Medicare FAQs
Quick answer: Below are quick, straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often — about enrollment timing, costs, how working with an agent works, and what areas we serve. For deeper explanations of how each part of Medicare works, visit our Learn section — this page is meant to get you a fast answer, not a full lesson.
Getting Started with Medicare
When should I start thinking about Medicare? Most people should start reviewing their options about 2–3 months before their Initial Enrollment Period begins — that's the 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday (3 months before, your birthday month, and 3 months after). Starting early gives you time to compare options without feeling rushed into a decision.
What happens if I miss my enrollment window? Missing your Initial Enrollment Period can trigger permanent late-enrollment penalties on Part B and Part D, and may limit when you can enroll next. If you think you've missed a deadline, don't wait — reach out and we'll help you figure out your options as quickly as possible.
I'm turning 65 but still working — do I need to sign up? Not necessarily. If you have creditable coverage through an employer (yours or a spouse's), you may be able to delay Part B and Part D without a penalty. This is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — Medicare situations, and it's worth a quick conversation before assuming either way.
I'm already on Medicare — can you still help me? Yes. Every fall during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), you can review and change your coverage for the following year. Plans, networks, and drug formularies can all change annually, so it's worth a checkup even if you've been happy with your current plan.
Costs and How We Get Paid
Do you charge me anything for your help? No. Medicare agents are paid directly by the insurance carriers, not by you. Our help comparing plans, walking through your options, and enrolling costs you nothing.
Does working with an agent cost more than enrolling myself? No — premiums for a given plan are the same whether you enroll directly, through Medicare.gov, or through a licensed agent. Using an agent doesn't add any cost; it just adds a person in your corner who can compare your specific options and help you avoid costly mistakes.
How much does Medicare cost overall? It depends heavily on which path you choose — Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and Part D plan, or Medicare Advantage. Costs vary by plan, income, and location. Our How Medicare Works page breaks down current 2026 premiums and deductibles in detail.
Choosing Coverage
Which is better — Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement? Neither is universally better. Medicare Advantage tends to have lower monthly costs and extra benefits like dental and vision, but uses a provider network. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) offers more flexibility to see any provider nationwide, generally for a higher monthly premium. The right fit depends on your doctors, health needs, budget, and travel habits — see our Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement pages for a full comparison.
Can I switch plans if I don't like the one I chose? In most cases, yes, though timing and rules vary by plan type. Medicare Advantage plans can be changed during the Annual Enrollment Period each fall or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period each January–March. Medigap plans can generally be changed anytime, but may require medical underwriting outside your initial enrollment window.
Do you help with prescription drug coverage too? Yes. We review your specific medications against different Part D formularies, since the plan with the lowest premium isn't always the cheapest once your actual prescriptions are factored in. See our Medicare Part D page for more detail.
I have a specific health condition or take several medications — does that change my options? It can. Certain plans may cover your medications more affordably, or include benefits relevant to managing a chronic condition. This is exactly the kind of detail worth reviewing one-on-one rather than guessing from a national comparison site.
Working With Us
What areas do you serve? We work with Medicare-eligible individuals throughout Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Montrose, Delta, and the greater Western Slope of Colorado.
Are you affiliated with the government or Medicare.gov? No. We're an independent, licensed Medicare insurance agency. We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Do you offer every Medicare plan available in my area? We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer. You can always contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to review all of your options.
What happens during a free consultation? We'll walk through your current coverage, your doctors and prescriptions, your budget, and any specific concerns, then compare the real plans available to you — side by side, in plain language. There's no obligation to enroll through us.
How do I get started? Schedule a free consultation below, or reach out directly — we're happy to answer a quick question by phone or email even before you're ready to book a full appointment.
Schedule Your Free Medicare Consultation
This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute a recommendation of any specific plan or carrier. We do not offer every plan available in your area. We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.