What is the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare?
Answered by 99 licensed agents
It sounds cliché coming from me, but the biggest mistake seniors make is not having an independent agent acting on their behalf. When calling into insurance companies for help, their sole job is to sell you their product, whether it's the best option for you or not. You want someone who has a financial incentive to assist you in finding the right type of coverage by going over all your options and not leaving anything to chance. Imagine a doctor that only wrote you prescriptions from one pharmaceutical company; you'd have questions about their motives just as I would too.
The biggest mistake is listening to agents calling you from who knows where. Since I turned 65, I have received calls every week from agents claiming to be from my area and making bow statements that they can offer me something better. Another area is failing to ask about the company's premium increases, how much they go up yearly, and having documentation to back it up. Therefore, just be cautious of agents who contact you without your permission, and be cautious of what you say they may be recording.
The biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is relying on advice from neighbors, friends, or family who think they understand the program’s details. Medicare’s ins and outs are complex, and misinformation can lead to costly errors. Seeking professional consultation is always the smartest move to get it right.
Not being educated on the many different plans/ benefits/ physician networks/ HMO vs PPO/ additional benefits/ co pays/ Medicare start ratings for Medicare Advantage/ not knowing you must have PArt D/ ...
The biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is trying to do-it-themselves. I think it's a bad idea, especially considering that a knowledgeable, experienced, independent, licensed Medicare agent is most likely provide Medicare enrollment assistance at no cost or obligation. The technical term we use here is, "no brainer" to talk with an agent.
In my experience working with Seniors and helping them with the Medicare "alphabet soup" what I often see is that they have not looked into either a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement/Medigap Plan to offset the OUT OF POCKET expenses they WILL have with just enrolling in Medicare Part A and B ! There are Deductibles for Both Part A and B and Part B will ONLY cover 80% of the costs and YOU will be responsible for the other 20% with NO Maximum out of pocket! WOW! Work with someone who can show you both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement/Medigap options then make the best decision for YOU!
The biggest mistake I find is that they choose the same policy their friend purchased. What is good for someone else may not be good for you. This goes with Part D drug plans also. I’ve seen a lot of people cost themselves a lot of extra out of pocket expenses because they didn’t sit down with a broker. Brokers should have your best interest at heart. Personally, I don’t represent the insurance carriers, I represent you. If I represent you then you’ll more than likely stay a loyal client and will tell all your friends about me. You don’t pay me for my services, the carriers do, so take advantage of my assistance.
Not consulting an agent broker with time in grade. In other words, experience. The other thing would be to select an agent broker with multiple companies.
The biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is assuming all plans work the same or that they’ll be automatically covered the way they expect. Many choose a plan based on a friend’s recommendation or a TV ad without checking if their doctors, prescriptions, or hospitals are actually in-network. Others miss key enrollment deadlines, which can lead to lifelong penalties or gaps in coverage. Some don’t realize that Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care or dental, vision, and hearing without additional coverage. It’s a complex system, and one-size-fits-all doesn’t work. That’s why working with a local, experienced agent who understands your specific needs can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
Not considering all of the options available. Many seniors call a carrier directly, not realizing that a carrier can only speak about their own plans. No comparisons can be made with other carriers plans available in the area. So, they will make you "fit" into one of their plans. Working with an independent agent, who represents multiple carriers, can answer all of your questions regarding multiple carriers and plans.
The biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is not understanding their Medicare options. What difference between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Also enrolling into Medicare Part B (paying a premium for part B) when they still have coverage through their company or through their spouse.
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.
One of the most common mistakes people make when aging into Medicare is not understanding their enrollment periods and deadlines. Many assume they’re automatically enrolled when they turn 65, but that’s only true if they’re already receiving Social Security benefits. If not, they need to actively sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which spans the three months before, the month of, and the three months after their 65th birthday. Missing this window can lead to late enrollment penalties—such as a permanent increase in Part B premiums—or gaps in coverage.
The people who get frustrated the most are the ones that listen to too many friends and family and get overwhelmed with the direction they should go. We ask questions and listen...and support your decision to follow a path that you comfortable with.
