Life in Order 2025 — When I’m 64…and Beyond

Pink Magazine's Life in Order — June 2025 Issue
by Kevin Wilkins

When you turn 64 years old, your ultimate benefit as an American is just around the corner—Medicare! While it doesn’t take a year of research to figure out what you need to do, navigating your way into the world of Medicare can be daunting. Not to mention there are don’t-miss, unforgiving deadlines! There are also decisions to make that can affect the remainder of your healthcare life. This is why it is so important to find a Medicare insurance agent who can thoroughly explain the options and how they will affect you as you age and as your health care needs evolve.

Here are a few basics to start thinking about:

One of the biggest decisions in Medicare (also where much of the confusion lies) is in deciphering the difference between a Medicare Supplement Plan and a Medicare Advantage Plan and deciding which one fits your needs best.

The is where an experienced agent can help you the most because once you make this decision, it can remain with you for the rest of your life. The right plan depends on your current healthcare needs, as well as somewhat forecasting your future medical needs.

Choosing a Medicare Supplement:
When you turn 65 and sign up for Medicare for the first time, you are automatically eligible for a Medicare Supplement Plan without having to answer any health questions regardless of existing or pre-existing conditions. This is one of few times there are no health questions asked with guaranteed issue that pays all your bills. You may also qualify for the no-health-questions-asked supplement plan when you first get Medicare Part B when you leave your group coverage and sometimes if you move to a new state. At age 65, many people do not choose a supplement plan because their health is good, and it costs more than an Advantage Plan. However, if you forego taking the supplement plan, you will be required to answer health questions in order to switch to a supplement plan in the future. At this point, you could be denied due to health issues.

So, Let’s Talk About the Advantage Plan:
Advantage plans have no monthly payments and can be changed each year between October and December. However, should you develop a severe illness or start having health issues, you will have more out-of-pocket expenses with an Advantage plan. And, most likely, you will not be able to switch over to a supplement plan because you have developed health conditions that affect being accepted for coverage. However, one of the big benefits in choosing an Advantage plan is these plans offer an excellent dental care benefit, significant hearing aid discounts, a vision program, and over-the-counter benefits.

With all this said, typically around 80-percent choose an Advantage plan, while around 20-percent choose a supplement. If you have had any major health scares or conditions prior to age 65, such as heart conditions, cancer, diabetes, or have ongoing treatments for any existing condition, choosing a supplement may be the best choice. Be sure to choose a local agent who can help you make the right decision for your needs.

Are You 65-plus and new to South Carolina?
If so, one of the first things you need to do as a new resident of South Carolina is get a new Medicare policy. Your Medicare policy has to be issued in the state you legally reside in. Therefore, before you can start receiving your Medicare benefits in SC, you must update your plan.

These are just a few tidbits about Medicare that hopefully motivate you to find an agent who can thoroughly educate you on the intricacies of Medicare. Not only will your choices make a difference to your quality of life and health during your golden years, but they will also help you decipher some of the scams or not-quite-true marketing ploys out there. Don’t get bogged down with healthcare worries; find a trustworthy agent and get out there and enjoy life.

Kevin Wilkins is a certified agent with nearly 20 years’ experience. He has been Agent of the Year in South Carolina for Humana, United Health, and Aetna over the last five years. He personally handles his clients’ customer service issues and has received the highest customer service ratings. He lives locally in Sun City, has been married to his wife Kim for 42 years. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their grandchildren. Kevin represents 7 of the major Medicare carriers in South Carolina and is happy to help you understand Medicare and make the best decisions for your health care needs. His cell phone is your customer service hotline: 803-404-0627.