Why Healthy People Should Think Harder About Medicare Supplements
If you’re turning 65 and you’re healthy, Medicare may not feel like a big deal.
Maybe you rarely go to the doctor. Maybe you take very few prescriptions. Maybe you’re thinking, “I’ll just pick something now and worry about it later.”
That’s exactly why I think healthy people need to slow down and look at their options.
Because when you’re healthy, you may have more choices than you will later.
Don’t Only Think About Today
A lot of people look at Medicare based on what they use right now.
That makes sense.
But I also want my clients to think about what things could look like 5, 10 or even 15 years from now.
You may be healthy today, but later you could:
- See more specialists
- Have more prescriptions
- Travel more
- Spend part of the year in another state
- Want more freedom when choosing doctors
- Simply want your medical costs to be easier to predict
Nobody knows what their health will look like in the future.
The point isn’t to try to guess.
The point is to understand your options while you have them.
Your First Medicare Supplement Opportunity Is Important
When you first become eligible for Medicare, you may have a Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
This is generally a six-month period that starts when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
During that time, your health generally can’t be used to deny you a Medicare Supplement policy or charge you more because of a health condition.
That matters because Medicare Supplements don’t work like Medicare Advantage plans.
You don’t automatically get a brand-new chance every fall to change your Supplement.
Depending on your state and your situation, changing Medicare Supplement plans later may require medical underwriting.
That means your health may matter.
This Is Where Healthy People Can Get Tripped Up
Someone with several health issues may already be paying close attention to doctors, hospitals and medical bills.
Someone who is healthy may not be thinking about any of that.
It’s easy to say:
“I’m healthy. I don’t need much coverage.”
But your Medicare decision isn’t only about what you need this year.
It’s also about what flexibility you may want later.
Cheapest Isn’t Always Best
I’m not saying you should automatically buy the most expensive Medicare Supplement.
You shouldn’t.
Price matters.
But I also wouldn’t choose a plan based only on the lowest premium.
Look at the whole picture.
How much is the premium?
What does the plan cover?
How has the carrier priced its coverage?
Do you travel?
Do you want the flexibility to see Medicare providers in different areas?
What happens if you want to change coverage several years from now?
Those are the questions that matter.
Think About Yourself at 75
One thing I tell people is to think beyond age 65.
Ask yourself:
“What would I want my Medicare coverage to look like when I’m 75?”
You don’t have to know exactly what will happen.
You just want to make sure you understand what you’re choosing today.
Medicare Advantage Can Still Be a Great Option
This doesn’t mean everyone should choose a Medicare Supplement.
Medicare Advantage may be the better fit for you.
For some people, the lower premiums and additional benefits make a lot of sense.
For others, Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and Part D may fit better.
There isn’t one plan that works for everybody.
That’s why I spend time looking at the person, not just the plan.
Being Healthy Gives You a Chance to Plan Ahead
When nothing is wrong, insurance can feel unimportant.
But that can actually be one of the best times to look at your options.
If you’re turning 65 and you’re healthy, don’t rush through your Medicare decision.
Understand what you have available today, what could change later, and what makes the most sense for you long term.
If you want me to go over your Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage options with you, I’m happy to.
You can schedule a Medicare review here:
www.shawnrayinsurance.com/calendar
