Medicare Made Simple: Your Guide with Premier One Financial

Premier One Financial Company
Sep 29
3 min read

Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re comparing plans, deadlines, coverage gaps, and costs. At Premier One Financial, we believe retirement and Medicare should be simple, not stressful. That’s why our mission is to help you understand your options clearly so you can make confident decisions about your healthcare in your later years.

In this article, we’ll break down:

What Medicare is and the different parts
How to choose among Medicare Supplement, Advantage, and Part D plans
Key deadlines and enrollment windows
Tips to avoid costly mistakes
How we help at Premier One

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is the U.S. federal health insurance program for people aged 65+, certain younger people with disabilities, and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It helps pay for hospital care, doctor services, prescription drugs, and more.

Medicare is divided into parts—each covering different types of services:

Medicare Enrollment Periods & Deadlines

Timing matters with Medicare. Here are the key windows to know:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins 3 months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and lasts 3 months after.
General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 – March 31 each year (if you missed IEP).
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7. You can change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
Medigap Open Enrollment Period: For 6 months starting the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B, you can purchase any Medigap plan regardless of health status (in most states).
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): For certain life events (e.g. losing coverage, moving, etc.).

Missing windows or delaying enrollment can lead to penalties or coverage gaps, so it’s vital to act timely.

Choosing Among Medicare Options: What Fits You Best?

Here’s how to think through the main types of Medicare coverage and match them to your needs:

1. Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D

Best for: people who want maximum freedom to see any provider that accepts Medicare.

Original Medicare gives you access to doctors and hospitals nationwide.
Add a Medigap (Supplement) plan to reduce out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, coinsurance).
Add a Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.
You’ll manage three separate parts (A, B, D), but this approach gives predictability and flexibility.

2. Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Best for: people who like simplicity and want extra benefits.

Combines A, B, and usually D in one plan.
Often includes perks like dental, vision, hearing, wellness benefits.
Network restrictions apply (you’ll typically have in-network providers).
Some plans have low or $0 premiums, but costs (copays, coinsurance) can vary.

3. Supplemental Coverage + Additional Options

Sometimes, pairing a Supplement plan with a “gap coverage” rider or additional plans helps cover specific high-cost risks.
Always read plan details, as no two plans are identical.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Delaying enrollment
Skipping enrollment in your IEP can trigger late enrollment penalties for Part B or Part D.
Not comparing drug formularies
Your prescriptions may not be covered under every Part D or Advantage plan.
Assuming lowest premium is best
A plan with $0 premium might have high co-pays or narrow networks.
Overlooking provider networks
With Medicare Advantage, always confirm your doctors and hospitals are in-network.
Ignoring Medigap underwriting
If you try to buy Medigap outside your open enrollment, you may be denied or charged more.

How Premier One Assists You

Here’s how we help you navigate Medicare with confidence:

We compare all major plans from multiple insurers — we’re independent, so you aren’t limited to one carrier. Premier One
We help you evaluate your health needs, prescriptions, preferred doctors, and lifestyle to find the best fit.
We keep you aware of critical enrollment windows and deadlines so you don’t incur penalties.
We assist with the application, paperwork, and ongoing plan reviews year to year.

Because Medicare is complex, having a knowledgeable partner can make all the difference.

Next Steps

Medicare doesn’t have to be a maze. With the right knowledge and support, you can choose coverage that aligns with your health, budget, and peace of mind.

If you’re approaching Medicare, reassessing your coverage, or simply feeling overwhelmed by all the choices—Premier One Financial Company is here to help.