Medicare

Healthcare becomes one of the most important (and sometimes confusing) aspects of retirement planning. For those age 65 and older—or those who qualify early due to disability—Medicare offers essential coverage, but choosing the right plan isn’t always straightforward. That’s why we’re here: to guide you through the process and help you feel confident in your Medicare decisions.

Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or reassessing your coverage during open enrollment, Legacy Financial Group simplifies the process. We work with you to understand your healthcare needs, prescription medications, and budget—then help you find a plan that truly fits your life.

With access to every major carrier and a team that genuinely cares, we make sure you’re never alone in navigating Medicare’s many moving parts. Our goal is to protect your health, your money, and your peace of mind.

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, though it also covers some younger individuals with certain disabilities or serious health conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It’s divided into multiple parts, each serving a specific purpose.

Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years.

Part B (Medical Insurance)

Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventative services, lab tests, mental health care, and medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium, which may vary based on income.

Together, Parts A and B are referred to as Original Medicare. While it offers broad coverage, it still leaves you responsible for about 20% of costs—with no out-of-pocket maximum.

Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans)

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are private plans approved by Medicare that combine Parts A and B—and often include additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. Many even offer gym memberships, wellness perks, and $0 premium options.

You must still pay your Part B premium, but many MA plans come with lower out-of-pocket costs and annual caps on spending. However, they usually work within provider networks, so you may have less flexibility in choosing doctors.

Why choose Medicare Advantage?

• All-in-one plan with added benefits
• Often includes drug coverage (Part D)
• Predictable costs and annual maximum limits
• Extra perks like telehealth and wellness programs

Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)

Medicare Part D is standalone prescription drug coverage, available to anyone with Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurers and vary in terms of premiums, copays, and the list of covered medications (called a formulary).

Even if you don’t take prescriptions now, enrolling when you’re first eligible helps you avoid a late enrollment penaltylater.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything. If you want help covering those leftover costs (like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles), a Medigap plan may be a great fit. These plans are sold by private companies and are designed to “fill the gaps” in Original Medicare.

Things to know about Medigap:

• You must have Medicare Parts A and B
• Medigap doesn’t work with Medicare Advantage
• Plans are standardized (e.g., Plan G, Plan N) but vary by provider
• It doesn’t cover prescriptions, dental, vision, or hearing—just healthcare cost gaps

How We Help

Choosing the right Medicare plan isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. At Legacy Financial Group, we take the time to understand:

• Your health conditions
• Your preferred doctors and providers
• The prescriptions you rely on
• Your travel or relocation plans
• Your monthly budget and financial comfort level

We then match you with the right carrier, plan, and coverage combination—whether it’s a Medicare Advantage plan with all-in-one coverage, or Original Medicare paired with a powerful Medigap policy.

And we're not just here during enrollment. We're your long-term support team. We help you review plans each year, avoid costly penalties, and stay ahead of changes in the system.

When Should You Enroll in Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and ends three months after. This is your best window to avoid penalties and lock in the coverage you need.

There are also:

• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) for life changes (like retirement or moving)
• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31

Not sure which window you’re in? Don’t worry—we’ll help you navigate it.

Common Medicare Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

🚫 Missing your initial enrollment window
✅ Talk to us early—starting at age 64—to plan your transition

🚫 Choosing a plan based only on premiums
✅ Let’s review your full healthcare needs, including prescriptions and travel

🚫 Assuming all plans cover all doctors
✅ We’ll check provider networks to make sure your doctors are in-network

Why Choose Legacy Financial Group?

• Independent access to all major Medicare carriers
• One-on-one support from licensed agents who care
• Ongoing plan reviews and support year-round
• Education and transparency—no jargon, no pressure

Medicare may be complex, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right partner by your side, you can feel confident in your healthcare decisions—now and in the years to come.

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