Medicare
Medicare help for our kūpuna, from someone down the road.
Whether you're turning 65, leaving an employer plan, or checking that your current plan still fits, I'll go through your doctors, your prescriptions and your budget, and explain your choices in plain language.
Your Medicare calendar
When you can make changes
Annual Enrollment: October 15 – December 7
- Initial Enrollment Period
- Seven months around your 65th birthday: three months before your birthday month, that month, and three months after. Signing up on time helps you avoid late-enrollment penalties.
- Annual Enrollment Period · Oct 15 – Dec 7
- If you already have Medicare, you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan. Changes start January 1.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment · Jan 1 – Mar 31
- If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare once during this window.
- Special Enrollment Periods
- Moving, losing employer coverage, qualifying for Extra Help and other life events can open a window outside the usual dates.
The basics
Two main paths
Almost everyone ends up on one of these. The right one depends on your doctors, how you travel, and how you'd rather pay for care.
Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D
Parts A and B from the government, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to cover most of what A and B leave behind, and a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.
Usually a higher monthly premium, with predictable costs and any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
A private plan that replaces Parts A and B and often includes drug coverage, dental, vision and hearing extras.
Often a low or $0 premium, with copays as you use care and a provider network to stay within.
Before we talk
Helpful to have handy
- Your red, white and blue Medicare card, or your Part A and B start dates
- Your current plan card, if you have one
- A list of your prescriptions and doses
- The names of your doctors and the hospitals you prefer
Don't have it all? That's fine. We'll work with what you've got.
Questions
Common Medicare questions
Does it cost anything to work with you?
No. Agents are paid by the insurance companies, and plan premiums are the same whether you enroll with me or on your own.
I'm still working at 65. Do I need to sign up?
It depends on the size of your employer and your coverage. Some people should enroll in Part A only, others should delay both. Let's look at your situation before you decide.
Can you help with my existing plan, even if you didn't enroll me?
Yes. I can review any plan, and if it still fits, I'll tell you to keep it.
Do you meet in person?
Yes, at our Waipahu office on Akoki Street, with free parking. Bring your spouse or one of the kids if you'd like. Phone and Zoom work too.