Why do so many seniors wait until the last minute to enroll in Medicare, and how can agents help prevent bad decisions?

Question

Richard Pagano · Accepted Answer

Switching to Medicare can feel like a big change, and people often wait because:

1. They think they’re already covered: Still working and assume employer insurance means “I don’t need Medicare yet,” plus confusion about whether employer coverage is creditable for Part B/Part D.

2. It’s confusing/intimidating: A/B/D, Medigap vs Advantage, networks, formularies, and penalties—too many moving parts.

3. They don’t know the deadlines/penalties: Many miss the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) and learn about penalties afterward.

4. Life gets in the way: Retirement, moving, health issues, caregiving, loss of a spouse—Medicare gets pushed down the list.

5. Bad or oversimplified advice: “Just take the free plan,” “You can enroll anytime,” or “You don’t need Part B if you’re healthy.”

6. They assume it’s quick: Social Security processing, plan selection, provider checks, and Rx research all take time.

How my office can help:

1. Start early (3–6 months before turning 65/retiring) so you’re not rushed.

2. Confirm what you actually need: doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, budget.

3. If you’re still working, verify employer coverage in writing to avoid penalties/gaps.

4. Check doctors and hospitals (especially for Medicare Advantage networks).

5. Compare prescription costs (formulary, tiers, restrictions, preferred pharmacies).

6. Explain tradeoffs in plain English: premium vs pay-as-you-go, networks/prior auth, worst-case yearly cost.

7. Help you enroll correctly and on time with a simple checklist.

8. Review annually so coverage stays a good fit as plans and medications change.

Cheryl Lyons · Answer

Many seniors wait until the last minute to enroll in Medicare because it feels confusing and overwhelming, but this often leads to gaps in coverage or late penalties. Here’s why it happens and how agents help:

Why seniors wait

Confusion about eligibility – Unsure when their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts.

Overwhelm from options – Parts A, B, D, Medigap, Medicare Advantage — too many choices.

Misunderstanding employer coverage – Not knowing when they can delay Part B without penalty.

Fear of making the wrong choice – Many think “I’ll wait and decide later,” which can backfire.

How Medicare agents help

Clarify deadlines – Agents explain IEP, Special Enrollment Periods, and Annual Enrollment, so seniors don’t miss their window.

Simplify choices – They narrow dozens of plan options down to the ones that fit your doctors, medications, and budget.

Explain coverage gaps and costs – Agents highlight things like prescription coverage, dental, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Provide ongoing support – They help with claims, plan changes, or questions after enrollment, reducing stress.

Prevent costly mistakes – Avoiding late enrollment penalties and coverage gaps saves money and headaches.

Bottom line: Waiting is usually due to confusion and fear, but a knowledgeable agent makes the process clear, timely, and tailored to your needs, helping seniors make confident decisions.

Marc Gilman · Answer

I see this constantly with clients here in Bedford. Manchester and throughout New Hampshire. In my experience it comes down to a handful of real, understandable reasons — not carelessness.

Why people wait:
The system feels genuinely overwhelming. Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap letters, enrollment periods that all sound similar but work differently — it's a lot to absorb, and when something feels complicated, it's natural to put it off.

They assume they'll "figure it out later." Many people don't realize their enrollment window is time-limited and tied to a specific birthday month, not something they can revisit whenever it's convenient.

Fear of choosing wrong. Medicare Advantage versus Medicare Supplement is a real, consequential decision, and people often delay simply because they don't feel confident making a decision — which increases the odds of a rushed, worse decision later.

They're still working and assume that covers it. As I've covered in other answers here, whether you can safely delay Medicare while working depends heavily on your employer's size — a detail a lot of people overlook.

Nobody told them the actual deadline. Unlike a tax deadline that shows up on the calendar every year, Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period is personal and easy to lose track of if no one flags it in advance.

How agents actually help:
The biggest thing I do isn't explaining Medicare after someone's already confused — it's reaching out before the deadline becomes urgent. For clients throughout Bedford, Manchester, and Hillsborough County, that means:
Proactive timeline planning, at least six months before your birthday month arrives, not after
Knowing the actual penalty math in plain numbers, so "I'll deal with it later" turns into a solid reason to act now.
Confirming employer-specific rules for anyone still working, rather than letting them assume
And, being available whenever needed — before, during, and after enrollment, and not a remote call center or an overbooked agent.