The biggest mistake I've seen is a beneficiary applying for part B retiring after 65 without submitting the correct forms that will prevent late enrollment penalties. It is important to begin the application process with social security 3 months prior to needing your part B to start.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when obtaining Medicare is listening to friend's or neighbor's advice regarding the plan they should choose. Each person is an individual with different needs and the plan that is chosen should reflect that whether it's a Medicare supplement or Medicare advantage plan.
The Biggest mistake Seniors can make when enrolling into Medicare is not understanding how the plans, they selected work and affordability of that plan not in immediate but also in the future.
Questions to ask yourself:
1) Medicare Supplements: It's human nature to gravitate towards the lowest cost premium, but can that company handle the medical loss Ratios down the road? Does it have that history to do so? Can I pay for much higher premiums as I become older? You have to be your own financial steward with healthcare because it will be the most expensive financial expense during retirement.
2) When selecting a Medicare Prescription drug plan- many are influenced by premium cost and not looking at the details of the plan drug formulary or when will you be charges the Medicare Prescription drug deductible.
3) Medicare Advantage Plans- Continuity of Care: Are my doctors in that plans network? Am I willing to switch plans if they are not? Are my medications on this plan's formulary?
Many seniors do not understand the puzzle, it's very difficult to navigate if you do not understand how all the parts of Medicare differ. Many people don't realize in the beginning Medicare is an individual plan not a group plan.
The biggest mistake seniors make is not knowing all of their options that go with Medicare. Understanding the differences in Part A, Part B, and the additional Part C and Part D.
The mistake that we see most often is not being fully aware of all the options that are available to them. There are many options available to folks enrolling in Medicare, and it is important to discuss and assess there options so that there needs are addressed, and that their coverage compliments their lifestyle.
Not knowing about the fee for Medicare Part B or the potential of paying for IRMAA. I feel the public is not informed about this topic, and it becomes a big surprise when they receive the statement in the mail.
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.
Medicare plans can change yearly. Not reviewing coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) can mean staying in a plan that no longer fits your needs or budget. Some people who continue to work past 65 assume their employer coverage is sufficient and delay Medicare enrollment, not realizing this could lead to penalties or coordination of benefits issues.
1. Not working with a well connected Medicare broker.
2. Not taking the time to get educated on Medicare as a whole.
3. Continuing to contribute to an HSA within the 6 month period prior to starting Part A (which can be retroactive)
4. Not learning about the 6 month guaranteed issue period regarding Medicare Supplements.
5. Thinking that once their enrolled they don't need to continue to review their plan each year. (Medicare plans change each year in either price, benefits, formularies or network)
Nor asking enough questions! Neverasume what works for a friend or neighbor will work for you. While you may get a good idea if your friends are satisfied with their healthcare plan, by working with an agent, you'll be able to compare all your options and find the plan that is bested suite to your needs and budget.
The biggest mistake I see seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is listening to friends. Everyone’s situation is different — what worked for your neighbor or coworker might not be right for you. Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and making decisions without personalized guidance can lead to unexpected costs or gaps in coverage.
Not getting all the facts about the plan. Make sure your agent goes into details about co-pays, network, difference between HMO and PPO, extra benefits and more.
The biggest mistake I see seniors make when enrolling in Medicare? Pretty simple. They listen to commercials with retired athletes or actors instead of getting real advice from someone they actually trust.
They pick a plan because it says “$0 premium” or “extra benefits,” but don’t realize what they’re giving up until it’s too late like higher out-of-pocket costs, network restrictions, or a drug plan that doesn’t even cover their meds.
Medicare isn’t hard when you’ve got someone who sees you as a person, not a policy number or commission check. It feels like a pain because it’s designed that way so you’ll make a fast decision and never look back.
The key? Honest, no-pressure guidance from someone who knows the system and gives a damn. Not the people on TV reading a script about a “great” Medicare plan he probably doesn’t even use because, let’s be real, they’re either not on Medicare or have a low-cost group plan.
The Biggest Mistake Seniors make is not sitting down with a qualified agent and explaining all their options. I bring 14 years of experience and over 2,000 current customers, I explain Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans. The pros the cons the insides the outs. The Food Card Commercials all the little things that just make you pull your hair out. When my clients leave, they are educated and are ready to enjoy retirement and not worry about HealthCare.
