When should I enroll in Medicare if I’m turning 65?

Most people should enroll during their 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, which begins 3 months before their 65th birthday month, includes their birthday month, and ends 3 months after. Missing this enrollment window may result in permanent late enrollment penalties.

Can I delay Medicare if I’m still working after age 65?

Yes. If you have employer-sponsored creditable coverage through an employer with 20 or more employees, you may be able to delay Medicare Part B without penalties. It is important to verify your coverage status with your employer's HR department.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

Medicare Advantage plans combine Medicare benefits into one plan and often include additional benefits. Medigap plans help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare. The right option depends on your healthcare needs, budget, doctors, and prescription medications.

When can I change my Medicare plan?

You can typically change Medicare plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7), the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 through March 31), or during a qualifying Special Enrollment Period triggered by certain life events.

Is there a penalty for enrolling in Medicare late?

Yes. Delaying enrollment in Medicare Part B or Part D without qualifying coverage can result in lifetime premium penalties. Enrolling on time helps you avoid unnecessary costs and coverage gaps.

Does it cost anything to work with a Medicare advisor?

No. Independent Medicare advisors do not charge clients for their services. Advisors are compensated by insurance carriers when a client enrolls in a plan, and there is no additional cost to the beneficiary.

How do I know if my employer coverage is creditable?

Creditable coverage means your employer health plan is expected to pay at least as much as standard Medicare coverage. Your employer or HR department can provide documentation confirming whether your coverage is creditable.

Can Houston Independent Insurance help me compare Medicare plans?

Yes. Houston Independent Insurance provides independent Medicare plan comparisons, helping Texans evaluate Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Prescription Drug Plans based on their healthcare needs, doctors, prescriptions, and budget.

When should I enroll in Medicare if I’m turning 65?

Most people should enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before the month they turn 65, includes their birthday month, and ends three months after. Missing this enrollment window may result in permanent penalties if you do not have qualifying coverage.

Can I delay Medicare if I’m still working after age 65?

If you have employer-sponsored coverage from a qualifying employer, you may be able to delay Medicare Part B without penalties. Your eligibility depends on factors such as employer size and whether your coverage is considered creditable.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap?

Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through private insurance companies, while Medigap plans help cover certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare. The right choice depends on your healthcare needs, budget, doctors, and prescription medications.

Can I change my Medicare plan after enrolling?

Yes. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period, Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, or a Special Enrollment Period triggered by qualifying life events.

Are there penalties for enrolling in Medicare late?

Yes. Delaying enrollment in Medicare Part B or Part D without qualifying coverage can result in lifetime late enrollment penalties that increase your premiums.

Does it cost anything to work with a Medicare advisor?

No. Independent Medicare advisors are typically compensated by insurance carriers when a client enrolls in a plan, meaning there is generally no additional cost to receive guidance and enrollment assistance.

Can you help me compare Medicare plans from different insurance companies?

Yes. An independent Medicare advisor can compare plans from multiple insurance carriers to help you evaluate benefits, provider networks, prescription coverage, and overall costs.

What information should I have before choosing a Medicare plan?

You should have a list of your doctors, medications, preferred pharmacies, and expected healthcare needs. This information helps ensure the plan you choose aligns with your medical and financial goals.

Can you help if I’m already enrolled in Medicare?

Yes. Medicare advisors can review your current coverage, check provider and prescription compatibility, evaluate costs, and help determine whether a plan change may be beneficial.

Do you provide Medicare assistance throughout Texas?

Yes. Medicare guidance and enrollment assistance are available for individuals throughout Texas, whether they are turning 65, working beyond 65, retiring, or already enrolled in Medicare.

Still Working Past 65 or Planning to Retire Soon

Still Working Past 65 or
Planning to Retire Soon?

Medicare decisions work differently when you have employer coverage.

Timing matters more than most people realize.

If You’re Still Working

You may be allowed to delay Part B, but only if:

Your employer has 20+ employees
Coverage is considered creditable
You understand HSA contribution rules

Delaying incorrectly can lead to permanent penalties.