David Silver · Answer

Why Seniors Delay Enrollment:
1. Lack of Awareness or Understanding
Many seniors aren’t fully aware of their Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), the penalties for late enrollment, or the options they have. They might assume they’ll automatically be enrolled or think they don’t need to worry until a later time.

2. Fear or Overwhelm
The Medicare system can feel overwhelming with its various parts (A, B, C, D, Medigap). The fear of making the wrong choice often leads to procrastination.

3. Health or Work Factors
If seniors are still working or have employer-provided health insurance, they may think they can delay Medicare enrollment without consequences. However, this can be risky if their employer insurance isn’t considered "creditable" (as good as Medicare).

4. Waiting for a "Perfect" Plan
Some seniors wait until they are sure about which plan is best, hoping to get more information or thinking they’ll figure it out later. However, waiting can often result in missed opportunities or more limited choices.

Tony Capraro III · Answer

Medicare agents, HUB, you have questions? We have the answers. Why do so many seniors wait until the last minute to enroll in Medicare? And how can agents help prevent bad decisions? Great questions.

What I find here, the last 20 years at my State Farm Agency on Kelly Street here in Manchester, New Hampshire, is the confusion. Remember, you apply for Medicare at 65. You have the three months prior to your birthday, the month of your birthday, and three months afterwards to get Medicare.

So what I do is get our folks in six months prior to their 65th birthday to give plenty of leeway and time to answer questions and address concerns. We go based on your goals and objectives—what are you looking to do and how can we help to avoid those bad decisions?

So we're looking at a Medicare supplement that's going to supplement Medicare Part A and B. Are we looking at a Medicare Advantage, typically called Part C? Six months prior gives us plenty of time to give you options. Remember, good decisions come from great information. Let us help you.

Justin Hundley · Answer

Many seniors delay enrolling in Medicare due to many different factors. This could be due to confusion about enrollment periods, not understanding their different plan options, or thinking that they are enrolled automatically. Working with an agent can help you understand exactly how and when you can enroll in Medicare, which could help prevent lifelong penalties down the road. An agent can also help them understand what options may be available in their market, such as Medicare advantage plans, Medicare supplement plans, or Medicare Prescription Drug plans.

Answered by Justin Hundley on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in WV, FL, KY, OH & VA

Answered by Justin Hundley Medicare Insurance Agent

Charise Karjala · Answer

Ooh, I love this question! Why do so many seniors wait until the last minute to enroll in Medicare, and how can agents help prevent bad decisions? Well, I think I mentioned in another video that people just space it out. They kind of go to Mexico, leave the country, move, play with their grandchildren, or just enjoy their life. I've even had one client who forgot she was 66, and that was terrible.

So actually, after her, what I've done now is call my clients that are turning 65. Typically, I'll call them when they're 64 and say, "Hey, next year you're turning 65, and guess what? We get to save lots of money!" I put them in my calendar to follow up. That's what I do to protect my clients, and that's why people typically enjoy working with me—unless they meet somebody they like better or their brother-in-law becomes a sales agent or something like that. But even at that, it's hard to beat somebody who's been doing this for 10 years with CFP credentials and an MBA.

So, how can agents help prevent bad decisions? Well, work with them well before they turn 65 so they can do the budgeting and plan for things like cataracts or knee replacements. Get people excited about the benefits of Medicare, 'cause it's either way less expensive than what they're paying, or they have access to thousands of doctors for hardly any money with a Medigap policy. This is the one time that getting old is actually kind of exciting!

I get excited for my clients because they've been putting off colonoscopies, mammograms, or pain management. They've been putting it off because they've had problems. So when people come and see me, just like most other seasoned agents and brokers, we encourage them to plan. This is exciting! They get to finally deal with things without a managed care plan getting in the way.

You know, develop a strategy that can be pivoted. I pivot my clients almost every year because their needs change. I invite my clients to come back as often as they need. So, get a relationship with somebody that you know and trust, and who isn't all serious and salesy about this stuff. That's my suggestion. Alright!

Raquel Weir · Answer

Many seniors wait until the last minute because the amount of information they receive can be overwhelming. It's human nature to become so overwhelmed that they just ignore it altogether. An experienced, independent agent can simplify things and make them much more manageable. My clients leave saying, "Oh, that was much easier than I thought."

Answered by Jason Miller on June 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Jason Miller Medicare Insurance Agent

Angela Tapp · Answer

I see this happen all the time, and the truth is, seniors don't wait until the last minute because they don't care—they wait because they are completely overwhelmed. From the moment they turn 64, their mailboxes are flooded with hundreds of confusing flyers, and their phones don't stop ringing with aggressive sales pitches. 

