Turning 65 Soon? Here's What You Need to Know
Or still on your employer plan and wondering if you should switch? This 10-minute walkthrough covers the enrollment window, the costly mistakes to avoid, and how to decide between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
What You'll Learn
Everything you need to make a confident Medicare decision before you turn 65.
The 7-Month Enrollment Window
When to enroll, how to enroll, and how to avoid the lifetime Part B penalty if you miss it.
Stay on Employer Plan or Switch?
How to decide whether your group coverage is 'creditable' and whether switching to Medicare saves you money.
Parts A, B, C, and D — Explained
A simple, plain-English breakdown of what each part of Medicare actually covers.
Original Medicare vs. Advantage
The two paths most seniors choose between, and how to figure out which fits your doctors, drugs, and budget.
What a Supplement Does
How a Medigap plan fills the 20% gap that Original Medicare leaves you exposed to.
Top 6 Mistakes to Avoid
The most common (and most expensive) mistakes people make when joining Medicare for the first time.
The 7-Month Enrollment Window
Medicare begins on the FIRST day of your birthday month. Enroll in the 3 months before your birthday for Day-1 coverage.
Enroll during the 3 months before your birthday for Day-1 coverage — not after. Miss the window without creditable coverage and you'll pay a lifetime 10% Part B penalty for every 12 months you delayed.
The 6 Mistakes That Cost Seniors the Most
These are the patterns we see over and over again — and they're easy to avoid with a little guidance.
Missing the Enrollment Window
The Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window. Miss it without creditable coverage and you'll pay a 10% lifetime Part B penalty for every 12 months you delayed.
Not Comparing Plan Types
Most people pick Supplement vs. Advantage based on what a friend has. The right choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and overall health — not someone else's situation.
Ignoring the 20% with No Limit
Original Medicare pays 80%, you pay 20% — with NO out-of-pocket cap. A $100,000 surgery means $20,000 out of pocket. This is the gap that destroys retirements.
Skipping Part D
Many seniors skip prescription coverage to save money. Every month without it adds 1% to your future premium permanently — even if you take zero medications today.
Ignoring Ancillary Coverage
Neither Supplements nor Advantage cover all medical expenses. Dental, vision, hearing, recovery care — the gaps add up fast and most people never plan for them.
Doing It Alone
Medicare has dozens of plan types, annual changes, and enrollment traps. Working with a licensed independent broker costs you nothing — and protects everything.
Not sure which plan is right for you?
Book a free 45-minute call with a licensed Medicare specialist. We'll walk through your situation, compare plans side-by-side, and help you choose — with zero pressure.
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