Medicare Enrollment Assistance.
Enrolling in Medicare involves important deadlines and decisions. Mark helps you understand your enrollment options, complete your application correctly, and avoid unnecessary delays or late enrollment penalties when possible.
01
Medicare Part B Enrollment
Timelines, deadlines, and application guidance
02
Medicare Advantage Guidance
Plan selection, doctor verification, and enrollment
03
Medicare Supplement Guidance
Medigap options, Part D, and enrollment timing
04
Open Enrollment Support
Annual plan reviews, enrollment, and plan changes
01
Medicare Part B Enrollment Navigation
Enroll at the Right Time and Avoid Permanent Penalties.
Medicare Part B enrollment has strict timing rules. Missing your enrollment window can result in a permanent 10% premium penalty for every 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll.
1
Eligibility and Timing Review
Mark reviews your age, employment status, and current coverage to determine which Medicare enrollment period applies and the deadlines you need to meet.
2
Employer and COBRA Coverage Analysis
If you have or had employer coverage, Mark explains how it works with Medicare, including the creditable coverage rules that determine whether you can delay Part B without penalty.
3
IRMAA and Premium Review
Higher-income beneficiaries may pay additional Part B premiums through IRMAA. Mark reviews your income bracket and explains what to expect before you enroll.
4
Application Submission Together
5
Follow-Up and Coverage Setup
Part B Enrollment Timeline
Know which enrollment period applies before you enroll.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window surrounding your 65th birthday
- General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 through March 31 each year
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Available after qualifying employer coverage ends
- Late Penalty: 10% increase for each full 12-month period you delayed Part B
- COBRA Reminder: COBRA generally does not qualify as employer coverage for delaying Part B
Key Enrollment Deadlines
IEP Window
3 months before to 3 months after your 65th birthday month.
GEP Window
January 1 to March 31, coverage starts July 1.
SEP Window
8 months after qualifying employer coverage ends.
Late Penalty
02
Medicare Advantage Plan Guidance
Selecting and Enrolling in the Right Advantage Plan.
Medicare Advantage plans replace Original Medicare with all-in-one private insurance. Plan availability, networks, and formularies vary dramatically by county. Mark compares every available plan against your specific doctors, medications, and budget.
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan without verifying your doctors is one of the most common enrollment mistakes. Provider directories change regularly, and a listed doctor may no longer be accepting new Medicare patients.
Before recommending any plan, Mark compares every available Medicare Advantage option in your county against your doctors, prescriptions, healthcare needs, and expected costs.
“I compare every Medicare Advantage plan available in your county and filter it based on your doctors and medications. The goal is finding the plan that truly fits you, not simply the one with the best marketing.”
Mark Holmes, Founder
- Every plan in your county compared side by side
- HMO vs PPO trade-offs explained for your situation
- Doctor network manually verified before enrollment
- Drug formulary analyzed for your exact medications
- Total annual cost modeled, not just the premium
- Extra benefits compared: dental, vision, and OTC allowances
- Electronic enrollment handled by Mark when you are ready
What Mark Reviews for Every Advantage Plan
Every available plan filtered for your doctors
HMO and PPO network differences explained
Total estimated annual healthcare costs compared
Network Changes Can Be Costly
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan without verifying your doctors could leave you with unexpected out-of-network costs or force you to wait until your next eligible enrollment period to make a change. Mark helps verify your providers before you enroll.
03
Medicare Supplement Guidance
Medigap Plans, Predictability and Freedom to See Any Provider.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work alongside Original Medicare to help pay costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. For most people, the best time to enroll is during the 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, when medical underwriting generally does not apply.
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans let you see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare. There are no provider networks, referrals, or HMO/PPO restrictions to worry about.
The trade-off is cost. Medigap premiums are generally higher than Medicare Advantage premiums, and prescription drug coverage is purchased separately through a Part D plan. Mark compares the total cost of each option so you understand the full picture before enrolling.
MEDIGAP PLAN REFERENCE
Plan G
Everything except Part B deductible
Plan N
Similar to G, with modest copays at visits
Plan F
Full coverage (pre-2020 eligible only)
Part D
Part D – Purchased separately
Networks
None, any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide
What Mark Covers in Supplement Guidance
- Medigap enrollment window explained for your situation
- Plan G and Plan N compared side by side
- Carrier pricing compared for identical plan letters
- Part D options reviewed alongside Medigap
- Best enrollment timing explained before you apply
- Medical underwriting discussed when applicable
Tip: Why Enrollment Timing Matters
04
Open Enrollment Support
Annual Enrollment Reviews That Keep Your Coverage Current.
The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7) gives Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to review their coverage for the coming year. Because premiums, provider networks, and drug formularies can change annually, Mark reviews your current plan and recommends changes only when they truly benefit you.
