Turning 65 Doesn't Have to Be Confusing
I'll help you make the right Medicare decisions without the overwhelm or pressure.
Schedule a 15-Minute Clarity Call15 minutes. Your questions. Real answers.
Independent Advisor | Free Annual Reviews | Serving the Gulf South
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for Americans 65 and older. It also covers certain younger people with disabilities. Medicare has four parts, and understanding what each part covers is the first step to making the right decision for your situation.
Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care (up to 100 days), hospice care, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium that most people pay. In 2026, the standard Part B premium is deducted from your Social Security check.
Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies. These plans bundle Part A, Part B, and usually Part D into one plan, often with additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Part D is offered through private insurance companies either as a standalone plan or included in a Medicare Advantage plan.
When to Enroll
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after. This is a 7-month window. If you miss it, you may face a late enrollment penalty that increases your Part B premium permanently.
If you are still working and have employer health coverage, you may be able to delay Medicare enrollment without penalty. But the rules are specific, and making the wrong choice here can cost you for the rest of your life.
That is exactly why working with an independent Medicare advisor matters. I walk you through the enrollment timeline, compare your options across multiple carriers, and make sure you do not make a mistake that costs you money every month for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I sign up for Medicare?
Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after. If you are still working and have employer coverage, you may be able to delay enrollment without penalty. Missing your enrollment window can result in a late enrollment penalty that increases your Part B premium for life.
What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare. You pay a higher monthly premium but have lower out-of-pocket costs and can see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare. You typically pay a lower premium but use a network of doctors (HMO or PPO) and may face higher out-of-pocket costs when you need care.
Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing?
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, eye exams, glasses, or hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans include limited dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Standalone dental and vision plans are available separately.
What does Medicare not cover?
Medicare does not cover long-term care (nursing home care beyond 100 days), most dental and vision care, hearing aids, cosmetic surgery, or care received outside the United States. It also does not cover the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis, heart attack, or stroke beyond medical treatment -- things like lost income, travel to treatment, and non-medical expenses.
How much does a Medicare advisor cost?
Working with an independent Medicare advisor like Chiasson Consulting is free. Insurance carriers pay the advisor, so the price you pay for a plan is the same whether you work with an advisor or go directly to the carrier. The difference is you get personalized guidance and ongoing support.
This Is for You If...
If that sounds like you, keep reading.
Why Work With Me Instead of Calling 1-800-MEDICARE?
I'm an Independent Advisor
I'm not tied to one company. I work with top-rated carriers to find what actually fits your situation.
There's No Fee for My Guidance
Insurance companies pay me, so the price is the same whether you work with me or go direct. But you get personal support instead of a 1-800 number.
I Don't Disappear
Free annual reviews every October. Help with claims. Coverage adjustments. I'm here for life.
Here's How It Works
Book a Free 15-Minute Call
We'll discuss your situation, timeline, and what matters most to you.
Get Your Personalized Medicare Roadmap
I'll compare all plans, review your medications, and show you what fits.
Ongoing Support for Life
Free annual reviews. Claims help. Coverage adjustments. I don't disappear after the sale.
You Must Choose One of Two Routes
I'll help you decide which fits your health, budget, and preferences.
Route 1: Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Works with Original Medicare
- Higher monthly premium
- Lower out-of-pocket costs
- See any doctor accepting Medicare
- Predictable expenses
Route 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Replaces Original Medicare
- Lower monthly premium
- Higher out-of-pocket costs
- Network restrictions (HMO/PPO)
- Like employer insurance
There's no universal "best" choice. It depends on your health and situation.
Medicare Doesn't Cover Everything
Two major risks catch people off guard.
Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke
Medicare covers treatment but not lost income, travel costs, or non-medical expenses.
Skilled Nursing Care
Medicare covers the first 20 days. After that, high skilled nursing costs fall on you out of pocket.
That's why I help you eliminate these risks with layered protection.
Which Risks Do You Want Protected?
Medicare covers medical care, but it doesn't protect against every financial risk. Here's how to close the gaps that matter most.
Essential Protection
What this protects you from
- - Medicare premium uncertainty
- - High prescription drug costs
- - Basic coverage gaps
What's included
- Medicare plan (Supplement or Advantage)
- Part D prescription coverage
Best for
Healthy individuals with low medication needs and minimal family history of major illness.
Balanced Protection
What this protects you from
- - Medicare premium uncertainty
- - High prescription drug costs
- - Catastrophic financial loss from cancer, heart attack, or stroke
- - Significant out-of-pocket exposure from skilled nursing care (days 21-100)
What's included
- Medicare plan (Supplement or Advantage)
- Part D prescription coverage
- Cancer/Heart/Stroke lump sum protection
- Hospital Indemnity (covers skilled nursing gap + hospitalization costs)
Best for
People with family history of major illness, those planning comprehensively, or anyone who wants peace of mind against catastrophic costs.
Comprehensive Protection
What this protects you from
- - Medicare premium uncertainty
- - High prescription drug costs
- - Catastrophic financial loss from cancer, heart attack, or stroke
- - Significant out-of-pocket exposure from skilled nursing care
- - Extended home health care costs
- - All major Medicare-related financial risks
What's included
- Medicare plan (Supplement or Advantage)
- Part D prescription coverage
- Cancer/Heart/Stroke lump sum protection
- Hospital Indemnity (skilled nursing + hospitalization)
- Home Health Care coverage
Best for
Those who want maximum protection, are planning for long-term care risks, or prefer to eliminate all potential exposures.
These are not off-the-shelf bundles. We'll customize coverage based on your health, budget, and comfort with risk. Not everyone needs every layer.
Ready to Build Your Medicare Plan?
Book a free 15-minute call. I'll walk you through your options with zero pressure.
Schedule a 15-Minute Clarity Call15 minutes. Your questions. Real answers.