The 2010 annual enrollment period for individuals with Medicare plans ends Dec. 31. Specialists at Health Plan One, an online insurance brokerage and Medicare information portal, explain the top three most discussed topics among seniors:

What is the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage? – While Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans provide seniors additional coverage on top of Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, they offer uniquely different benefits. While Medigap – or Medicare supplement plans – typically have higher monthly premiums, these plans pay a member's share of the costs of Medicare-covered services thus eliminating or reducing out-of-pocket payments, including coinsurance, deductibles, preventive services and at-home recovery services. Enrollees would have to purchase a stand-alone Part D drug plan.

Under Medicare Advantage, seniors typically have lower monthly premiums with a Part D drug plan included but have some out-of-pocket expenses. They also have incentives for staying in health insurers' provider networks. Seniors also receive value-added benefits, including discounts on gym memberships, health and wellness service and a variety of discount programs, at no additional charge.