Medicare provides essential health coverage for over 65 million Americans, but finding the right combination of coverage requires careful consideration. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provides your foundation – hospital and medical insurance – but leaves significant gaps that can expose you to unlimited out-of-pocket costs. That 20% coinsurance for Part B services? There’s no annual maximum, meaning a serious illness could create substantial financial strain.

This is where your choices become critical. You essentially have two paths:

• Original Medicare + Supplement + Part D: Maximum flexibility with your choice of doctors and hospitals nationwide.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): All-in-one convenience often with extra benefits like dental and vision.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – your health needs, preferred doctors, prescription medications, and budget all play crucial roles in determining your best path forward.

Missing your Initial Enrollment Period isn’t just inconvenient – it’s expensive. Late enrollment penalties are permanent, adding 10% to your Part B premium for every year you delay. Combine that with gaps in coverage when you need care, and procrastination becomes costly.

But enrollment periods can work in your favor when you understand them:

• Initial Enrollment: Your 7-month window around turning 65
• Annual Enrollment (October 15 – December 7): Your yearly opportunity to change plans
• Special Enrollment Periods: For qualifying life changes like losing employer coverage

We’ll ensure you never miss a deadline and help you maximize every enrollment opportunity.

Medicare Advantage plans might offer that attractive $0 premium, but what about your doctor network? Your favorite specialist might not participate. Medicare Supplements provide predictable costs and provider freedom, but premiums can strain fixed incomes. Part D plans change their formularies yearly – the medication covered this year might not be next year.

These nuances matter. We excel at matching your specific situation to the right coverage:

• Still working past 65? We’ll coordinate with your employer coverage
• Traveling frequently? Original Medicare with a supplement might serve you better
• Managing chronic conditions? Let’s find plans with the best coverage for your treatments
• On a tight budget? We’ll explore Extra Help programs and cost-saving strategies

Medicare rules change. Plans change. Your health needs change. What worked perfectly last year might not be optimal today. That’s why we view our relationship as ongoing, not transactional. We review your coverage annually, alert you to beneficial changes, and ensure you’re always in the most appropriate plan.