Simply choosing a plan based on their spouse or friend or what they used for work. Give yourself an opportunity to be educated on the options and what works best specifically for your situation.
Oftentimes I find that new Medicare enrollees do not have an understanding of how Medicare works to offer health benefits. Before one can make a choice of Medicare options, one must know the differences. Using an informed and trusted professional agent is the best approach to making the best decisions for oneself.
Enrolling without an agent or with a telemarketer. I see it all the time but it's nice when I find them because once they figure out, I will meet with them face to face and don't charge for my services, they will usually let me help in the future.
One of the biggest mistakes seniors make is relying on just "word of mouth" with friends and family of what to do and what is the best plan. I think sitting down and talking to a licensed agent that can give you all the information, benefits, differences with all of your options is the best route to making sure you are on the RIGHT plan for you.
The mistake many Medicare beneficiaries make regarding enrolling into Medicare is to begin Medicare Part B too early. Many people do not realize that they do not need Medicare Part B to begin if receiving health insurance through a large employer. A large employer is classified as 20 or more employees (100+ employees if qualifying for Medicare due to disability). If one likes one's insurance through the employer, the plan is affordable and coverage out-of-pocket affordable, then deferring Part B is penalty-free. When the time comes to retire, reduce work hours or lose one's insurance from the employer, then one can enroll into Part B and the coordinating insurance plans. All one's guaranteed rights to choose a Medicare supplement, Advantage Plan and/or Part D plan remain intact.
Enrolling in Medicare for the first time can be a daunting task. For seniors, taking the time to fully understand what options are available should be a priority ahead of your Initial Enrollment period. Working with a licensed professional that is local, is a great way to solid guidance. At Living Well Benefit Advisors, our goal is to educate the client and let them decide what plan will work best for their personal needs.
Failure to compare the costs with Medicare to their employer health coverage. Sometimes it makes sense to stay on employer coverage and other times it doesn't.
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.
Not properly understanding the enrollment periods and when you can and cannot sign up for original Medicare. This can lead to many issues, some of which include having a gap in health insurance coverage and having to pay late enrollment penalties.
The biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is not talking to an agent who can make sense of the confusing info that is available. Making sure you know exactly what you need and how to get it at the lowest cost is very important!
Not realizing there is paperwork to fill out if you continue working past age 65 and then go on Medicare once you retire. No paperwork = a penalty the rest of your life!!
Most commonly I see seniors enroll in Medicare and then have no idea what to do next! That s where I come in! Education, education!!! Help them understand how to wrap it all up!!
Thinking that their drug costs before Medicare will resemble those same costs when joining Medicare. It is imperative to realize that Medicare drugs are priced much differently than those you enjoyed as part of an employer's healthcare plan. Brand Name drugs will be a greater challenge especially any drug in Tiers 3, 4 and 5.
Not exploring their options enough And enrolling into the lowest premium plan is a mistake that seniors often make when enrolling into Medicare. It’s never a bad idea to educate yourself on your options. Sometimes it’s easy to take the “ Out of sight out of mind” Approach, but that usually ends in a penalty from Medicare.
They under think the future! They aren’t in recognition that their health today is most likely the best health they will have moving forward! Do you think you will be in better health now or in 10 years? - The body doesn’t work like that even if you were the second coming of Jack Lalanne!! And so with NO UNDERWRITING involved, they should invest in THE BEST COVERAGE THEY CAN NOW!!!
Not getting Professional help when it is so readily available FOR FREE. Trying to know what is right for you after a few hours of research is like tying to fly around the world without a map.
Please speak with a Licensed Broker in your area...who is Independent..not someone who is working for a specific Insurance Carrier who will only show you that Carrier's options.
Getting information from Friends and Family and not an expert in the field.
Your friends and family understand what they have but they don't see the whole picture and how it works as a whole. Get advice from a true broker who has access to All or a majority of the plans. Not an agent who is selling only one or two products.
Not making informed choices and many times listening to someone that doesn't actually know what they are talking about and giving bad advice. It’s important to understand all your options and choices
They listen to their family members or neighbors instead of talking to an insurance broker. Insurance brokers like me don't charge for my services and I am contracted with most mayor carriers so why not talk to a Medicare Insurance Broker like myself?
