Avoid These 7 Costly Medicare Mistakes
This is the same guide I use in real client conversations. Learn the pitfalls — and how to avoid them
Why I Do This - A Promise to Memaw and Every Family
I got started in Medicare through the need to assist my Memaw. My mother passed when I was younger so Memaw became my responsibility. Some mistakes were made in her Medicare before I became old enough to help. Once I got involved, I had to fix some enrollment issues and I needed to make sure we didn’t spend precious dollars of her fixed Income on needless Co Pays and plan costs nor have limitations on her doctors or treatments.
The stakes are Critically High. If you miss an enrollment deadline, enroll in the wrong plan for you, or enroll in a plan too early or late, you could lose thousands of dollars, have penalties for life, lose and the freedom to see the doctor of your choice.
Medicare does a poor job of explaining how it all works and well-meaning friends, neighbors, and co-workers often give poor advice. Medicare is complex and constantly changing. That is why I do this. I wish we had a simple guide like this (and a Medicare pro like me to consult) when we started out. In the end, I saw Memaw through ups and downs and home nursing and feeding tube and ultimately to her passing in her sleep at age 93. Because I got her sorted out Medicare and her plans covered everything that ever came up. Helping Memaw live comfortably into old age was the best thing I ever did (before my son was born). This is dedicated to all the Memaw’s out there
The 7 Biggest Medicare Mistakes to Avoid
Missing Your Medicare Enrollment Window
If you are getting money from the government in any form, for at least 4 months before your 65th birthday, then you are automatically enrolled In Medicare. You’ll get A and B automatically.
Not Getting Part B / Getting It On Wrong Time
If you don’t get on Part B you get a Penalty. If you take Part B and didn’t need it (certain employer plans don’t require) then you pay $174.70/mo for no reason.
How Do You Get Part D - Prescription Drug Plan
This one’s tricky. The government does not PROVIDE a Part D Prescription Drug Plan, but it does REQUIRE you obtain one. If you do not get one in your seven-month open enrollment window then you will begin to acquire a penalty for every month that you should have had one. Once you do get a plan you will then have that penalty added to your monthly payment for Life.
Not Applying For Low Income Subsidy
If you have limited income and resources to take care of the cost of your prescription drugs, Medicare has an “Extra Help” program to help ease the financial burden based on your income and assets.
The eligibility criteria for the subsidy are as follows for 2025
• If you are single, your income must be below $22,590
• If you are a married couple, your income must be below $30,660
Confusing Medicare Advantage with Medicare Supplement
Doing Nothing
Analysis Paralysis is a real problem for some. Medicare is confusing and some people just get anxiety and then do nothing. BUT when a health issue arises those out-of-pocket costs and the lack of a Drug plan really mess them up. Don’t “Do Nothing”. Reach out to me and I’ll gently help guide you in the right direction.
Not Reviewing Yor Plan Annually
The Medicare And You guidebook tells everyone they should have their plan reviewed every year. Advantage Plans in particular are constantly changing, networks changing, and they are adding plans with cheaper doctor visit co-pays. A very common (and sad) mistake is Advantage Plan customers will sit in an old stale plan when there were newer plans. I do a quick plan review for anyone who asks, no charge.
Avoid These Traps and Choose A Plan With Confidence
These are just a few of the costly pitfalls I help my clients navigate. For a free, personalized review of your specific situation, book a no-pressure call with me today.
Or just Call me 229 740 6262, toll free 800 850 1765
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