As agents, the best way we can prevent bad, rushed decisions is by stepping in early as educators, not salespeople. By hosting regular, zero-pressure educational seminars and webinars, we can clear out the noise and give them a clear roadmap months before their deadline. When seniors have a trusted partner to hold their hand and break the process down into simple, manageable steps, that fear turns into confidence. We take away the last-minute panic so they can make the right choice for their health and their wallet.

Mariela Arana · Answer

Some seniors don't understand the difference between Medicare and Retirement.  Now that we are living longer, Medicare and retirement are not both at age 65.  This tends to confuse many seniors and then they do it in a rush because they are worried about late penalties.  I do my best to start conversations with seniors prior to age 65.  Personally, I do Turning 65 events and work in senior centers, retail stores, clinics and places where they are free to ask me questions.  I also send out reminders to all of my active clients each year letting them know it is time for reviewing their plans.  

It is important that a senior establish a relationship with an agent because the agent is there to provide consultation, education, and research their best plan options.  It is best to go with a broker that is local and has a handle of what is going on with Medical Groups, and Insurance Companies at large.  If person is active in the community and entrusted with doctors, dentists and even accountant offices, it usually means they are writing enough business to have a good feel of what is best for you.  Remember that, there are many agents out there, but the best ones must have your back.

Diane Andree · Answer

Change isn't easy in many situations. Medicare, with all it's different parts, and rules, and choices can be overwhelming. People tend to put off making decisions when they feel unsure or confused. Many people work with an independent broker because they can save you research time by being able to compare several plans side by side. They consider your personal needs, clearly present your options and help you enroll in the plan of your choice. At ABC Medicare Plans Broker we explain all the different parts of Medicare A, B, C and D. We compare a Medicare Advantage Plan to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) with a drug card. We explain the difference in premium cost and the out-of-pocket potential expenses, the difference in extra benefits and the difference in doctor choice. This is all at no cost to the client so why not have professional guidance? I honestly don't understand why anyone would choose not to work with a Medicare Broker.

Answered by Diane Andree on March 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY

Answered by Diane Andree Medicare Insurance Agent

Jonathan Potter · Answer

Many seniors don't know how to enroll in part B for medicare when they retire or turn 65. The government doesn't make the steps very clear. For this reason it is important to align yourself with an agent that has experience in the field. Most people don't know that your need to be starting the process of applying for medicare 3-4 months before you want it to go into effect. Because of this many seniors are rushed into a decision that they may not be comfortable with.

Answered by Jonathan Potter on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CA & 14 other states

Answered by Jonathan Potter Medicare Insurance Agent

Melanie Baxter Black · Answer

I believe that Seniors wait until the last minute to enroll into Medicare for different reasons, but the main reason I see is that they think that enrollment is an instant process. Many think that they can wait until the day before their 65th birthday to enroll. No process, and I mean no process, that the government controls is done instantaneously. It takes time, but understand that there ARE deadlines and if you miss those deadlines, there are penalites that the government assesses to you whether or not you have a good understanding of the system or not. Ignorance is no excuse. The only way agents can help prevent bad decisions is to be involved in the process up to and including enrollment. We can only help once we are asked to be involved. Education is key and having an trusted, licensed insurance agent to guide you through the process is so very important before and after enrollment.

Answered by Melanie Baxter Black on February 9, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX, AR, LA & OK

Answered by Melanie Baxter Black Medicare Insurance Agent

Jon Schwenker · Answer

Why do so many seniors wait until the last minute to enroll in Medicare — and how can agents help? It often comes down to procrastination and information overload. That’s where a broker can make all the difference. Educate early using workshops, simple mailers, and clear Medicare timelines. Use visual tools to show key deadlines — and position yourself as the personal guide who makes the process easier.

Answered by Jon Schwenker on July 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in IA, CO, IL, ND & NE

Answered by Jon Schwenker Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

Most of the time, it is because of the confusion about deadlines, the overwhelming number of options, or a misunderstanding about automatic enrollments/employer coverage.

Agents/Brokers, like myself, can help eliminate these issues by providing early education, simplifying options, sending out reminders, and offering personalized guidance to prevent late penalties and poor coverage decisions.

Susan O&#039;Kelley · Answer

With massive amounts of marketing materials on tv and being sent to seniors in the 12 months before they turn 65, it can become overwhelming. This leads to confusion, and for many, it seems easier to bury our head in the sand without realizing or understanding there are important timelines and decisions that can affect them indefinitely. The best way for seniors to get help is to find an agent focused on education, not sales. Agents can help by cultivating an environment of educating by providing clear unbiased explanations of enrollment timelines and coverage options.

