5 Medicare Mistakes to Avoid This Spring

Spring is a time for fresh starts—but it’s also a smart time to double-check your Medicare coverage. Whether you're new to Medicare or have been enrolled for years, these common mistakes can cost you money, delay your care, or leave you under-protected. Here's how to avoid them and make the most of your Medicare benefits this season.

1. Skipping Your Annual Wellness Visit

Your Annual Wellness Visit is fully covered by Medicare and gives you a chance to check in with your doctor, review medications, and create a plan to stay healthy. If it’s been more than a year since your last visit, now’s the time to schedule it.

Bonus Tip: Bring a list of your medications and health goals to make the visit even more valuable.

2. Forgetting to Review Your Plan Benefits

Even if you didn’t switch plans during the Annual Enrollment Period last fall, your current plan may have changed in January. New copays, changes to provider networks, drug formularies, and changes to last year’s benefits can catch people off guard. Don’t wait until a bill surprises you—review your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan benefits now.

3. Assuming Medicare Covers Everything

Many people are surprised to learn that Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care (though some Medicare Advantage plans do). It also doesn’t cover long-term care. A Medicare Supplement plan and long-term care insurance may help fill those gaps and protect your finances.

Need help comparing options? A licensed agent can walk you through what’s available in your area.

4. Missing a Special Enrollment Opportunity

Spring often brings life changes—moving, retiring, losing other coverage. These events may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, which gives you a limited-time chance to make changes to your plan outside of the regular enrollment window.

5. Not Asking for Help When You Need It

Navigating Medicare can be confusing, but you don’t have to go it alone. Agents, SHIP counselors, and Medicare.gov are all great resources. A quick phone call can often save you hours of frustration—and potentially hundreds of dollars.

🌸 The Bottom Line

Spring is all about renewal—so use it as a reminder to refresh your Medicare knowledge too. Avoiding these five mistakes can help ensure you’re getting the care, coverage, and peace of mind you deserve.

Need help reviewing your plan or have questions about your options? We’re here to help—just give us a call!