What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?

Question from a Senior: What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?

Advice for Seniors Medicare Enrollment New To Medicare

#1, not knowing when to enroll or not enroll into Medicare Part B, then
#2, not knowing their options when they choose a plan.

Answered by Helena Foutz, RSSA on March 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AK, AR & 12 other states

Answered by Helena Foutz, RSSA Medicare Insurance Agent

Usually, the biggest mistake I see seniors make when enrolling into Medicare is not working with a professional, such as an agent or broker. With the vast amount of choices out there, seniors should be getting a full education about their options before making any decisions.
An agent/broker is someone who can lay your options out for you, explain the differences and answer your questions… for as long as you remain their client AND at no cost to you.
When enrolling with a call center, unfortunately, there are no guarantees you will be speaking to the same person each time. If you are only speaking with one carrier, you are only learning about that carrier’s product.

Answered by Samantha Jellison on March 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, FL & SC

Answered by Samantha Jellison Medicare Insurance Agent

One of the biggest mistakes when enrolling in Medicare is when a Medicare recipient assumes they’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare when they turn 65, but that’s not always the case. If they don’t sign up during their 7 month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts three months before their 65th birthday and ends three months after, they could face permanent late enrollment penalties and delays in coverage.

Answered by Ruben Trejo on March 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 27 other states

Answered by Ruben Trejo Medicare Insurance Agent

The biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is not getting enough information before enrolling, specifically when it comes to penalties.

Answered by Erin Stott on March 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in UT, OR & WA

Answered by Erin Stott Medicare Insurance Agent

Not knowing how and when to sign up for Part B Medicare at the right time, being confused about options if still working.

Answered by Ted Heckel on March 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in CT, AL, FL, NY & SC

Answered by Ted Heckel Medicare Insurance Agent

If you're still working at 65, and your employer has less than 20 employees, you must sign up for Medicare at 65 even if you're on the employer's group health plan. Medicare must be primary coverage for age 65 or older individuals, or employees of any company having less than 20 employees. When you do eventually sign up late for Medicare, you will pay premium penalties every month for as long as you have Medicare.

Answered by Bruce Heavener on March 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA & NJ

Answered by Bruce Heavener Medicare Insurance Agent

What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?

Question from a Senior: What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?

Question from a Senior: What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website