Choosing the wrong Medicare plan is one of the most expensive mistakes a retiree can make. I'll walk you through every option, every deadline, and every cost — so you enroll with total confidence. My planning is always at no charge to you; I'm compensated by the carriers.
Every part of Medicare planning, start to finish
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Medicare has four distinct parts. Each covers something different, and together they form your complete coverage picture. Here's what each one actually does.
Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice care
Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care (after a qualifying hospital stay), hospice care, and some home health services. Most people qualify for premium-free Part A if they or a spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Important: Part A comes with a deductible per benefit period — not per year — which can catch people off guard if they have multiple hospitalizations.
Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services
Part B covers medically necessary services like doctor visits, outpatient procedures, lab tests, durable medical equipment, and many preventive services at no cost-sharing. You pay a monthly premium, and most services require a 20% coinsurance after meeting your annual deductible.
That 20% with no out-of-pocket maximum is why a Medicare Supplement is so important — without one, a serious illness could cost you tens of thousands.
Private insurance alternative bundling A + B + usually D
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. Plans bundle Parts A and B, often include Part D, and may offer vision/dental/hearing. Most have low or $0 premiums but come with networks, prior authorizations, and out-of-pocket maximums that can be significant.
My specialty is Medicare Supplements, not Advantage plans. I believe Supplements generally offer superior protection and freedom for most people — though every situation is different, and I'll give you an honest comparison.
Covers most prescription medications
Part D plans are offered by private insurers and cover most prescription drugs. Each plan has its own formulary (list of covered drugs), and costs vary significantly. Choosing the wrong Part D plan can cost you hundreds or thousands more per year for the same medications.
I help you navigate and compare Part D plans based on your specific medications to identify the lowest-cost plan that covers everything you take. This guidance alone is often worth hundreds of dollars in annual savings. Note: I do not receive commission on Part D plans — this is purely educational guidance included as part of your complete Medicare planning.
This is the single biggest choice you'll make at 65. Most people don't get enough honest information to decide well. Here it is, straight.
Works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to cover your cost-sharing gaps — deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
✦ My Specialty & Recommendation for MostA private insurance alternative to Original Medicare. Bundles A, B, and usually D with additional benefits like dental and vision.
I'm transparent that my specialty is Supplements — and I believe they offer superior long-term value for most people. But I'll walk through both options honestly with you and help you make the decision that's right for your specific situation.
Medicare Supplement plans are federally standardized — meaning Plan G from Carrier A is identical in benefits to Plan G from Carrier B. The only difference is the premium and the company's reputation for rate stability. This is critically important: you should never pay more than necessary for the same coverage.
These are the most common plans. Additional lettered plans exist. I'll help you determine which is the best fit for your health situation, budget, and risk tolerance — at no cost.
Miss these windows and you may face permanent premium penalties — and potentially be denied Supplement coverage. Know your dates.
This is when we should start meeting. Compare plans, understand your options, and make sure you're on track for enrollment. No decisions needed yet — just education and preparation.
Your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) opens. It runs from 3 months before your 65th birthday through 3 months after. This is your guaranteed right to enroll without penalty.
Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period runs from the month you turn 65 through month 6. During this window, insurers cannot deny you or charge more based on health. This is the most important window for Supplement enrollment.
Every fall, you have the opportunity to change your Part D drug plan for the coming year. Plans change their formularies and premiums annually. I review your plan with you every year to make sure you're still in the best plan for your medications.
If you have employer group health coverage through active employment at 65, you may be able to delay Parts B and D without penalty. Rules are very specific — small employers vs. large employers have different rules. This is a critical area where mistakes happen. Let's make sure your situation is handled correctly.
If your income is above certain thresholds, you'll pay more for Parts B and D. Here's what to expect — and how to plan around it.
The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is a surcharge added to your Part B and Part D premiums if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior exceeds certain thresholds. Medicare uses your tax return from 2 years ago — so your 2026 premiums are based on your 2024 income.
IRMAA can add hundreds or thousands of dollars per year to your Medicare costs, and many retirees are caught off guard. Proper retirement income planning — especially Roth conversions and distribution sequencing — can help minimize IRMAA exposure.
| 2026 Individual MAGI | 2026 Married Filing Jointly MAGI | Part B Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ $106,000 | ≤ $212,000 | $185.00 (standard) |
| $106,001 – $133,000 | $212,001 – $266,000 | $264.90 |
| $133,001 – $167,000 | $266,001 – $334,000 | $377.40 |
| $167,001 – $200,000 | $334,001 – $400,000 | $490.00 |
| > $500,000 | > $750,000 | $641.10 |
Figures are approximate 2026 values. Thresholds adjust annually. This is one reason why coordinating Medicare with your overall retirement income plan matters — a comprehensive review can reveal significant IRMAA reduction opportunities.
For most people, your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period runs from 3 months before your 65th birthday through 3 months after. Enrolling in your birthday month or the month before is ideal to avoid coverage gaps.
Yes — if your doctor accepts Medicare (and most do), they accept all Medicare Supplement plans. There are no networks with Supplements, so you can see any Medicare-participating provider nationwide.
Part B: 10% added permanently to your premium for every 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll. Part D: 1% per month you went without creditable drug coverage, added permanently to your premium.
It depends on your employer's size and whether you have qualifying coverage. The rules differ significantly for employers with fewer than 20 employees vs. larger employers. Getting this wrong can be very costly — let's review your specific situation.
You can apply to change at any time, but outside your Open Enrollment Period, insurers can require medical underwriting and may deny you or charge more based on health conditions. This is why choosing the right plan upfront matters.
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. Some Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits. Alternatively, standalone dental/vision/hearing plans can be added — I can help you find the right combination.
Let's sit down together — in person, by Zoom, or by phone — and make sure your Medicare decisions are optimized for your situation. It's free, there's no pressure, and you'll walk away knowing exactly what to do.
Book My Free Medicare Review →No obligation. No sales pressure. I'm compensated by carriers when you enroll — your consultation is always $0.