5 Medicare Enrollment Mistakes That Cost People Money

Medicare has a lot of moving parts, and small mistakes during enrollment can lead to real financial consequences down the road. Here are five of the most common ones I see — and how to avoid them.

1. Missing your Initial Enrollment Period. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible (and you don't have qualifying employer coverage), you could face a permanent late enrollment penalty — a percentage added to your premium for as long as you have Medicare.

2. Skipping Part D because "I don't take medications." Even if you're healthy now, going without creditable drug coverage for 63+ days can trigger a late enrollment penalty when you do eventually sign up.

3. Assuming all Medicare Advantage plans are the same. Networks, extra benefits, and out-of-pocket maximums vary widely between plans — even within the same insurance company. Comparing plans annually matters.

4. Waiting too long to buy a Medigap policy. Your best window to buy a Medigap policy without medical underwriting is the 6 months after you enroll in Part B. Miss it, and insurers can use health questions to deny coverage or charge more.

5. Not reviewing your plan every year. Plans change their costs, coverage, and networks annually. What worked for you last year might not be the best fit this year — and the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) is your chance to make a change.

The good news? All of these mistakes are avoidable with the right guidance. That's exactly what I'm here for.

Schedule your free Medicare review and let's make sure you're not leaving money on the table.