Medicare, explained without the jargon
Plain-English answers about Medicare for people turning 65 in Wisconsin. Written by a local, bilingual independent agent.
Getting Started
Working Past 65
- Turning 65 and Working for a Small Employer: Do You Need Medicare?Working past 65 doesn't automatically mean you should delay Medicare. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, the way Medicare coordinates with your job-based coverage can be very different.
- COBRA After 65: Does It Let You Delay Medicare Part B?COBRA can continue employer health coverage after a job ends, but Medicare treats it differently from coverage based on current employment. If you're 65 or older, that distinction can affect when you need to enroll in Part B.
- Turning 65 With an HSA: When Should You Stop Contributing Before Medicare?An HSA can make Medicare timing more important than it first appears. If you plan to work past 65 and keep contributing, understand what happens when Medicare begins before you apply.
- Is My Employer Prescription Coverage Creditable for Medicare Part D?If you have prescription coverage through an employer or union when you become eligible for Medicare, one word matters: creditable. Knowing what it means can help you make a more informed Part D decision.
- Working Past 65: Do I Need to Sign Up for Medicare?If you plan to keep working past 65, you may be able to delay part of Medicare—but the size of your employer, your current coverage and whether you contribute to an HSA can change what you should do.
Medicare Enrollment
- How Do You Actually Sign Up for Medicare?Signing up for Medicare Part A and Part B usually starts with Social Security, not a private insurance website. Follow these practical steps to check your enrollment path and coverage dates.
- What Changes During Medicare Annual Enrollment, Oct 15 – Dec 7Medicare Annual Enrollment is October 15 through December 7. Learn what can change for 2027 and how to review your coverage before deciding.
- Medicare Agent vs. Enrolling on Your Own: What's the Difference?You can enroll in a Medicare plan on your own. See how that compares with having a licensed independent Medicare agent help with the research, enrollment and ongoing support.
Medicare Parts
- What Does Medicare Part B Cover?Medicare Part B helps cover many medical and outpatient services. Learn the main coverage categories, common exclusions, and questions to ask before care.
- What Is Medicare? Parts A, B, C and D in Plain EnglishMedicare has four familiar parts, but they do not work the same way. This plain-English guide explains each part and how they fit together.
Wisconsin Medicare
Medicare Supplement
- Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage: How to Think About the ChoiceLearn how Original Medicare with Medigap differs from Medicare Advantage. Review access to care, prescriptions, and timing before making a decision.
- When Can You Buy a Medicare Supplement in Wisconsin?Wisconsin Medicare Supplement timing depends on Part B, age, and certain coverage changes. Learn how open enrollment and guaranteed-issue rights differ.