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Medicare guide

Turning 65? Start with your dates.

Understand your first Medicare enrollment window and how your current coverage affects the next steps.

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Play video: Still Working at 65? What Happens With Medicare, 0:52
Watch · 0:52 Still Working at 65? What Happens With Medicare
Read the transcript

Still working at 65? Don't guess this one. Hi, I'm Julianne Dickey, We Care Medicare, your Medicare insurance broker for the Central Coast.

Some employer plans stay first in line when you go on Medicare. Others make Medicare step up. Company size matters, COBRA matters, and health savings accounts definitely matter.

Get this wrong and your penalties or coverage gaps can follow you for the rest of your life. One conversation now can save you years of headache, so call before anything changes. Let's make Medicare make sense together.

New to Medicare?

Start with the basics.

Medicare's four letters, and the two ways to get your coverage.

Play video: Medicare Parts A, B, C and D Explained in One Minute, 1:26

Medicare Parts A, B, C and D Explained in One Minute 1:26

Read the transcript

Hi, I'm Julianne Dickey, We Care Medicare, your local Medicare insurance advocate. Medicare is four letters A, B, C, and D. Here's all of it in one minute.

A is your hospital, inpatient stays, skilled nursing, hospice are all included. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A, unless they have not paid into their Social Security, then there is a premium. Part B is your medical, your doctors, nurses, technicians, outpatient care, anyone who administers any sort of care to you will fall under Part B.

And there is a premium and a yearly deductible. C is your Medicare Advantage plans. These are private insurance companies that bundle A and B together and usually include your Part D.

And then the last one, D is your prescription plan. These are also through private insurance companies. There are several plans to choose from, and they are all based on what you're currently taking.

That's the skeleton of it. When you're ready for more details, that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.

Let's make Medicare make sense together.

Play video: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: The Two Paths, 1:13

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: The Two Paths 1:13

Read the transcript

There are two ways to get your Medicare insurance. I'm going to explain it in about 60 seconds. Hi, I'm Julianne Dickey, We Care Medicare, your local Medicare insurance advocate.

Path one is Original Medicare, Parts A and B. This acts as your primary. Most people add a Medicare Supplement and a separate drug plan.

The Medicare Supplement, also called Medigap insurance. There are many plans to choose from, and I help you choose the right one. Path two.

Medicare Advantage. This is a private plan that has equivalent to A and B, and usually includes your Part D, all in one card. The differences that matter are networks, referrals, co-pays, out-of-pocket limits, premiums versus co-pays, and extra benefits like dental and vision.

Neither path fits everyone. Your doctors and prescriptions decide, not the ads. Bring me your doctors and we'll compare.

Let's make Medicare make sense together.

At a glance

Your seven-month enrollment window

  1. Months before

    The three months before your birthday month.

  2. Your birthday month

    The month you turn 65.

  3. Months after

    The three months following your birthday month.

For most people becoming eligible at 65. Your coverage start date depends on when you enroll and your circumstances. Employer coverage and eligibility before 65 need their own review.

Your Initial Enrollment Period

For most people becoming eligible at 65, the Initial Enrollment Period lasts seven months: the three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and the three months afterward. Your coverage start date depends on when you enroll and your circumstances.

Put your birthday, retirement date, and any current coverage end date in front of you. They may not be the same date, and each can affect the choices you need to make.

Still working, or retiring after 65?

Medicare does not always begin at the same moment as retirement. If you have employer coverage through your own or a spouse's current employment, ask how that coverage works with Medicare before changing it.

The employer's size, the type of coverage, and whether it is based on current employment matter. COBRA and retiree coverage do not necessarily protect you from late-enrollment consequences in the same way as active employer coverage.

Ask the benefits administrator about coordination with Medicare and whether drug coverage is creditable. Keep the answers and coverage notices. Julianne can help you identify the Medicare questions to resolve.

Choose a coverage path

After understanding Parts A and B, compare Original Medicare with optional Medigap and Part D against Medicare Advantage. Look at doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, premiums, and possible out-of-pocket costs.

A low plan premium is only one part of the decision. Network access, travel, and how you prefer to manage care also matter.

Eligible before 65?

Some people qualify for Medicare through disability or certain medical conditions before turning 65. Eligibility and enrollment timing may follow different rules. Tell Julianne how you became eligible so the discussion starts with your situation.

Prepare for your first conversation

You do not have to make every choice before calling. Gather what you have and work through the unknowns together.

  • Birthday and expected retirement or coverage-end dates.
  • Current insurance cards and employer coverage information.
  • A list of doctors, prescriptions, and preferred pharmacies.
  • Questions about travel, budget, and family needs.

Talk it through

Your questions belong here.

Julianne can help you understand how this applies to your own coverage and plans.

Call Julianne

No fee for Medicare guidance. Julianne is paid directly by insurance companies.

A conversation is a good place to start

You don't have to work this out alone.

Tell Julianne what's changing in your life. Together, you can work through your coverage questions and next steps.

Call (805) 441-9093Send a message

Contact Julianne

What would you like help with?

Send a message or request a conversation. Julianne will follow up with you directly.

(805) 441-9093
support@wecaremedicareplans.com

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Serving San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, from Paso Robles to Lompoc. Meetings at your home or an agreed location. Before any in-home appointment, California law requires 24 hours’ written notice, which Julianne sends you in advance.

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