10/17/2025
Its that time again Medicare open enrollment
As a former insurance agent with over 20 years in the industry - read up and be informed - ask many questions. A Medicare Advantage can be a serious serious mistake
Ask how long a company has been called xyz. Or abc or acme. Etc.
I've seen many people lose so much ie financially and medically when they used a Medicare Advantage program
Ask how they can save you so much money they can have a zero premium and or even pay you a monthly stipend - and their answer shouldn't just be " we have a contract with Medicare ". All companies have a contract with Medicaret
Ask if you’re going to be allowed to reenter traditional Medicare because be crystal clear in knowing — if you take a Medicare advantage plan you’re LEAVING traditional Medicare. In some cases you may not EVER get to reenter
Ask yourself this simple question.
Restaurant 1 has a pizza buffet
The price is $10.99
Restaurant 2 has a buffet it’s FREE Maybe they even PAY you to eat their buffet — REALLY DO WE NEED TO TRY TO FIGURE THIS ONE OUT
So here’s what happens
Restaurant 1
Full buffet. Lots of choices it’s hot and fresh and doesn’t run out No tummy ache when you get home
Restaurant 2. Very few choices. It’s cold and maybe burnt Service stinks and is slow They run out often and early Your tummy feels really bad before you get home
In reality
Medicare ( Restaurant 1 ). Your choice of drs and providers. Thorough and fast as possible. Treatment. Some out of pocket but it’s typiclaly more limited than a Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage (Restaurant 2) typically limited more in some cases, drastically, more limited choice and doctors and providers. Slower and less access to special testing like MRIs PET scans, etc. more out-of-pocket, and some cases dramatically more out-of-pocket.
Chose wisely. Your pocket book and more importantly your life could depend on it
Let me say this there are some people who think a Medicare advantage is the way to go But I’ve very seldom. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a medical professional who works in the doctors office or billing office promoting a Medicare advantage have you