Over 11,000 people turn 65 every day in the United States. These folks are entering a new phase of life, often burdened with decision-making for their parents, older children, and themselves. They are Caregivers. Medicare is an option not only for your parents but for you!. There is an alphabet stew that makes up Medicare offerings, and if you don’t sign up in time, you’re penalized forever. Why is it so confusing, and how can you find out what you should actually do? I reached out to a Medicare insurance expert, Diamond Wiggins, with Diamond Solutions and Associates, who is a sponsor for our upcoming CAREGIVERS Relax taking place on June 13th at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center from 1 - 4pm. She’s here today to speak with us about signing up for Medicare. Diamond Wiggins, welcome to The Local Take.
I asked Wiggins why it seems so difficult to figure out MEDICARE, especially as mistakes result in lifelong penalties. She shared three things everyone should know.
- Sign-up in time 3 months before you turn 65 through 3 months after you turn 65 to avoid penalties. You are not automatically signed up. You must do this even if you’re still working and receiving benefits from your job.
- Work with a professional. - Take the time to find an expert that you trust to walk you through the process. While you can do your own research and sign up on your own, there are multiple options beyond what we most know.
- Ask lots of questions. This means think about your current and future health needs. Also, take into consideration your lifestyle and financial standing.
Most people are familiar with the ABCs of Medicare, and I thought the alphabet went from A to D until a high school classmate shared that she had G because she often travels out of the country. Wiggins explains that the Medicare alphabet goes something like A B D G K L M N C F, and these are part of the Advantage plan. Medicare also offers a Supplemental plan that differs from the Advantage plans.
Are you confused?
Wiggins explains that she became interested in Medicare insurance after becoming a CAREGIVER to her grandfather. She took a slight pivot in her insurance career to learn about Medicare and began hosting seminars to assist folks who had many questions.
Wiggins is a sponsor for CAREGIVERS Relax in Roswell, Georgia, and she hosts seminars regularly in our community. You can reach her at 404.719.3801 or via her website.