Turning 65 guidance
Approaching 65 raises a lot of questions. We’ll help you understand how Original Medicare (Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance) works and what your choices are for additional coverage.
Timing matters. Your Initial Enrollment Period generally begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. We’ll talk through your situation, including if you’re still working and have employer coverage.
- When and how to sign up for Parts A and B
- How employer or retiree coverage may fit in
- Choosing between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare with a Supplement
- Avoiding coverage gaps and late-enrollment penalties
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They provide your Part A and Part B benefits in one plan, and many include prescription drug coverage. Some plans may include extra benefits.
Plans differ in their provider networks, costs, and covered services. We’ll help you compare the plans we offer in your area against your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
- Checking whether your doctors and hospitals are in network
- Comparing premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums
- Understanding HMO and PPO plan types
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, works alongside Original Medicare to help pay some of the costs it doesn’t cover, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Medigap plans are standardized and identified by letters. Supplement plans don’t include prescription coverage, so many people pair one with a Part D plan. We’ll explain how the plan types differ and when you can enroll.
- Understanding standardized plan letters
- Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period
- Pairing a Supplement with a Part D plan
Part D prescription drug plans
Part D plans help cover the cost of prescription drugs. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs (formulary), pharmacy network, and cost structure.
Bring your medication list and we’ll check how the plans we offer in your area cover your prescriptions and preferred pharmacy.
- Checking your medications against plan formularies
- Comparing pharmacy options and estimated costs
- Understanding the late-enrollment penalty
Annual enrollment review
Medicare plans can change their costs, benefits, networks, and drug lists every year. The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, and it’s your chance to make changes for the coming year.
We’ll review your Annual Notice of Change with you and help you decide whether to keep your current plan or look at other options we offer.
- Reviewing changes to your current plan
- Rechecking doctors and prescriptions
- Making changes before the deadline
General insurance guidance
Have other insurance questions? Reach out. We’re happy to talk through your needs and let you know how we can help.
