How to Pick and Enroll in Medicare for 2025

Now that you have the basics of Medicare down—Original Medicare, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage—it’s time to answer the crucial question: How do you choose the right plan and enroll in Medicare for 2025?

With costs shifting (like that $185 Part B premium), new perks (like the $2,000 drug cost cap), and dozens of choices, picking the best option can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—I’m Scott, your Medicare Advisor, and I’m here to guide you through the steps to choose and enroll in a Medicare plan that fits your life.

Step 1: Assess Your Needs before enrolling in Medicare:

Take stock of what matters most to you:

• Health: Do you see specialists often? Take pricey medications? Need dental or vision care?
• Budget: Can you afford higher monthly premiums (e.g., Medigap) for lower out-of-pocket costs, or do you prefer $0-premium Advantage plans with copays?
• Lifestyle: Do you travel a lot or stick close to Charlotte? Want the freedom to choose doctors or are you okay with a network?

Step 2: Compare Your Options

At a high level, below are how the three options stack up in 2025:

• Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Not suitable for most, you are responsible for the 20% of all medical bills covered by Medicare..after the deductibles are paid.
• Medigap: Add a supplement (e.g., Plan G, ~$100–$300/month) to cover the 20% Original Medicare skips. No networks, but you’ll need a separate Part D plan.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): Often $0 beyond Part B’s $185, with drug coverage and extras like dental included—but be sure to check the network and copays.

Step 3: Crunch the Numbers

When deciding to enroll in Medicare, look beyond just premiums—total costs matter more:

• Medigap Example: Plan G might cost $150/month ($1,800/year) + Part B ($185/month, $2,220/year) + Part D ($50/month, $600/year) = ~$4,620/year. But doctor visits and hospital stays are mostly covered.
• Advantage Example: $0 premium + Part B ($2,220/year) + copays (say, $20/visit, $500/year) = ~$2,720/year, capped at $9,350 if things get rough.

Step 4: Know Your Enrollment Windows

Timing matters—miss it, and you could face penalties or delays when you enroll in your Medicare coverage:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes that month, and ends 3 months after. New to Medicare? This is your chance—coverage begins on the 1st of your birthday month if you sign up early.
• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15–December 7, 2025, for changes effective January 1, 2026. Switch from Advantage to Medigap or adjust your Advantage/Part D plan.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1–March 31, to switch Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare.
• Special Enrollment: Life events (e.g., moving, losing employer coverage) might let you adjust outside these windows—ask me if you qualify!

Ready to Choose and Enroll in Medicare?

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. A healthy 65-year-old snowbird might choose Medigap Plan N for travel freedom, while a budget-minded retiree with local roots might opt for a $0 Advantage plan with dental. Whatever your budget, I’m here to simplify your decision and help you make.

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