What's one Medicare decision that too many people regret later?

Question

Rick Moore · Accepted Answer

Selection of an MAPD when they could have enrolled in supplemental plan and separate PDP during their initial IEP. Too many (in my opinion) are led to the MAPD side without having the client sign-off on an affidavit saying they have in fact received a thorough discussion of the pro's and con's of both sides of the Medicare decision fence.

Answered by Rick Moore on March 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in NV, CA, NJ & NY

Answered by Rick Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

They made a hasty decision over a telephone conversation or allowed someone to talk them into changing their coverage after utilizing their trustworthy agent to set up their long-range coverage.

Brian Moore · Answer

From what I’ve observed, many people later regret choosing Medicare Supplement plans, paying steady premiums in their healthier, younger years regardless of whether they use medical services. They often say they’d rather have that money back—typically far exceeding what they’d spend on Medicare Advantage copays down the line—since those early costs feel wasted when they’re not tapping into care. It’s a common frustration, especially for those who stay active and well into their 70s, realizing they overcommitted financially too soon.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Melonie Wood · Answer

By making a fast decision without checking IF their doctor is in network, depending on someone else for advice, signing up without truly understanding what their plan is/co pays/ any costs/ benefits

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Answer

Making sure they have a plan that fits. Medicare is not a one-size-fits-all program so it's important to take the time to speak with an independent agent who can compare and contrast the numerous plan options.

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI, AZ, CA & 16 other states

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Capraro III · Answer

Waiting too long to get the information they need to make the Best Decisions for their particular situation and not getting enough information to make those decisions!

Bill Green · Answer

One Medicare decision too many people regret later is not considering a Medicare Supplement plan when they first become eligible. At that point, you're usually in what I call a "get out of jail free" window, meaning you can get a plan with no health questions asked. But if you wait and try to enroll later, you may have to go through medical underwriting—and could be denied based on your health. Some people start with a Medicare Advantage plan to save on monthly premiums, only to find out later that their out-of-pocket costs are higher than expected or that their preferred doctors aren’t in-network. By then, switching isn’t always simple. That’s why it’s so important to look at your long-term health needs and not just what seems cheapest upfront.

Answered by Bill Green on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 19 other states

Answered by Bill Green Medicare Insurance Agent

John Stagner · Answer

Not getting a Medicare Supplement when they were healthy. Or not getting one during their initial 6 month window, when health questions aren’t asked.

Justin Sonon · Answer

One regret people can have with Medicare is if they sign up for an Advantage plan and later after being diagnosed with health problems trying to apply for a Medigap plan, forgetting that they are subject to medical underwriting approval.

Answered by Justin Sonon on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in Pa, DE, FL & IL, MD, NJ & SC

Answered by Justin Sonon Medicare Insurance Agent

Ray McCauley · Answer

purchasing a medicare advantage plan because they don’t see the need to pay for a medicare supplement plan while they are healthy thinking they will buy a medicare supplement plan when they experience health issues but then no longer qualify for gauruntee issue

Answered by Ray McCauley on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, FL & ID, NV, SC & TN

Answered by Ray McCauley Medicare Insurance Agent

Renee Brown · Answer

Choosing the right Medicare plan can be very confusing. Going on the internet and doing a lot of research can cause a lot more confusion without answering the questions people may have. To me the biggest mistake a customer can make is by going strictly off of the internet, or their neighbors and friends. Their needs may not be the same as the neighbors, or friends and their doctors and medications will probably be different therefore those peoples plans may not work for them. Customers really need to sit down with a reputable broker that works with all the plans to help them sort through all plans that are offered in their area that work best for their needs, both Medicare Advantage and Supplemental. Medicare Supplemental plans may seem the best and the internet and others may be pointing them to that, but not everyone can afford a Medicare Supplement, therefore they need the best Medicare Advantage for their doctors, their needs and their medications. They also need an agent that they can count on to answer their calls the same day when they have a problem, or question, rather than 2-3 days later.

Answered by Renee Brown on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 32 other states

Answered by Renee Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

William Kravit · Answer

They are working and covered by a large group when they turn 65 and someone says: "You need to call Social Security and sign up for Medicare. They do that. Years later when they are retiring and referred to me, I see that they had enrolled in Medicare Part B and paying the premium all this time when they didn't have to because the group plan stays primary coverage and Part B is not necessary.

Answered by William Kravit on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI, AZ, CO & 9 other states

Answered by William Kravit Medicare Insurance Agent

Mitch Anderson · Answer

Too many people try to find the best "deal". There is no best deal, this is a long term decision and requires a thoughtful conversation to make a good decision.

David Wiley · Answer

Not utilizing an agent in making their decision in selecting their Medicare coverage. This can be an extremely costly mistake. Agents charge no fees but offer a wealth of experience and knowledge about plans meeting a client’s needs.

Answered by David Wiley on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA & NC

Answered by David Wiley Medicare Insurance Agent

Jose Solis-Flores · Answer

One Medicare decision that too many people regret later is not enrolling in a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan when they were first eligible.

