Southeast Michigan Medicare Guide
Turning 65? Here's What You Need to Know About Medicare.
Enrollment deadlines, coverage options, and how to avoid costly penalties — explained clearly by a local independent agent.
Your 7-Month Enrollment Window
Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a one-time window. Missing it can mean permanent premium penalties — so timing matters.
Enrollment window opens
Your Initial Enrollment Period begins. Enroll now for coverage starting on your birthday month.
Coverage can begin
If you enrolled in the prior 3 months, your Medicare coverage starts the 1st of this month.
Window closes
Your IEP ends. Enrolling late may trigger a permanent Part B premium penalty.
Still working at 65? Still working at 65? If you have creditable employer coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and can delay Medicare without penalty. An independent agent can confirm whether your plan qualifies.
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Medicare isn't one-size-fits-all. Here's a plain-language overview of each part — and how they work together.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and some home health care. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and preventive care. Together they form the foundation of Medicare coverage.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
An all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers. Most plans bundle hospital, medical, and drug coverage — and many include dental, vision, and hearing benefits.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Works alongside Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap plans are standardized, so you can compare them side by side.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans
Standalone drug coverage that pairs with Original Medicare or a Medigap plan. Enrolling when first eligible avoids a late-enrollment penalty that lasts as long as you have Part D.
Your Local Medicare Guide
Why Work With an Independent Agent?
Pete Conyers is an independent Medicare broker serving Southeast Michigan. He's not tied to any single carrier — which means he shops the market on your behalf and explains your options without a sales agenda.
- Independent agent — not tied to any single carrier
- Compares plans from multiple insurers side by side
- Explains enrollment deadlines so you avoid penalties
- Serves Southeast Michigan residents at no cost to you
- Available by phone, in person, or video call
- Ongoing support after enrollment — not just at sign-up
Common Questions When Turning 65
When does my Medicare enrollment window open?
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window: it opens 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and closes 3 months after. Enrolling in the first 3 months means coverage starts on the 1st of your birthday month.
What happens if I miss my enrollment deadline?
Missing your IEP can result in a permanent 10% late-enrollment penalty on your Part B premium for every 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll. Exceptions apply if you have creditable employer coverage — an agent can confirm whether yours qualifies.
Do I need to enroll in Medicare if I'm still working?
Not necessarily. If you're covered by a creditable employer group plan, you may delay Medicare without penalty and enroll during a Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends. Always verify with an agent before delaying.
How much does Medicare cost?
Most people pay $0 for Part A (hospital) if they or their spouse worked at least 10 years. Part B has a standard monthly premium (set annually by CMS). Additional costs depend on which supplemental or Advantage plan you choose.
Is it free to work with a Medicare agent?
Yes. Independent Medicare agents are compensated by the insurance carrier you choose — your premium is the same whether you enroll through an agent or directly. There is no fee to you.
Ready to Get Your Medicare Questions Answered?
Call Pete or request a free consultation — he'll walk you through your options with no pressure and no cost to you.
Pete Conyers is a licensed insurance agent. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.
Enrollment in a plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare. Benefits, premiums, and/or cost-sharing may change on January 1 of each year. This is a solicitation for insurance.