Welcome to Medicare University

Welcome to MedicareJourney.org! In this video, Gary Owen, founder of Medicare Journey, introduces a new series designed to help you navigate the complexities of Medicare. If you’re feeling confused about your Medicare options or unsure where to turn for guidance, this series is for you. Learn about the 10 most critical and costly Medicare mistakes to avoid, get expert advice from our professors at Medicare University, and stay informed about important changes coming in the 2026 Medicare plan year. Plus, discover our upcoming podcast series packed with valuable tips and insights.

If you’re turning 65—first of all, congratulations and happy birthday!

Now, if you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, good news: your Medicare card will arrive automatically, usually about three months before your birthday.

But if you’re not receiving Social Security yet, you’ll need to take action. You can call Social Security, visit a local office, or apply online at ssa.gov—which is usually the easiest way.

Now, here’s a big question we get: Should you apply for Medicare if you’re still on a group plan?

The answer is—it depends. In many cases, you don’t have to enroll in Part B right away. You may be able to stay on your group plan without a penalty.

If you’re unsure, don’t worry. Just call our toll-free number or click the link below. We’ll help you figure it out.

Mistake number two is not knowing how much you’ll pay for Original Medicare.

Here’s the good news—if you’ve worked at least 10 years, that’s the equivalent of 40 quarters, or if you’re married for at least one year and qualify through your spouse’s work record, your Part A premium is zero. That’s a benefit worth about $550 a month.

Now, for Part B. The standard monthly premium is $174.70. That applies if your household income is $103,000 or less filing single, or $206,000 or less filing jointly.

If your income is higher, Medicare has five additional premium levels. The most you’d ever pay for Part B is around $594 a month.

And don’t forget—there may also be an IRMAA surcharge on your Part D prescription coverage. If you’d like help figuring out your costs, just call our toll-free number at 833-693-6467, or click the link below for more information.

Mistake number three is choosing to only enroll in Original Medicare—without a Medicare Supplement, also called a Medigap plan, or a Part C Medicare Advantage plan.

Now, here’s the problem: about 10% of Americans today are only on Original Medicare, which is Parts A and B. And most don’t even realize what they actually have—or the financial risks they’re exposed to.

If you only have Parts A and B, you could be facing tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs if you needed hospital care or surgery. For example, in 2024, the Part A deductible is $1,632 for the first 60 days in the hospital. And guess what—you could face that deductible up to six times in a year. Plus, if you’re in the hospital longer than 60 days, you’ll have additional copays.

With Part B, the deductible is only $240 for the year, but after that you’re responsible for 20% coinsurance—and you could also face up to 15% in excess doctor charges.

That’s a lot of financial exposure, and it can be really confusing. But you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Give us a call at the toll-free number below, or click the link, and we’ll walk you through your options.

A lot of people try to skip Part D because they don’t take many medications—or maybe none at all. But here’s the problem: your drug plan is based on your formulary, and if you ignore this, it could end up costing you a lot more down the road. And trust me—we’ve seen it happen over and over again.

The good news is that starting in 2025, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, your out-of-pocket prescription costs will be capped at $2,000 per year. That same protection applies to Medicare Advantage plans as well.

So remember—choosing the right plan isn’t just important, it’s essential to protecting your health and your wallet.

Number five: not knowing the difference between IEP, AEP, and SE. Don’t worry—there are a lot of acronyms in Medicare, and they can get confusing!

If you’re turning 65, you’re in your IEP—your Initial Enrollment Period. That’s three months before your birthday month and three months after. This is the window to enroll in Medicare, and missing it could cost you.

If you’re on a group plan, you might not need to cancel it, and you may not need to enroll in Part B. We can help you figure that out.

Then there’s the AEP—the Annual Election Period—from October 15th through December 7th, when you can make changes to your plan. And there’s also OEP, SE, and G.

You don’t need to memorize all the acronyms—we know them, and we’re here to guide you.

Number six: not sure if you should stay on your group retiree plan or enroll in Medicare? This is a big one, so listen carefully.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to Medicare planning. Many people are working longer and want to stay on their group plan. Depending on the size of your employer, you may be able to stay on your plan and not enroll in Medicare Part B. Turning 65 doesn’t always require you to enroll—unless your employer has fewer than 20 employees.

We can help you figure out what makes the most sense by doing a cost-benefit analysis, so you know which plan is best for you.

If you have questions, give us a call toll-free or click the link below to learn more.

This is a big decision—almost as important as buying a car, buying a home, or even getting married. You want to get it right the first time.

The decisions you make today can last a lifetime, so it’s important to make the right choice from the start.

Here’s what not to do: calling those toll-free numbers on TV that push you to enroll in a plan, or making a decision based on what your friend, golf buddy, or spouse has. That’s not the way.

Instead, work with an independent agent or agency that specializes in Medicare planning. They can do the heavy lifting for you, guide you through the options, and it costs you absolutely nothing. Plus, they’ll help you ask the right questions so you can make the best decision for your situation.

There are hundreds of Medicare plans out there, and you don’t have to navigate them alone. We’re here to be your unbiased guide, educate you, and show you the way.

The AEP, or Annual Election Period, runs from October 15th through December 7th. This is the time to review your plan and make any changes. Many people avoid it because it feels confusing—but ignoring it could cost you.

If you’re on a PDP or MAPD plan, it’s essential to get a professional, unbiased review each year, since plans and drug formularies change annually.

Medicare Supplement is very different from Medicare Advantage, so you need to understand your options and the rules.

The OEP, or Open Enrollment Period, has its own rules and runs from January 1st to March 31st.

Tip number nine is misunderstanding the difference between a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan.

This is a huge difference—night and day—and too many people don’t realize it. A lot of folks think they’re on a Supplement plan. When we ask, “What plan do you have?” they say, “Oh, I’m on that Supplement plan.” Then we ask, “How much are you paying for it?” If the answer is zero, we know they’re actually on a Medicare Advantage plan.

Here’s the difference: Medicare Supplement is added to your Original Medicare. You have no networks, and you have the freedom to see any doctor or go to any hospital in the country that accepts Medicare.

Medicare Advantage, or Part C, is different. It replaces Original Medicare and is more restrictive, though it may include additional benefits that Original Medicare does not have.

It’s important to understand this difference and make the choice that fits your needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and we’re here to educate you so you can make the right decision.

Keep in mind: if you start on a Medicare Advantage plan and later want a Medicare Supplement plan, you may not be able to switch easily. Many states require medical underwriting, and pre-existing conditions could prevent you from qualifying.

Always trust the professionals and don’t navigate this alone. We’re here to help and will be here when you need us most.

There are a lot of insurance agents out there claiming to specialize in Medicare, and you have plenty of choices—but it’s critical to pick the right one.

Never make a decision based on a TV ad or commercial. Trust me, those celebrity spokespeople—even Football Hall of Famers—know nothing about Medicare.

Instead, ask the right questions:

• Are you a captive agent or independent? That’s a big difference.
• How many clients do you have?
• How long have you been helping people with Medicare?
• Do you offer both Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans?
• Are you affiliated with a professional organization, like NAIP—the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals?
• Are you a member of the BBB?
• What credentials do you have? Are you a Certified Medicare Insurance Planner?
• Can you be found online or through a website?

Medicare is complicated, and this is an important decision. Don’t navigate it alone.

If you have questions, give us a call. We’re here to guide you, provide the knowledge you need, and help you make the right decision.