Not understanding the options and how their choices will affect their healthcare for the rest of their lives. By passing up the opportunities to enroll during guaranteed enrollment periods, they could cost themselves significantly financially over the years.
The biggest mistake seniors often make when enrolling in Medicare is not understanding their enrollment timelines, which can lead to delayed coverage or costly late enrollment penalties. Many may assume that they can sign up at any time, but each part of Medicare has specific enrollment periods that must be followed. Additionally, failing to evaluate their healthcare needs and comparing plans can result in selecting coverage that doesn't suit their needs, leading to unexpected out-of-pocket costs. It's crucial to thoroughly research and plan ahead to avoid these pitfalls.
Trying to navigate this alone. Always reach out to a broker to go over all of your options. You could be overpaying or the opposite not having the right coverage for your needs.
not talking to a specialist about ALL the options available to them, talking to people over the phone who you will not be able to find when you have a problem
Not utilizing a trained, licensed, and certified local professional to explain their options and make sure that whichever plan they choose covers their drugs and doctors. A mistake in one of these areas can cost a senior thousands in unnecessary bills. Since plans vary so much by location, only a local agent familiar with local plans and networks can properly advise seniors in their unique circumstances.
The biggest mistake that seniors make enrolling in Medicare is not knowing all the options that are available and not getting advice from an experienced broker.
Going with the plan their "friend or relative" has. Medicare is different for each person. I make sure my client is on the coverage that it best for them.
Becoming a Medicare professional over night and taking on the complex system of Medicare on there own. Also, waiting until the last minute to sign up. Please start planning ahead of time and use a local broker to guide you in the right direction.
I believe that the biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is not taking the time together the important information and understand their options fully. The other mistake I see often is choosing a health insurance plan without fully understanding those options. The decision to go with the Medicare supplement versus a Medicare advantage plan is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. Fully understanding that decision is extraordinary important.
Not speaking with a local experienced agent with good reviews. Other seniors will tell you thru reviews if the agent is good or not. Find a no-pressure, knowledgeable agent and it will be a good experience and you will have someone to speak with year in and year out with concerns and questions.
One of the bigger Medicare mistakes is ignoring the Annual Enrollment Period. Many things change in health insurance each year. The list and number of available plans often change and plan benefits, provider network and drug formularies may change too.
The biggest mistake that I see those newly eligible for Medicare is not comparing the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans with those of Medicare Supplement. If you apply for a Medicare Supplement plan when you're first eligible, there's no underwriting and you are given an opportunity to leave it and try out a Medicare Advantage is the Medicare Supplement is not beneficial or not a good fit.
Not getting all of the information on options and requirements - such as being required to carry a PDP plan at minimum if they don't have something creditable
Not using a local experienced broker. We test and certify yearly in Medicare regulations and changes. Don't call the 800 numbers on TV, call a broker in your community.
The biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is not getting enough information before enrolling, specifically when it comes to penalties.
I believe that would be not keeping in touch with their agent and vice versa. Seniors need a great communication with their agent so that the agent can voice their need and help them choose the right plan.
The biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling into Medicare is they don't get a personal broker. A personal broker looks at plan changes that happen every year to make sure prescriptions are still covered at a reasonable cost and that the client's doctors are still in network. Medicare can be very confusing and a broker simplifies the process and becomes your advocate.
Many seniors enroll in Medicare too late because they don't realize their current health insurance or COBRA is not creditable. Then they have late enrollment penalties.
The biggest mistake seniors make when enrolling in a Medicare plan is not working with an independent insurance agent to review their specific needs and to see what options are available.
I think the most common problem with seniors and Medicare is not knowing the types of plans that are available to them and not understanding their differences. Working directly with an agent can prevent frustration and confusion in the enrollment process.
Choosing the wrong plan at the time of open enrollment can cause financial distress. It is important to find a qualified agent to assist with all the details of Medicare and available plans. While getting information from family or friends can be helpful, not every plan is the right fit for every person.
one of them is the missing the initial enrollment period. 2nd is listening to some one other than their agent. each policy is tailored to specific needs.