Rather than waiting for problems to arise, Mark reviews your current coverage before each Annual Enrollment Period. He compares your existing plan with all available options to determine whether staying put or switching makes the most sense.
Not every review results in a change. If your current plan continues to meet your needs, Mark recommends keeping it. If a better option is available, he’ll explain why before you make any decision.
| Enrollment Period | Dates | Who It Is For | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Enrollment Period | Oct 15 to Dec 7 | All Medicare beneficiaries | Review, join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or Part D |
| MA Open Enrollment | Jan 1 to Mar 31 | Current Advantage enrollees | Switch plans or return to Original Medicare |
| Initial Enrollment Period | 7 months at age 65 | Turning 65 | First enrollment window for Medicare |
| Special Enrollment Period | Triggered by event | Qualifying life events | Moving, losing coverage, gaining Medicaid |
| Medigap Open Enrollment | 6 months after Part B | New Part B enrollees | Generally enroll without medical underwriting |
| General Enrollment Period | Jan 1 to Mar 31 | Missed IEP with no SEP | Late enrollment, coverage starts July 1 |
Enrollment Period
Dates
Who It Is For
Key Point
Annual Enrollment Period
Oct 15 to Dec 7
All Medicare beneficiaries
Review, join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or Part D
MA Open Enrollment
Jan 1 to Mar 31
Current Advantage enrollees
Switch plans or return to Original Medicare
Initial Enrollment Period
7 months at age 65
Turning 65
First enrollment window for Medicare
Special Enrollment Period
Triggered by event
Qualifying life events
Moving, losing coverage, gaining Medicaid
Medigap Open Enrollment
6 months after Part B
New Part B enrollees
Generally enroll without medical underwriting
General Enrollment Period
Jan 1 to Mar 31
Missed IEP with no SEP
Late enrollment, coverage starts July 1
Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 Through December 7
The primary opportunity to review, join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage. Mark reviews every client’s current plan before enrollment begins.
Special Enrollment Period
Triggered By Qualifying Life Events
Losing employer coverage, moving, qualifying for Medicaid, or other life events may create a Special Enrollment Period. Mark helps determine whether you qualify and what options are available.
Proactive Annual Review
Mark Reviews Your Coverage First
Before each Annual Enrollment Period, Mark reviews your current plan and contacts you if a better option is available. If your existing plan is still the right fit, he’ll tell you that too.
Who This Service Is For
Do Not Navigate Medicare Enrollment Alone.
Medicare enrollment assistance is designed for anyone enrolling in Medicare, reviewing their current coverage, or navigating a qualifying enrollment period.
New to Medicare at 65
Turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare for the first time. Mark identifies your enrollment window, explains your options, and helps you avoid unnecessary penalties.
Missed Or Changing Enrollment Windows
If you've delayed Medicare, lost employer coverage, or aren't sure which enrollment period applies, Mark helps identify your options and next steps.
Annual Enrollment Review
Review your current Medicare coverage before the Annual Enrollment Period. Mark compares your existing plan with available options to determine whether a change makes sense.
Complex Coverage Situations
Whether you're still working past 65, coordinating employer coverage, or planning your Medicare transition, Mark helps explain the rules and your available options.
Common Questions
Enrollment Assistance, Answered.
What happens if I miss my enrollment window?
For Part B, missing your Initial Enrollment Period without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period may result in a permanent late enrollment penalty. Medicare Advantage and Part D changes generally must wait until your next eligible enrollment period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Can I switch plans after I have already enrolled?
Yes. You can review and change your coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period or a qualifying Special Enrollment Period. Mark compares your current coverage with available options each year and recommends changes only when they provide a meaningful benefit.
How does employer coverage affect my enrollment?
Employer coverage can affect when you’re required to enroll in Medicare and whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Mark reviews your employment situation and explains how employer coverage, retirement, or COBRA may affect your Medicare timeline.
What is the best time to enroll in a Medigap plan?
For most beneficiaries, the best time to enroll is during the 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that begins when Part B becomes effective. During this time, you can generally enroll without medical underwriting or additional health questions, giving you the widest range of available options.
Do I Need To Do Anything During Annual Enrollment?
Not necessarily. If your current plan is still the best fit, staying with it may be the right choice. Mark reviews your coverage before each Annual Enrollment Period and recommends changes only when a better option is available.
Is there a cost for Mark's enrollment help?
No. Mark is compensated by insurance carriers when clients enroll in a plan. There are no consultation fees, enrollment fees, or out-of-pocket charges for his guidance, whether you enroll or simply need advice.
DO NOT ENROLL ALONE
Get Enrollment Right the First Time.
From your first Medicare enrollment to changing coverage later, Mark provides personalized guidance to help you avoid costly mistakes and enroll with confidence.