Our Services
Turning 65 Consultations
A turning-65 consultation is a free, no-pressure planning session for people approaching their Medicare eligibility for the first time. We map your Initial Enrollment Period, explain Original Medicare versus Medicare Advantage in plain English, and build a coverage plan around your doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, and budget — so the biggest Medicare decision you'll make feels simple instead of overwhelming.
What we cover
We explain your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period and exactly when to act, how Parts A and B work, and the two main paths from there: Original Medicare paired with a Medigap and Part D plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan. We also flag the Part B and Part D late-enrollment penalties so you sidestep lifelong surcharges that catch many people off guard.
How it works (step by step)
We start by learning whether you're still working, what coverage you have now, and who your doctors are. Then we lay out your enrollment timeline as a simple checklist. We compare the paths and the plans we offer side by side, answer every question, and only move forward when you feel ready. There's no quota and no pressure — just clarity.
Who it's for
This is for anyone approaching 65, people retiring soon who need to time the switch off employer coverage, and spouses coordinating two timelines at once. It also fits adult children helping a parent get organized. If you're still working past 65 with group coverage, we'll help you decide whether to enroll now or delay penalty-free.
Why local matters
Turning 65 in the Big Sioux area means thinking about whether you'll keep seeing your Sanford or Avera physicians, and how coverage travels if you winter elsewhere. Because we know the Sioux Falls, northwest Iowa, and southwest Minnesota markets, we tailor your roadmap to the plans we offer where you actually live and get care.
Questions, answered
When should I schedule my turning-65 consultation?
About three months before your 65th birthday month is ideal. That lines up with the start of your Initial Enrollment Period and leaves time to compare options, ask questions, and have coverage active the first day you're eligible — without rushing the decision. If you're already past that point, reach out anyway and we'll work with the time you have.
Do I have to enroll in Medicare at 65 if I'm still working?
Not always. If you or your spouse have creditable coverage through a current employer, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty. The rules depend on employer size and the type of coverage, so we review your situation and tell you whether to enroll now or wait. Getting this timing right protects you from a permanent surcharge later.
Is there any cost or obligation for the consultation?
None. The consultation is free, and you're never obligated to enroll through us. Licensed agents are paid by the carriers, so you get plain-English guidance whether you choose a plan that day or simply leave with a clear plan to follow. You can take all the time you need before deciding anything.
What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Original Medicare is the federal Parts A and B, often paired with a Medigap and a standalone Part D drug plan for broad provider freedom. Medicare Advantage bundles your coverage through a private plan with a network and usually adds drugs and extras. Neither is automatically better — we help you weigh which path fits your doctors, prescriptions, and travel habits.
What is the Initial Enrollment Period?
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window for first signing up for Medicare. It starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. Acting in the first three months usually means coverage begins right at 65. We map your exact dates so you use the window correctly and avoid delays.
What happens if I don't sign up for Part B at 65?
If you don't have other creditable coverage and skip Part B at 65, you can face a permanent late-enrollment penalty added to your premium for as long as you have Part B, plus a wait to enroll. If you're still working with employer coverage, delaying may be fine. We check which situation applies to you before any deadline passes.
Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?
It depends. If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you're usually enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. If you're not yet drawing Social Security, you typically need to sign up yourself through Social Security. We confirm which case is yours so you don't assume you're covered when an action is actually required on your part.
Should I choose a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap plan at 65?
It comes down to a trade-off. Medigap offers broad provider freedom and predictable costs with a higher premium plus a separate drug plan; Medicare Advantage offers a lower or $0 premium with a network and bundled extras. Turning 65 is also the easiest time to qualify for Medigap. We compare both paths from the plans we offer against your needs.
What does Medicare cost when I turn 65?
Most people pay no premium for Part A, while Part B has a standard monthly premium set each year, and higher earners may pay an income-related surcharge. On top of that, a Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Part D plan has its own premium and cost-sharing. We lay out the full cost picture for the plans we offer so there are no surprises.
Can my spouse and I plan our Medicare together?
Yes, and it's smart to. Spouses often turn 65 at different times and may have different doctors or medications, so two timelines have to be coordinated, especially if one is leaving employer coverage. We handle both of you in one set of conversations and tailor each plan to each person, while keeping the household's overall picture in view.