Answered by Susan O'Kelley on February 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in CO, AL, AZ & 20 other states

Answered by Susan O'Kelley Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Andrews · Answer

Some people wait because they think they will automatically enroll into Medicare without having to do anything. Automatic enrollment occurs only if you are already collecting social security retirement income. It is recommended that you meet with a local expert that can help you create a Medicare gameplan so that way it is a much smoother process.

Answered by Michael Andrews on April 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in CT

Answered by Michael Andrews Medicare Insurance Agent

Scott Klag · Answer

Most seniors are not aware that their Medicare Advantage plans change the benefits within the plans every year. Consequently, not only do they wait until the last minute, 47% don't even review their plans year over year. This is an extremely costly mistake that Seniors make each and every year. Lastly, there is a lot of complexity with Medicare and Seniors are paralyzed by that complexity, therefore they don't act and simply accept the status quo.

Answered by Scott Klag on June 20, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH

Answered by Scott Klag Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

I think we all avoid tasks that feel difficult or overwhelming, and Medicare is overwhelming for most people. We need to make sure that Seniors know that help is available for Medicare enrollment and plan selections. In mist cases, using a local Medicare insurance agent will cost nothing and will greatly benefit the client for years to come. The right agent will educate and assist without being pushy or selling a one-size-fits-all plan. We need to protect agents as the resource they are and make sure they stay available to Medicare beneficiaries everywhere by protecting their income.

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® on June 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi, thanks for watching. Why do seniors wait till the last minute to enroll? Well, because they're just like everybody else. When something's complicated and confusing, they push it off to the last minute, which happens a lot. So my advice is to find, and I've said this a hundred times in my blogs and different things, find an independent Medicare broker that only does Medicare. Here's why: you can't be an expert at everything. There's no way I would be able to sell different lines of insurance and Medicare and be an expert at all of them. There's just not enough hours in the day. So my point is to find someone that you think you can trust, take their advice, and they will walk you down the path and help you navigate Medicare. It's confusing, there's a lot of loopholes, and a lot of things that can get you in trouble, like missed deadlines and that kind of stuff.

Amy Putrino · Answer

A client should never be rushed to make a decision.  With that said, there are deadlines and enrollment periods with Medicare that need to be followed.  I advise clients to ask as many questions as needed to be comfortable with their decision.  Advising on plans is my role.  Deciding on plans is their's .  Each enrollment is your choice for the next year.  My advice, "Plans change from year to year and so can you."
Last year, I had a client, who was laid off on the last day of the month.  We applied for her Part B on the last day of the month and enrolled her in the plan of her choice for the effective date of the next day.  When you have been doing this as long as I have, you know how to make these things happen.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

due to confusion about deadlines, the vast array of plan options, or assumptions about automatic enrollment or employer coverage. Medicare agents can help prevent these issues by providing early education, simplifying choices, sending timely reminders, and offering personalized guidance to avoid penalties and poor coverage decisions,

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on July 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

It's not just seniors waiting for the last minute to sign up for Medicare, it's that they are only allotted three months prior to his/her 65th birthday, the birthday month, and two months after he/she turns 65. Anytime after that without a special enrollment event, the Medicare insurance carriers can start looking for ways not to ensure someone.

Answered by Suzanne Lamperti on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in MD

Answered by Suzanne Lamperti Medicare Insurance Agent

Aubrey Prince · Answer

That's a very good question. Seniors may wait for the last minute to enroll because they have a tendency to make it into something way bigger than what it is. I have done this plenty of times in my life as well. It's something you don't understand so it becomes complicated, and you just avoid it. I help my clients understand the vital parts of Medicare, things that are important to their coverage and care. I tell them to leave the rest to me. I've had some my clients for almost a decade. I enjoy building relationships of trust and compassion with them. I can't see myself doing anything else. I believe it's our relationship that prevents them from making bad decisions They know they have a trusted advisor, so they don't fall for the random phone calls that usually end up being bait and switch. They call me and I'm always available to help them with any questions they have.

Answered by Aubrey Prince on December 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in NC, AZ, CA & 11 other states

Answered by Aubrey Prince Medicare Insurance Agent

Karen Ansell · Answer

I think many seniors assume they will automatically be enrolled into Medicare when they turn 65. I recently turned 65 and the info I got from Social Security was late and hard to understand. And of course we know trying to call Social Security is very difficult. 