Here's why:

Guaranteed Issue Rights:
- When you first become eligible for Medicare Part B, you have a guaranteed issue right for Medigap plans. This means insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you higher premiums due to pre-existing health conditions.   

Later Costs:
- If you delay enrolling in a Medigap plan and develop health issues later, you may find it difficult or expensive to obtain coverage.
- Insurance companies can then use medical underwriting to deny coverage or charge significantly higher premiums.

Mark Slemons · Answer

I've seen employers offer an employee retirement incentives that included the employer paying for COBRA for a portion, or the entirety, of the 18-month term if the employee agrees to retire. When a person takes this offer, but they are already 65 or older, Medicare does NOT view this as creditable coverage. What the individual expected to be a benefit, turns out to be a regret because Medicare penalizes them for the rest of the time they are on Medicare. This could have been avoided had they spoken to a trusted advisor prior to making the decision. It's important to understand the impacts of decisions related to Medicare!

Answered by Mark Slemons on March 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CO, FL & 14 other states

Answered by Mark Slemons Medicare Insurance Agent

Caitlyn Hartmann · Answer

They don't review all their options and talk to an agent. Too often, people listen to a neighbor or friend instead of seeking the advice of a professional. TIG has helped people nationwide with Medicare for more than 3 decades. We focus on education and service, not sales. We are 99% referral and never pressure anyone. Because we are independent, we can offer lots of companies and plans. We don't have to put everyone in the same thing. We do not charge for our services.

Answered by Caitlyn Hartmann on March 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Caitlyn Hartmann Medicare Insurance Agent

Brittney Brock · Answer

One Medicare decision many people end up regretting is not fully understanding the differences between Original Medicare with a supplement and Medicare Advantage. Instead of taking the time to educate themselves, they often rely on appealing advertisements they receive in the mail, which leads to choices they may not fully comprehend.

Answered by Brittney Brock on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, FL & 7 other states

Answered by Brittney Brock Medicare Insurance Agent

Ryan Fadness · Answer

Many clients don’t take the time to really consider the differences between Medicare supplement and Medicare advantage options. Both can be great options and a good fit, it’s a great idea to utilize a broker to educate yourself on which is the better fit for you.

Answered by Ryan Fadness on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in WA, ID & OR

Answered by Ryan Fadness Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Brady · Answer

Most of my clients regret not having enough information about Medicare when making their decision, like the difference between Medicare supplements and Medicare Advantage plans. Knowledge is power when making an informed Medicare decison.

Answered by Michael Brady on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ut, AL, AZ & 6 other states

Answered by Michael Brady Medicare Insurance Agent

Gregg Matheny · Answer

Trying to save money upfront by going with an advantage plan rather than taking time to do research. Another big regret that I have come across is the decision to opt out of an RX plan, which can be costly down the road. Medicare keeps track of the number of months that you don’t have RX coverage, and then down the road when you do get coverage Medicare will multiply that number of months by the average base premium of your states RX plans, that number then get multiplied by .01 and then you have the monthly amount that will be added on to your RX coverage for life.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

Correct initial decisions of your health choice when first eligible for Medicare is paramount because this is the only time you will make that choice without any Underwriting involved!
Many people, for instance, make the choice of going with a Medicare Advantage plan automatically, only to find that it was neither Medicare nor an Advantage for them! That's not to say it isn't the proper choice for some who have no real choice based on their circumstances, but for the person who has progressive ailments, or a family history of cancer, heart issues, dementia, etc. the care for the choices aren't the same. Unfortunately, when it comes to wanting the best professional for their needs, they may not be available to them. 
You can't call for Home Owner's Insurance amid a fire, or Auto Insurance once you've been in an accident. So if an ailment, accident, or disease comes along and you chose wrong initially, you've found out too late that you took "cheap" in place of preparation. 
I encourage you to be sure you investigate your options thoroughly upon your Open Enrollment. Get all the facts. Know health will only regress, so best to be prepared.

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

Not understanding all the options initially when new to Medicare.     A Medicare Broker can be your advocate to making sure all is set up correctly.    When a Medicare beneficiary is new to Medicare and continues to work and still have employer benefits and does not need Part B.  

I have had members that paid Part B premium while still keeping employer work benefits.

Michael Pyers · Answer

Signing up for an advantage plan and then becoming ILL.  The out of pocket costs are sometimes staggering.  In fact we have had clients call the Disadvantage Plans!

Aaron Solomon · Answer

A client sometimes worries more about the extra benefits, The most important things are
your doctors in network, hospital in network, asnd the drug formulary.These items are the most important details to a great plan for you,

Michael Yost · Answer

That they did not enroll in a Medicare plan sooner. They stayed on their employer insurance when they could have switched to a Medicare plan, while working, and got better insurance coverage and saved $$.