The biggest mistake I see seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is listening to friends or going directly to the insurance companies. Everyone’s situation is different — what worked for your neighbor or coworker might not be right for you. Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and making decisions without personalized guidance can lead to unexpected costs or gaps in coverage.
When it comes to applying and enrolling into Medicare, there are many mistakes that can be made. Questions about when to enroll and what type of plan to enroll into is a big decision and often there isn't a lot of information available to make an informed decision. One of the biggest mistakes I have found with Medicare is when and insured signs up for Part B, there is a 60 day window to sing up for Part D, (the prescription drug plan). If a prescription drug plan isn't selected within a 60 day window, Medicare will penalize you for the rest of your life.
Looking at Medicare as if it were the commercial or Marketplace plan they are leaving. Medicare is made so those who qualify are able to enroll into plans with very rich benefits for a much lower price and often time a higher level of service from the carriers. You don't have to blow your budget for great coverage.
I would say the next closest mistake is thinking that the Medicare Advantage Plans are not on par or better than the Medicare Supplement Plans. This is a truly individual, case by case situation that should be looked at depending on your travel plans, plan availability, doctor availablity and budget. There is no right or wrong answer on what type plan to get. Have your broker show you the benefits of both so you can make the best decision for YOU.
In my experience, the biggest mistake seniors make with Medicare is listening to their friends and choosing a plan based on what works well for someone who isn't in their shoes. Don't get me wrong - people who are already in the Medicare system can provide great insight into the things they like and dislike about their plans and experiences with Medicare, but they are not you. Only you know what is important to you. You know what your medical needs have been and what they are most likely to be in the future. You know how you feel about "managed care", prior authorizations and networks and only you know your budget.
Even if you listen to your friends and choose Medicare Advantage over Original Medicare, only you know what doctors you want to see and what medications you need to have covered on the formulary. And if your life experience is different and you already have a chronic condition, only you can decide if you would sleep better at night with Original Medicare and a Supplement plan than you would with Medicare Advantage.
When you choose your first Medicare plan, it could be the last health insurance plan that you choose for the rest of your life. This decision is too important to make on a whim or because a plan worked great for your pickle ball buddies. Give it the time and consideration that it deserves.
Chasing the “Shiny things” and not focusing on the coverage itself. Medicare is insurance meant to cover out of pocket costs, the rest are bonus items to make members lives more comfortable.
Not going through the process with a licensed agent. The process is a maze of unfamiliar nuances, which are difficult and frustrating to navigate without an agent by your side to enable you to make an informed decision.
One of the biggest mistakes is not connecting with someone that can help answer their questions. Such as what coverage do I need are my doctors in network are all my medications covered.
Unfortunately, the biggest mistake I see seniors make is not dedicating enough time and effort to educating themselves on their options.
It can be difficult to find the information at times but taking the time to educate yourself on the process and your options allows you to make a much better decision on how you get your coverage and therefore your experience.
1. They wait till the last minute to enroll into parts A and B, which may cause delays in obtaining their medicare a and b and or late enrollment penalties.
2. They do not take enough time to educate themselves on medicare rules, deadlines, and costs. It's almost as it they don't want to be bothered with the process.
3. Get advice from an independent broker that can provide unbiased information between medigap policies and medicare advantage polices.
Beneficiaries need to find the right independent broker that can walk them through the process. Knowledge is Power!
I believe the biggest mistake made when enrolling in Medicare is choosing the wrong health plan. Many people don't realize how many options there are and choose a health plan based on what works best for someone they know. When I assist someone with their plan decision, we look at their individualized "full picture" of needs and make a choice they can be confident in.
The biggest mistake seniors make is thinking they can just "wing it" or go to their buddies for answers on which plan to go with. You can't go with what works for someone else to determine what will work for you. People have different needs, even when they don't realize it. It's important to speak with a non- biased full-service agent like me who can take the time to really understand your healthcare needs and compare the various carrier options educate you on which one is most aligned to meet those needs and makes the most sense for your budget.
The biggest mistake that I see seniors make when enrolling in Medicare is getting information from and enrolling with an agent that just represents one single insurance company. There are so many choices in plans. Some work well for certain individuals but not well for others. Seniors are better off working with an agent that offers a wide variety of Medicare plans from many different carriers.
