Medicare is an important part of retirement planning, but choosing the right coverage can be confusing and costly if you're unprepared. From enrollment deadlines and supplemental insurance to prescription drug coverage and unexpected expenses, understanding your options can help you avoid common mistakes, manage healthcare costs, and make informed decisions.

Retirement should be a time filled with purpose, connection, and the freedom to pursue what matters most. But one area that often feels overwhelming for retirees—and increasingly expensive—is healthcare.

If you have never worked outside the home or have not worked long enough to earn the minimum required working credits (10 years of full-time employment) to qualify for Social Security and Medicare on your own, you might be wondering how you will get benefits when you turn 65.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period runs from January 1st through March 31st and it allows people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan an opportunity to change to another Medicare Advantage Plan or return to Original Medicare. So, if you are thinking about switching plans, this post will help you think about the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage and whether or not you should make a change during this time period.