we only recommend one when it genuinely fits your goals and comfort with risk.
How they fit your retirement
We look at your Social Security, savings, IRMAA exposure, and income needs, then decide whether an annuity strengthens your plan or whether another approach is better. Because we're independent, we shop rates and products across carriers rather than pushing one company's product.
What's your ZIP code?
We start local — plan availability is set by your county.
How old are you?
This tells us which coverage window you're in.
Which best describes you?
Pick one — you can change this anytime.
How often do you see doctors?
Helps us weigh networks vs. freedom.
Do you take prescriptions?
We match your drugs to the lowest-cost plan.
No cost, no pressure. We do not offer every plan available in your area — for all options visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Questions, answered
Are annuities safe?
Fixed and fixed-indexed annuities protect your principal and are backed by the issuing insurer (and state guaranty associations). We only recommend products that fit your goals and risk comfort.
Can an annuity guarantee income for life?
Yes — an income annuity turns a lump sum into a guaranteed lifetime paycheck, and many other annuities offer optional lifetime-income riders. We compare the options for your situation.
Are annuities right for everyone?
No. They fit some retirement plans and not others. Because we're independent, we'll tell you honestly when an annuity isn't the right tool for you.
Official Medicare sources
We point you to the federal sources so you can verify everything. For current-year figures and to compare the plans available in your area:
- Medicare.gov — the official U.S. government site for Medicare costs, coverage, and rules.
- Medicare Plan Compare — the official tool to compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans by ZIP.
- Social Security (ssa.gov) — enroll in Medicare Parts A & B and check your eligibility.
- CMS.gov — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which runs the program.
Education and estimates only — confirm current figures on Medicare.gov before enrolling. We do not offer every plan available in your area.
Talk to a local Medicare advisor
Free, no pressure — we compare your options for you.
Last updated . Maintained by the Medicare On Main Data Desk · reviewed by Brian Penner, Independent Medicare advisor (NPN 16493717).