Medicare Open Enrollment Is Coming: 5 Things You Need to Know

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If you’re one of the millions of Americans eligible for Medicare, you’re likely familiar with open enrollment. That’s the stretch from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 every year when you’re allowed to make changes to your coverage. And for most people, that’s the only time you can.

In order to get the best Medicare coverage for your personal situation, you need to understand your options. And that’s exactly what we’re going to go over in today’s podcast.

Host Stacy Johnson is joined by financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer Aaron Freeman. Hollie Cohen, a licensed Medicare specialist with Preferred Health Group is here to help us navigate the ins and outs of Medicare open enrollment.

Before we start, remember: We’re not offering financial advice. So make sure to do your own research and consult your own experts before acting on anything you learn here.

You can listen to the podcast with the player at the top of this page, or download it wherever you get your podcasts:

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Medicare open enrollment and signing up for Medicare

Medicare open enrollment is a once-a-year event. However, there are times when you can sign up for Medicare outside of the open enrollment period. Our guest has great information on signing up for Medicare, including what you need to know before choosing between Original Medicare, Medicare plus Medigap, and a Medicare Advantage plan.

We also have some good resources that can help you as you figure out the ins and outs of Medicare, including open enrollment. Below are some articles; you can also check out another podcast episode we did on Medicare.

• 3 Groups Who Can Get Medicare Before Age 65
• 7 Different Types of Medicare Enrollment Periods
• 5 of the Best Medicare Advantage Plans, According to Members
• A Little-Known Downside of Medicare Advantage Plans
• 6 Medicare Mistakes To Avoid for a Healthy Retirement
• 4 Pitfalls for New Medicare Enrollees
• 8 Free Resources for Navigating Medicare Enrollment Periods
• 5 Things Most Seniors Get Wrong About Medicare
• Do You Have to Sign Up for Medicare?

Making the most of Medicare

Using Medicare to your advantage is an important part of making the most of your retirement health and your finances. It’s important to consider potential penalties, as well as understand costs and other items related to Medicare. The following resources can help you avoid higher costs and get more from Medicare.

• 14 Things That Are Free With Medicare
• 4 Types of Medicare Penalties — and How to Avoid Them
• Which Type of Medicare Costs More in the Long Run?
• Medicare Will Not Cover These 10 Medical Costs
• How to Save Money on Everything Medicare Doesn’t Cover
• 7 Ways to Score Cheap or Free Dental Work for Seniors on Medicare
• How to Save Money on Hearing Aids With Medicare
• Medicare Vision Coverage: How to Save Money on Eyeglasses and Exams
• Medicare to Cover Alzheimer’s Drugs
• 6 Ways to Get Help With Medicare Expenses
• Save Money on Medicare With State Health Insurance Assistance Programs
• 8 Ways to Avoid Paying More in Medicare Premiums

Meet this week’s guest, Hollie Cohen

Hollie Cohen, the licensed independent broker and proud owner of MedigapCares.org, a nationwide agency specializing in personalized Medicare coverage solutions, has an inspiring journey that spans the worlds of advertising, insurance, and financial wisdom.

Licensed nationwide, Hollie possesses a unique ability to help people grasp the crucial differences between Original Medicare paired with a Medicare supplement (also known as a Medigap plan) versus Medicare Advantage.

With over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, Hollie has been a licensed agent for the last 12 years.

Hollie’s influence extends to her recognition as a seven-time Mutual Sales Leader for one of the nation’s largest Medicare supplement carriers, Mutual of Omaha. Her exceptional knowledge and dedication have earned her a seat on their board, where she contributes her insights to shape the future of the Medicare insurance industry.

• Website

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About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He’s a CPA, and he has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She’s been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.