Answered by Michael Yost on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AZ & 27 other states

Answered by Michael Yost Medicare Insurance Agent

DeeDee Whitlock · Answer

Enrolling in Part B while still enrolled in an employer group plan, or taking the least amount of coverage thinking they were going to stay healthy & had a serious illness they were not prepared for

Walt Smith · Answer

Many seniors regret not sitting down with a professional to explain different options available when they start a Medicare.  
Many professionals will help seniors with their decision at No Cost to the senior.

Bruce Kern · Answer

Choosing a plan because their friends chose the same plan and it wasn't the right plan for them. Weather it was a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement with a RX Drug card

David Silver · Answer

They choose plans based on extra benefits and are not focused on the health and drug coverage components.

Morgan Greer · Answer

Not considering the pros and cons of Medicare Supplements and Prescription Drugs vs a Medicare Advantage plan. Both options have good reasons to choose and it is important, especially as you get close to turning 65, to examine those options with a professional who can help.

Answered by Morgan Greer on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in KS & MO

Answered by Morgan Greer Medicare Insurance Agent

Joanna Gebhart · Answer

Not taking out PartD which causes lifetime penalties and delaying part B which also causes penalties

William Pierce · Answer

Many people that take a Medicare Advantage plan regret not taking additional protections against the inpatient hospital copays later. Those costs can be hundreds of dollars per day for days, I advise all my clients to protect themselves against these charges with an Indemnity plan that can cover these charges, and may include a lump sum cancer benefit as well in the event they get diagnosed.

Answered by William Pierce on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in IA, MO & NE

Answered by William Pierce Medicare Insurance Agent

James Schneider · Answer

Looking at price as the deciding factor in their plan decisions and not getting professional advice.

Daniel Greer · Answer

Using a telemarketer that isn't local or that is unknown and (as a bonus) taking advice from someone that isn't a licensed professional, i.e. a friend, neighbor or family member. Everybody has different want, needs, budgets, medications, etc. I strive to find you a plan that fits you like a glove.

Answered by Daniel Greer on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in MI, FL, IN & 5 other states

Answered by Daniel Greer Medicare Insurance Agent

David Ghiorso · Answer

They choose price (saving a few pennies) over the medical group they want to actually received medicare through. They get caught up in "shiny object" benefits instead of quality of care, via the medical group.

Answered by David Ghiorso on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, IA, MT, NV & TN

Answered by David Ghiorso Medicare Insurance Agent

Jim Kreibich · Answer

Not educating yourself on the differences between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. This decision could save you or cost you a lot of money further down the road.

Gary Henderson · Answer

Well, the first one is getting a Medicare advantage plan because they think it's great as long as they're healthy and they're paying a $0 premium and the perks aren't as good as they claim to be. Especially the dental plan is very limited, but the most important thing is if they get seriously ill like have a long-term cancer illness. They're hitting that Max out of pocket amount which is somewhere between $5 and $10,000 every year 

Alternatively, if you chosen a Medicare supplement also known as a medigap plan, the most you're going to pay out of pocket is the annual part b deductible which this year is $257 and then everything's covered at 100%. 

A little cheaper planned with plan n what I just described was g above plan n you pay less monthly premiums but you're willing to pay a $20 copay for a doctor. Visit $50 copay for an emergency room visit and the very very rare excess charges which is 15% which you probably would never encounter.

Ross Landon · Answer

Failing to sign up for part D of Medicare, prescription drug coverage when eligible to do so!  Some seniors feel that if they are not taking any prescription drugs, they do not want to pay for nor need part D, but then they find out a couple of years later about the penalty of one percent per month that will be charged retroactively if you are not on a qualified Rx plan.  

 When  they finally do need prescription drug coverage, they find the penalty is never removed unless you appeal with a very good reason for not enrolling!

Linda Bolan · Answer

There are a couple that come to mind, but I do often hear that they wished they talked to Broker before signing up.  Medicare is confusing and often they did not know about options or penalties.

Glenn Alterman · Answer

It’s possible that they wished they’d have signed up for a Medicare Supplement instead of an MAPD plans

Jamie Herrick · Answer

Not having part D coverage when they turn 65. Even if you’re not taking any medications you still have to have this coverage to avoid penalties!

Andre Cabral · Answer

A: Not having asked for a licensed agent's help, facing such a complex maze by themselves, without proper education, considering the great importance of that step.

Kris Neupauer · Answer

Thinking strictly with their pocket book and ignoring health issues. The first thing that needs to be assessed is your health and then finances. When you do that, you will make a much more informed decision.

Answered by Kris Neupauer on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in MN, ND, SD & WI

Answered by Kris Neupauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Hector Vazquez · Answer

Not choosing a Medicare Supplement during the guaranteed issue period and wanting to join later to find out they don't meet the underwriting criteria.

Dona Tucker · Answer

Not having an agent to help them understand Medicare in layman's terms. It truly makes a difference.

I love educating my client's and seeing how happy they are after understanding to make executive decision to pick the plan that is best for them.

What's one Medicare decision that too many people regret later?

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What's one Medicare decision that too many people regret later?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website