How to Avoid the Most Common & Costly Mistakes When Going on Medicare
In today’s blog post, we will discuss how to avert making costly blunders when enrolling in Medicare. Indeed, we all make mistakes and more often than not, they come with painful lessons. However, with significant decisions like Medicare enrollment, mistakes can prove to be quite pricey. Hence, in an effort to guide and enlighten, we delve into the most common and expensive errors that individuals make during their transition to Medicare and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Enrolling in Medicare at the Wrong Time
Medicare enrollment is not a one-size-fits-all process. It’s a common misconception that everyone should enroll as soon as they turn 65. In reality, the “right time” to enroll can differ significantly among individuals and usually arises when you stop working.
Scenarios of Medicare Enrollment
As you approach the age of Medicare eligibility, you may discover that you fall into one of these common situations:
- You’re still working and have employer-provided coverage: If you or your spouse’s employer employs 20 or more people and you have an employer-provided health insurance plan, then you don’t have to do anything with Medicare.
- You’re not working and thus, have no employer-provided plan available: If you’re retired or are not employed and do not have an employer-provided health insurance plan, then you must go on Medicare at 65.
To appropriately assess which scenario best suits your circumstances, you’ll need to understand your current plan and its costs. This assessment encompasses your premium, deductible, co-insurance, max out of pocket, and the cost of your medications.
- You’re on Social Security: If you’re on Social Security, Medicare enrollment is automatic, and your Medicare A and B card will arrive approximately 90 to 100 days prior to your birth month. This automatic enrollment, however, should be critically evaluated based on aforementioned criteria of your healthcare needs.
However, if you are employed by a small company with 19 or fewer employees or if you have a retiree plan, COBRA coverage, an ACA marketplace plan, or TRICARE after retiring from the military, you will need to enroll yourself in Medicare.
Failing to enroll in Medicare at the appropriate time can have consequences such as delayed coverage or unexpected penalties. It is important to plan ahead in order to avoid missing your ‘Initial Enrollment Period,’ which spans seven months (three months prior to turning 65, your birth month, and three months after).
Mistake #2: Picking the Wrong Medicare Plan
Choosing the correct Medicare plan is crucial since making the wrong choice can be a pricey error. When it comes to enrolling in Medicare, you either choose a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or you can stay in Original Medicare (Part A and B) and add a Medigap policy (Medicare Supplement plan) along with a Part D prescription drug plan.
The danger lies in being swayed by the zero-premium advantage plans, which may appear to be the money-saving choice. However, Advantage Plans come with copays for most services, and if you run into serious illness, your out-of-pocket expenses will mount rapidly, often far surpassing the premiums you would’ve paid with a Supplemental. In fact, one brief hospital stay while on an Advantage plan could cost you more money out-of-pocket than an entire year’s worth of premiums through a supplemental plan.
Mistake #3: Neglecting a Drug Plan
Medicare Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage, is often neglected because individuals either don’t take any medications or because their medication costs are seemingly manageable.
However, neglecting a Drug Plan can be a very costly mistake. Your health can change rapidly and you might find yourself needing an expensive medication. Without a Part D, you could end up spending thousands of dollars out-of-pocket. Additionally, not having a drug plan when you’re first eligible can result in lifetime penalties.
It’s crucial, therefore, to always get some type of drug plan, despite the current state of your health or cost of your medications.
This informative blog post provides valuable insights on how to avoid the three most costly mistakes when transitioning into Medicare. While it covers key aspects, it is important to note that qualifying for Medicare can be a complex process. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consider seeking professional assistance with your Medicare enrollment to ensure a smooth and successful transition.