Supplement or Advantage? This Choice Locks In at 65
At 65, you can choose between Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage with no health questions. This window closes 6 months after Part B starts — after that, switching requires medical underwriting and you can be denied.
Most People Don’t Know Until It’s Too Late
These are two completely different systems. After your 6-month window, you can get stuck with the wrong choice because medical underwriting can deny you or price you out.
What’s Really at Stake
This isn’t about picking an insurance company. It’s about choosing between two fundamentally different healthcare systems — and once your guaranteed issue window closes, changing your mind gets much harder.
During Your Guaranteed Issue Period (First 6 Months)
You can choose ANY Medigap plan with:
- No health questions asked
- No medical exam required
- No denials based on pre-existing conditions
- Guaranteed acceptance at standard rates
After Your Guaranteed Issue Window Closes
Switching to a Supplement requires:
- Full medical underwriting
- Disclosure of all health conditions
- Risk of denial or higher premiums
- Some conditions = automatic rejection
6 Decisions Every New
Medicare Enrollee Must Make
These aren’t optional. Each one affects your premiums, your coverage, and your out-of-pocket costs — some for the rest of your life.
Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
These are two fundamentally different systems. Choosing one over the other without a comparison is the most common mistake new enrollees make.
Most Critical ChoiceWhen Exactly to Enroll
The month you enroll within your 7-month window determines when coverage starts. Enroll late and you could go months without Medicare — even if you’re “on time.”
Timing MattersDo You Need a Supplement (Medigap)?
Original Medicare leaves significant gaps. A supplement fills them — but costs money. A Medicare Advantage plan bundles coverage differently. We explain both honestly.
Major Cost ImpactWhich Part D Drug Plan?
Not all Part D plans cover the same drugs. Get the wrong one and your prescriptions could cost significantly more than they need to — or not be covered at all.
Check Your RxAre Your Doctors In-Network?
If you choose Medicare Advantage, your current doctors must be in-network or you’ll pay full price to see them. This needs to be verified before you enroll, not after.
Verify FirstAre You Still Working?
If you or your spouse has employer insurance with 20+ employees, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty. Getting this wrong either way creates real problems.
Easy to Get WrongThe 6 Costliest Medicare
Mistakes at 65
These happen more than you’d think — and most are completely avoidable with a 20-minute conversation.
Thinking COBRA Protects You from Penalties
COBRA, ACA marketplace plans, and retiree coverage are NOT considered creditable coverage for Medicare. Relying on them past your IEP triggers a permanent Part B penalty.
Assuming Social Security Auto-Enrolls You
Only if you’re already collecting Social Security. If you’ve delayed Social Security benefits — even by one month — Medicare will NOT automatically enroll you.
Enrolling in Month 4–7 and Getting a Coverage Gap
Enrolling in your birthday month or after means coverage doesn’t start until the following month — or later. Many people end up uninsured for 1–4 months without realizing it.
Skipping Part D Because You’re Healthy
Even if you take no medications today, skipping Part D means a 1%-per-month permanent penalty when you eventually do need drug coverage. The penalty compounds for life.
Choosing a Plan Without Checking Your Doctors
Medicare Advantage plans have restricted networks. Many people find out their cardiologist, oncologist, or primary care doctor isn’t covered — after enrollment when it’s too late to switch.
Only Hearing One Side of the Story
Most agents only sell one type of plan. If you talk to a Medicare Advantage agent, you’ll hear why Advantage is best. If you talk to a Medigap agent, same story. You deserve both sides.
Medicare Advantage vs.
Medicare Supplement
There’s no universally “right” answer — but there’s a right answer for you. Here’s the honest breakdown.
Medicare Advantage
Also called Part C- Often $0 or low monthly premium
- Usually includes drug coverage (Part D)
- May include dental, vision, hearing extras
- All-in-one plan through a private insurer
- Network restrictions apply — doctors must be in-plan
- Prior authorizations may be required for some services
- Out-of-pocket maximum protects you from catastrophic costs
Medicare Supplement
Also called Medigap- Pays most or all of Original Medicare’s gaps
- See any doctor who accepts Medicare — nationwide
- No network restrictions or referral requirements
- Predictable costs — little to no surprise bills
- Higher monthly premium than Advantage plans
- Requires a separate Part D plan for drug coverage
- Best guaranteed issue rights at 65 — harder to get later
Important: The right choice depends entirely on your doctors, your medications, your health history, and your budget. A free review gives you a personalized comparison — not a generic recommendation.
From Confused to Confident
I had no idea about the guaranteed issue window. Cindy explained that if I chose Advantage now and wanted to switch to a Supplement later, I’d have to pass medical underwriting. That completely changed my decision.
I’d been getting mailers from 15 different insurance companies. I couldn’t tell who was being honest. Talking to an independent advisor who showed me both plan types was a completely different experience.
The quiz helped me understand the difference between Supplement and Advantage. Then the consultation confirmed which one actually fit my situation. I’m so glad I didn’t just pick the first thing I saw advertised.
Cindy Kowalski
Independent agent — not affiliated with or employed by any insurance carrier.
I’ve Been Exactly
Where You Are.
When I turned 65, I was shocked by how confusing Medicare really is — the deadlines, the penalties, and the pressure to pick something fast. That experience pushed me to get licensed and help other people avoid expensive mistakes.
I’m independent, so I can compare plans from multiple carriers and explain the trade-offs in plain English. My job is to help you make a confident decision — not rush you.
Ready to Make an Informed Decision?
Start with the quiz or schedule a free 15–30 minute consultation to get personalized guidance.
Licensed independent agent. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Plan review and comparison at no cost to you. Compensation may be paid by insurance carriers upon enrollment.