Where to start
Not sure where to begin? That's completely normal.
Medicare comes with deadlines, letters, and a lot of choices. Start with the situation that sounds most like yours, and I'll walk you through what matters, what doesn't, and what to do next. No cost to you, no pressure.
- NO COST TO YOU
- INDEPENDENT ADVICE
- NO PRESSURE
- LOCAL TO NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA
704-247-7102 — By calling the number above, you will be connected to a licensed insurance agent.
Your situation
Pick the path that fits you
Path one
Turning 65 soon
Your Initial Enrollment Period is the main window to sign up. It's a seven-month stretch around your 65th birthday, and getting it right can save you money and stress for years.
3 months before your birthday month
Your window opens
A good time to start learning your options and gathering your doctors and prescriptions.
Your birthday month
You can sign up
Coverage start dates depend on when you enroll.
3 months after your birthday month
Your window closes
Missing it can mean late penalties for some parts of Medicare.
Good to know
- If you already receive Social Security benefits, you're usually enrolled in Parts A and B automatically.
- If you're still working, whether you need Part B or Part D now depends on your employer coverage.
- Late enrollment penalties can apply to Part B and Part D, and they can last as long as you have coverage.
Questions I'll help you answer
- Should I keep my employer plan or switch?
- Original Medicare with a Supplement, or Medicare Advantage?
- Will my doctors and prescriptions be covered?
Path two
Already on Medicare
Plans change every year, and so do your needs. If your premiums are going up, your doctor left the network, or your prescriptions cost more, it may be time for a second look.
Yearly Medicare calendar
October 15 – December 7
Annual Enrollment Period
Review and change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.
January 1 – March 31
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare.
Any time of year
Special Enrollment Periods
Life events like moving, losing other coverage, or a plan leaving your area can open a window to change plans outside the usual dates.
Signs it's time to review
- Your premium went up
- Your doctor or hospital is no longer in network
- A new prescription, or higher drug costs
- You moved
- Your health needs changed
- You got a letter from your plan you don't understand
Path three
Helping a parent
Plenty of my calls come from sons and daughters trying to help Mom or Dad. I'm happy to sit down with the whole family so everyone understands the plan and feels good about it.
Gather the basics
Their Medicare card, a list of doctors, a list of medications with dosages, and their preferred pharmacy.
Include your parent
They make the decision. I explain the options clearly so they can stay in control, and family can join the call.
Plan for the long term
I do a yearly check-in so coverage keeps fitting their health, budget, and doctors.
With your parent's permission, I can speak with family members. Medicare requires consent before discussing personal details.
Before we talk
What to have ready
- Your Medicare card (if you have one)
- A list of your doctors and specialists
- A list of your prescriptions
- Your preferred pharmacy
- Your current insurance cards
- Your questions and concerns
Don't have everything? Call anyway, we'll figure it out together.
No surprises
What happens when you call
- 01
We talk
A relaxed conversation about your health, your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget. No forms, no pressure.
- 02
I compare
I look across the plans I represent and narrow them down to the few that genuinely make sense for you.
- 03
You decide
I explain each option clearly. If you choose a plan, I handle the paperwork and stay with you year after year.
Questions
Getting started, answered
When can I first sign up for Medicare?
During your Initial Enrollment Period: the three months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month, and the three months after.
What happens if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?
You may have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31), and late penalties can apply to Part B and Part D. If you had qualifying employer coverage, a Special Enrollment Period may apply. It depends on your situation, and I'm happy to look at yours.
I'm still working. Do I need to sign up?
It depends on your situation, and I'm happy to look at yours. The size of your employer and the type of coverage you have both matter.
Can I keep my doctors?
Often, yes. Before recommending anything, I check whether your doctors and hospitals work with the plans we're considering.
Can I change my plan later?
Yes. Most people can make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7, and certain life events open other windows.
Does it cost anything to work with you?
No. I'm paid by the insurance companies when you enroll, so my help costs you nothing.
How do I know which path is right for me?
Start with whichever sounds closest. If you're not sure, just call. We'll sort it out in a few minutes.
Contact
Pull up a chair
Tell me a little about what you need and I'll get back to you personally. Or simply give me a call.
Phone: 704-247-7102
By calling the number above, you will be connected to a licensed insurance agent.
Email: denice@harrishealthinsurance.com
Service area: North and South Carolina