1) Waiting too long to enroll
If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7-month window around your 65th birthday) and don’t have qualifying employer coverage, you may face lifelong Part B and Part D penalties.
Fix: Mark your IEP dates, or talk with an advisor 2–3 months before turning 65.
2) Assuming Original Medicare covers everything
Parts A & B don’t include routine dental, vision, hearing aids, or most prescription drugs—and there’s no out-of-pocket maximum.
Fix: Price either a Medigap + Part D path or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that bundles extras.
3) Picking a plan without checking your doctors and drugs
Many people choose based on premium alone—then discover their doctor is out-of-network or one medication is in a higher tier.
Fix: Verify your providers, hospitals, and every prescription against the plan’s network and formulary.
4) Ignoring total cost of care
The lowest premium can become the most expensive once you add deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and drug tiers.
Fix: Estimate annual total cost based on your typical care + meds, not just premium.
5) Skipping the Annual Review
Plans change every year: premiums, networks, drug tiers, and perks. What fit last year may quietly cost you this year.
Fix: During AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7), review changes. You can switch Advantage plans again during OEP (Jan 1–Mar 31) if needed.
6) Overlooking travel needs
Original Medicare works nationwide; many Advantage HMOs are regional. Some Medigap plans are better for frequent travelers or snowbirds.
Fix: Match plan type to your travel pattern and ask about coverage away from home.
7) Not coordinating with HSA, retiree, or employer coverage
COBRA, retiree plans, and HSAs all interact differently with Medicare—and the wrong sequence can create tax issues or gaps.
Fix: Get personalized guidance before you start Part A or B if you (or a spouse) are still working or using an HSA.
How to Choose a Path (Quick Decision Flow)
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Want nationwide flexibility and predictable medical costs?
Consider Medigap + Part D (higher premium, lower variable costs). -
Want extras like dental/vision and a single ID card?
Consider Medicare Advantage (Part C) (often lower premium, managed networks). -
Take brand-name meds?
Compare formularies and tiers across plans—drug costs can dwarf premium differences.
Your Annual Medicare Checklist
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List your doctors, clinics, and hospitals (must-keep).
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Gather all medications with dosages and frequency.
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Note expected care (surgeries/therapies) for the coming year.
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Compare total yearly cost: premium + deductible + copays + coinsurance + drug tiers.
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Confirm referrals and prior auth rules you’re comfortable with.
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Re-check during AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7) and adjust if your situation changed.
When to Get Personalized Help
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You’re retiring mid-year and unsure when to start Part B.
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You have complex meds or multiple specialists.
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You split time between states or travel frequently.
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You’re coordinating Medicare with employer or retiree coverage.
Friendly disclaimer
We’re here to educate, but this isn’t tax or legal advice. Plan availability and benefits vary by county and carrier.