We help you determine whether delaying makes sense.

If You’re Retiring Soon

When employer coverage ends, you typically have:

8 months to enroll in Part B
2 months to enroll in Part C or Part D

You may need your employer to complete Form CMS-L564 before submitting to SSA.gov.

Planning ahead avoids:

Coverage gaps
Penalties
Rushed decisions

What About Part A?

Some enroll at 65.
Others delay due to HSA contributions.

This decision should be intentional.

We help you coordinate Medicare with your retirement timeline.

If you prefer learning by video, this short overview explains how Medicare works when you’re still working or preparing to retire.

What Our Customers Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 114 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Ronda Smith 
 
 
 
  Mike helped us register for coverages now that we both are starting Medicare. His help was invaluable.
  
 
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   Jerry Duvall 
 
 
 
  I wanted to give a big shout-out to Michael Jones and his mentor, Mike Bauer with Houston Independent Insurance - Medicare Insurance Agent, located in Pearland, TX.  I'm about to turn 65 and have been overwhelmed with the whole "Medicare enrollment" thing.
I made an appointment with Mike Bauer through Senior Health Services, that's advertised on The Michael Berry Show on KTRH and I'm glad I did.
Both gentlemen sat down with me and answered a lot of questions concerning the various options, this plan vs. that plan, etc. and I left there feeling much better about the whole thing and with a much better understanding of my options.
I HIGHLY recommend you giving these gentlemen a call, set up an appointment and let them help you walk through all of the muckety muck; you'll be glad you did.
Mike and Mike will be my go-to people when I actually sign-up for Medicare and I know they'll be there for me every step of the way!!  Thank you BOTH for your time and attention today!
  
 
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   Mike Loreman 
 
 
 
  Mike Bauer was very knowledgeable in advising us on setting up Medicare Part B and efficient in getting us signed up for part C and D supplements. We heartily recommend working with Mike on getting you set up with all things Medicare.
  
 
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   Walter Tutor 
 
 
 
  All the team was outstanding professional and very patient and treated me like family.
  
 
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   Hung Nguyen 
 
 
 
  Amazing experience. Great customer service. Mike is highly knowledgeable and thorough! He made a very overwhelming and confusing situation much much easier.
  
 
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   Olivia Hopper 
 
 
 
  Mike made signing up for Medicare so much easier than attempting to do it on my own. Mike is easy to talk to, knowledgeable and follows through. His staff is friendly and helpful and I know that I can call at anytime for assistance. Highly recommend Mike's services!
  
 
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   Teri Kubecka 
 
 
 
  I was referred to Mike Bauer from my neighbor and friend. She had a positive experience with him so decided to give him a try. Turning 65 and facing Medicare options is very overwhelming! Mike simplified the process and explained my options without confusing me lol. It cost me nothing and made a complicated matter simple. I will confidently refer him when asked!! Thank you Mike.
  
 
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   Sherilyn 
 
 
 
  Mike is fantastic to work with!  Truly knowledgeable about ALL things Medicare!
  
 
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   Shaun Anzaldua 
 
 
 
  Mike Bauer and his staff at Houston Independent Insurance deserve a ten star rating!  I could not have made my way through process of signing up for Medicare without Mike.  He is truly an expert, and took the time to explain everything so that I understood my choices and could make an informed decision.  In my case, the decision was whether to stay with my current insurance or sign up for Medicare.  Mike sent me a complete breakdown of the Medicare costs based on my income, and went through all the options with me.  It turned out I could get a much better plan through Medicare. Had I not spoken with Mike, I would have been too overwhelmed by the process of signing up for Medicare.  I would have continued to pay more for less coverage.
I would enthusiastically recommend Mike Bauer to anyone who needs assistance with insurance.
Thank you Mike, for your kindness, caring, and expertise. It’s been a blessing to work with you.
  
 
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   Abbie Eiley 
 
 
 
  Mike is very knowledgeable and helpful. He is very patient and easy to work with. I highly recommend him.