The 7 Biggest Medicare Mistakes Lawrence Seniors Make

Missing the Initial Enrollment Period

Letting your 7-month IEP close without enrolling and without creditable employer coverage in place.

A 10% lifetime Part B penalty per 12 months delayed. The penalty stays with you for as long as you have Medicare.

Mark your IEP dates on the calendar. Enroll between 3 months before your 65th birthday and 3 months after. If you have employer coverage, get a creditable coverage letter from HR in writing.

Enrolling in Medicare While Still Contributing to an HSA

Continuing to put money into a Health Savings Account after Medicare enrollment begins.

Lost HSA tax advantages and possible IRS penalties on the contributions. Medicare enrollment makes you ineligible to contribute to an HSA.

Stop HSA contributions at least 6 months before Medicare enrollment if you'll be auto-enrolled via Social Security (Medicare Part A coverage backdates up to 6 months in some cases).

Choosing Medicare Advantage Without Verifying Your Doctors

Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan based on premium alone, without checking whether your specific doctors are in-network.

Forced provider changes mid-treatment. Lost access to LMH Health, KU Med, or specialists you've trusted for years.

Always call each doctor's office directly to verify in-network status before enrolling. Network directories are not always current. Confirm hospital affiliations too.

Assuming Medicare Covers Everything

Treating Medicare as a complete healthcare plan when it isn't.

Unexpected out-of-pocket costs for routine senior needs. Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision, hearing, or long-term care.

Understand the coverage gaps. Consider supplemental options like Medigap, dental and vision plans, or hearing benefits within a Medicare Advantage plan if those services matter to you.

Skipping Part D Because You Don't Take Medications

Declining drug coverage at 65 because you're not on any prescriptions today.

A permanent Part D late enrollment penalty of 1% of the national base premium per month delayed, added to your premium for life when you do eventually enroll.

Enroll in a low-cost Part D plan during your IEP even if you take nothing today. Health needs change. The penalty doesn't.

Not Reviewing Your Plan Annually

Letting your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan auto-renew year after year without reviewing changes.

Paying for coverage that no longer fits. Plans change premiums, formularies, networks, and benefits every year.

Read the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) that arrives by September 30. Review during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 - Dec 7) and switch if a better fit exists.

Taking Medicare Advice From The Wrong Sources

Making major decisions based on TV commercials, celebrity endorsements, unlicensed advisors, or well-meaning neighbors.

Plans that don't fit your situation, missed enrollment windows, and avoidable lifetime penalties.

Work with a licensed agent in Kansas who represents multiple carriers. Or call SHICK (Kansas Senior Health Insurance Counseling) for unbiased guidance. Independent matters — single-carrier sources can only show you what they sell.