Medicare Resources
Helpful links, enrollment period dates, and common mistakes to avoid — all in one place.
Official Government & State Resources
The official U.S. government Medicare website. Compare plans, check coverage, and find enrolled providers.
Enroll in Medicare, learn about eligibility, and understand how Social Security and Medicare work together.
Michigan's state insurance regulator. Verify agent licenses, file complaints, and learn about your rights as a Michigan insurance consumer.
Compare Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans side by side based on your medications, doctors, and location.
No-cost, unbiased Medicare counseling for Michigan residents from trained volunteers.
Medicare Enrollment Periods
Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after. Enrolling on time avoids late penalties.
Switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Changes take effect January 1. This is the most important window for reviewing your current coverage.
If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lose employer coverage, move, or experience other qualifying life changes.
If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up during the GEP. Coverage begins July 1. Late enrollment penalties may apply.
Common Medicare Mistakes to Avoid
Missing your Initial Enrollment Period
Late enrollment in Part B can result in a permanent 10% premium penalty for each 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll.
Assuming Medicare covers everything
Original Medicare has deductibles, copays, and gaps — including no cap on out-of-pocket costs. A Supplement or Advantage plan can help fill those gaps.
Not reviewing your plan every year
Plans change annually — premiums, formularies, and networks can all shift. What worked last year may not be your best option this year.
Choosing a plan based on premium alone
A low premium plan may have higher out-of-pocket costs, limited networks, or not cover your medications. Total cost matters more than monthly premium.
Not checking if your doctors are in-network
Medicare Advantage plans have networks. Seeing an out-of-network provider can result in significantly higher costs or no coverage at all.
Forgetting to review your Part D drug plan
Formularies change every year. Your medications may move to a higher tier — or be dropped entirely — requiring a plan switch during AEP.
Have Questions? Marissa Can Help.
Navigating Medicare is easier with someone in your corner. Reach out for a no-cost, no-pressure conversation.