You're a Medicare Early Bird: Secure Your Future

Medicare Window Shopping: Education Today for a Better Tomorrow

Our goal is simple: Education and Prevention. By understanding the landscape before you reach your enrollment window, you can avoid the "gotchas" that cost seniors thousands in avoidable fees.

Medicare 101: The Basics

Medicare Part A (Hospital)

Focuses on inpatient care. This is coverage for when you are officially admitted to a facility.
Hospital stays
Skilled nursing facility care
Hospice care
Some home health care

Medicare Part B (Medical)

Focuses on outpatient care. This is for the medical services you receive while not admitted to a hospital.
Doctor visits
Preventive screenings
Durable medical equipment
Mental health care

The Cost of Waiting

Late-enrollment penalties aren't just one-time fines; they are permanent increases to your monthly premiums.

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty

How it's calculated:

  • 10% increase for each full 12-moth period you were eligible but did not sign up
  • Calculated based on the Standard Part B Premium ($202.90 in 2026)
  • Duration: You pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B.
EXAMPLE MATH
If you wait 2 years (24 months):

20% Penalty

+ $40.58 extra every single month, forever.

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty

How it's calculated:

  • 1% increase for each full month you went without creditable drug coverage
  • Calculated based on the National Base Beneficiary Premium ($38.99 in 2026)
  • Duration: Permanent increase to your drug plan premium
EXAMPLE MATH
If you wait 15 months:

15% Penalty

Added to your monthly drug plan cost for life

Filling the Gaps Early

Not quite 65 yet? You can still protect your finances today with additional coverage to help you, no matter where you are.

Dental, Vision & Hearing Coverage

Plans stack with other insurance and can be purchased separately or bundled together.

 These plans help cover the cost of dental care, and hearing and eye exams, as well as certain procedures and aids
.
What To Know About Dental, Vision & Hearing Coverage
  • Exact coverage is plan-specific
  • Designed to make routine care more affordable 
  • Can protect you from unexpected costs

Critical Illness Plans

Customizable plans that can fit a number of diagnoses.

Critical Illness plans provide a lump-sum cash payment if you're diagnosed with a covered illness, like cancer, heart attack, or stroke.

What To Know About Critical Illness Plans
  • Benefit amount is selected in increments up to your plan’s maximum
  • Paid out in cash after a diagnosis or health-related event
  • Exact covered conditions and payout amounts are plan-specific

Hospital Indemnity

Plans designed to work alongside your major medical insurance.

Hospital Indemnity plans cover the financial burden for one of the largest out-of-pocket expenses you can incur: hospital copays.

What To Know About Hospital Indemnity Plans
  • Pays a lump sum or daily benefits to the insured person
  • Can be used for medical bills, copays, or everyday living costs
  • Helps offset the costs that Medicare or other plans may not cover

Accident Coverage

Plans can provide extra money to cover expenses beyond your regular health insurance.

Accident Coverage is designed to help with costs like emergency room care, hospital stays, physical therapy, and other accident-related needs.

What To Know About Accident Coverage
  • Often gives cash payments for covered accidents
  • Can be used for medical bills, copays or any other expenses you may have
  • Helps fill potential gaps in your existing health insurance or Medicare

Looking for a Retirement Checklist?

Here are some fool-proof steps as you prepare for your retirement.
Get Ready for Retirement

You're Early — But SmartMatch Can Still Help

Our licensed insurance agents can help you determine exactly when you need to sign up to keep your costs low and your coverage high.
Connect With SmartMatch
1-888-411-7647 | TTY: 711

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