I think Medicare info needs to be gotten to Medicare recipients 6 months before their bday.
Keep the info short - If not drawing a monthly Social Security benefit check you need to physically sign up for Medicare yourself 3 months before your birth month. 
Seminars are a great way to draw business.

Bob Greco · Answer

Why do people wait till the last minute to sign up for Medicare? That question I don’t have an answer. The sooner you get started on the Medicare process the better off you are. The process can begin three months before your birthday month. How can agents prevent bad decisions. By getting to know the individual and what their healthcare needs are. Not only their illnesses, but how they would like to receive their healthcare. This to me is one of the most important parts of the process.

Answered by Bob Greco on October 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO, IA & IL

Answered by Bob Greco Medicare Insurance Agent

Craig Kirscht · Answer

There is a lack of awareness/understanding of enrollment periods and most aren't aware of the penalities involved. Another reason is the Medicare system is overwhelming and confusing. There's a lot of information out there - good and bad - that leads to a lot of confusion. 

It's best to find an agent that can answer all the questions and simplify your choices. At least put them all into English for you.

Shelly Hefley · Answer

Many times they don’t know who to go to and they get a lot of junk mail that does nothing more than confused them. So now I encourage clients to share my information with their friends so that their friends can go to the person they trust. Hopefully that will encourage everyone to get help sooner rather than later. Agents, good agents that stay up on things and know the rules help people avoid lifetime penalties. Give them someone that can answer their questions directly without calling Medicare or some 800 number.

Answered by Shelly Hefley on September 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL, KY & TN

Answered by Shelly Hefley Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

When new Medicare prospects call me, I advise them to sign up for Medicare Part B two months before their start date, so it leaves plenty of time to generate a Medicare number and start date.

Gary Henderson · Answer

But why they wait is their choice. Of course lot of people don't know the rules around it. So the smart thing to do is about 6 months before you turn 65 or plan to retire is start educating yourself? 
There's plenty of information on YouTube that you can watch webinars and so forth that explain how social security works and how Medicare works

Steven Bleicher · Answer

I don’t allow prospects to hold off on their choices, since delaying a decision only makes things more dicey. Since picking a plan HAS to happen eventually, putting it off is just not acceptable. So, depending on the combination of brand name vs. generic drugs, there are going to be Rx’s bought through a Part D(rug) plan as well as through either a US or a Canadian discount pharmacy. You can’t use both for the same drug! Agents should help their clients by performing this service for them. If any agent begs off on this investigation, find a new experienced one who seems to be more compassionate with clients.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Angelina Watkins · Answer

Many times people procrastinate because they are unsure what to do. Seniors may wait until the last minute because they are scared of making the wrong decision or not sure of their options. That is where an agent becomes beneficial. They can help educate you on your options and help you make a decision on a policy that is right for your situation.

Answered by Angelina Watkins on November 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 5 other states

Answered by Angelina Watkins Medicare Insurance Agent

Jason Miller · Answer

Many seniors wait until the last minute because they dread the thought of enrollment. Agents can help prevent bad decisions by educating others often and early. The more a beneficiary knows before they sign up, the better decisions they will make.

Answered by Skye Edwards on September 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Skye Edwards Medicare Insurance Agent

Skye Edwards · Answer

Many seniors wait until the last minute because they dread the thought of enrollment. Agents can help prevent bad decisions by educating others often and early. The more a beneficiary knows before they sign up, the better decisions they will make.

Answered by Skye Edwards on September 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX

Marcie Barnes · Answer

I believe lack of knowledge is the reason people wait. There are many tools available to assist beneficiaries. Connecting with an agent early on is the best way to be educated and have a subject matter expert at their finger tips. The Medicare Agent Directory is a great way to find a licensed professional to assist you.

Answered by Marcie Barnes on April 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Marcie Barnes Medicare Insurance Agent

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

They wait because some people procrastinate. on the second part of your question, If a client will listen to an experienced agent instead of friends who, of course don’t certify each year to give advice. Good decisions can be made for that particular client based on need and income. That boils down to a trust issue for people. You got somebody that is a broker (Meaning multiple companies) someone like myself with 37 years experience in insurance, can help a client find the right plan.

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on May 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AL, CO & 10 other states

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Eric Palmer · Answer

The biggest Medicare mistake isn’t waiting until the last minute — it’s making a rushed decision with incomplete information. Medicare is too important to guess on. My job is not just to enroll people. My job is also to help them avoid penalties, coverage gaps, wrong plan choices, and expensive surprises.

