5 Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Medicare Plan

5 Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Medicare Plan And how to avoid them so you can feel confident in your coverage.

Choosing a Medicare plan can feel like a maze—there are a lot of moving parts, and the fine print doesn’t always make things easy. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of folks navigate Medicare, and we’ve seen a few common mistakes pop up again and again. Here are five of the most frequent missteps—and what you can do to steer clear of them.

1. Only looking at the monthly premium

It’s easy to focus on how much you’ll pay each month. But some low-premium plans can come with higher out-of-pocket costs when you actually need care. Copays, deductibles, and coinsurance can add up quickly—so it’s important to look at the whole picture, not just the monthly bill.

2. Assuming all plans cover the same doctors or prescriptions

This one surprises people. Not every Medicare plan includes your preferred doctor or pharmacy. And prescription drug coverage can vary widely. We always recommend double-checking your providers and medications before enrolling in any plan. It’s one of the first things we do when we sit down with clients.

3. Missing enrollment deadlines

Medicare has specific windows when you can enroll or make changes. Miss one of these, and you could face penalties—or be stuck with a plan that’s not right for you until the next window opens. That’s why working with someone who keeps an eye on the calendar (like us) can make a big difference.

4. Choosing based on a friend’s or neighbor’s plan

Just because it works for your neighbor Bob doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for you. Everyone’s health needs and budgets are different. Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your plan should be tailored to you.

5. Not asking for help

Medicare is complicated—there’s no shame in that. Too many people try to figure it all out alone and end up feeling overwhelmed. A good advisor can help you compare plans, avoid mistakes, and make sure you feel confident in your decision.

Bottom line: 

There’s a lot riding on the Medicare plan you choose, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help you cut through the noise and find the plan that fits you. If you have questions or just want someone to walk through it with you, give us a call. That’s what we’re here for.