Answered by Eric Palmer on June 29, 2026

Agent Licensed in AR, MO & TN

Answered by Eric Palmer Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Cooper · Answer

Let's face it, insurance is confusing!  Adding the federal government into the mix does NOT simplify things.  Folks are often experiencing resistance to change, and when you lack confidence in where to even start... you can get mentally stuck.  

A good agent aligns themself with YOUR best interests.  Unless you're trying to become an agent (being playful), the "do it yourself" approach is going to be daunting for most.  A knowledgeable agent will share the important stuff... while saving your brain from an overdose of the irrelevant/less relevant stuff.

When picking an agent, simply trust your Gut (not your heart, head, or feelings).  Your Gut will NEVER lead you wrong!

Blessings-
Mike Cooper

Joseph Ritter · Answer

Most seniors wait because they’re confused, misinformed, or afraid to make the wrong move. A good agent becomes the calm in the chaos — the one person they can trust to get it right.

Dodi Befferman · Answer

Seniors wait until last minute to enroll in Medicare as most of them are probably confused with all the advertising and most of all unaware of what Medicare plans to choose. I can assist them by explaining the all the options they have and guiding them to choose the best plan that fits their needs.

Answered by Dodi Befferman on August 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & NV

Answered by Dodi Befferman Medicare Insurance Agent

Ingrid Kollmann · Answer

Most of tge time it has to do with education, not opening up health care related mail

Agents can conduct educational sessions at senior centers, community centers,  flyers in Foodbank distribution bags, or ask their current clients to refer other seniors to a certified Medicare agent.

Deborah Webster · Answer

Agents can be crucial in making decisions on Medicare. Licensed agents know the plans and can help you sort through the noise of all the different plans and help you navigate to a plan that fits your specific needs.

Answered by Deborah Webster on September 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in IA & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent

Ana V. Magalhaes · Answer

Well. Human nature - most people procrastinate 
However Medicare is complex to understand reason why an agent is key in clarifying and guiding prospects. Agents can educate and reach out offering their service at no cost

Ray McCauley · Answer

Seniors may be confused about their options and thus procrastinate. The agent should fully get to understand the clients needs and discuss options with them

Vernon Jones · Answer

I would say many senior simply delay and procrastinate not being focused and attentive to the fact that they turned 65 and certain things need to be addressed. I often tell mine clients to tell other people about me do not let me be a secret agent and share my contact information and encourage them to call me if they have any MEDICARE persons or concern and I can direct them when and what to do so they would not be hit with a penalty for late enrollment.

Answered by Vernon Jones on May 18, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Vernon Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Jane Baker · Answer

The best idea is to work with an agent who represents several companies. That way you can be matched with a company that fits you and your doctors and prescriptions!!!!!!! As for waiting until the last minute it is most likely human nature but it makes the process very tense sometimes!!!!!!!!

Answered by Jane Baker on October 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, MS & TN

Answered by Jane Baker Medicare Insurance Agent

Jody Hill · Answer

People tend to put off what they don't know.  Agents can network and provide seminars to help educate the public.

Thomas Ashton · Answer

I think in part because they don't know where to start and what steps to take. Also, the timing can be confusing of when to sign up.

Brent Mowery · Answer

Many entering into Medicare are not aware of deadlines and their insurance options. Consulting with an informed broker will assist you in this process.

Nick Sarant · Answer

ASK THE SENIORS WHO WAIT TILL THE LAST MINUTE LACK OF INFORMATION OR WHERE OR WHO TO GO TO. THEY ARE GIVEN RESOURCES, THAT MANY DON'T READ WITH ENOUGH INFORMATION TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. (THE MEDICARE AND YOU HANDBOOK) FOR ONE THING.

Answered by Nick Sarant on April 20, 2026

Agent Licensed in SC

Answered by Nick Sarant Medicare Insurance Agent

Glenn Virga · Answer

Unfortunately many do not know what to do or who to contact. Also many think that it could be very expensive most of the time it costs less than the current insurance they have now.

John Hose · Answer

Don’t be afraid to call a representative for advice. I suggest that you contact someone who is local and knowledgeable with a good reputation for helping. 

I would be happy to talk with you. You can contact me.

Thanks 

John Hose

Michael Kim · Answer

I think because they are confused and lazy, have no idea what to do. So they do nothing instead of finding out what to do, what plan they think would be a coverage for them.