Mistake Monday: The Top 15 Preventable Medicare Errors That Cost Thousands

Welcome to Mistake Monday on Real Easy Medicare with Al Kushner! In this episode, Al highlights the most common—and costly—Medicare mistakes from 40 years of experience, plus actionable prevention strategies.

Enrollment Errors

• Assuming automatic Medicare enrollment at 65 (you must actively enroll unless receiving Social Security)
• Delaying Part B with retiree insurance (not creditable; only active employer coverage, 20+ employees qualify)
• Skipping Part D when healthy (penalties apply for life when you eventually need coverage)

Plan Selection Blunders

• Choosing Medicare Advantage solely on zero premiums (check deductibles, networks, and total costs)
• Picking Medigap Plan F when Plan G offers similar coverage at lower cost
• Failing to review Part D plans annually (formularies and costs change yearly)

Coverage Misconceptions

• Expecting Medicare to cover long-term custodial care (only limited skilled nursing post-hospitalization)
• Assuming all doctors accept Medicare (verify provider participation before appointments)
• Misunderstanding MA network restrictions (referrals required; out-of-network penalties vs. Original Medicare's flexibility)

Timing Traps

• Missing Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment windows (stuck until next OEP without qualifying SEP)
• Waiting until illness to pursue Medigap (6-month guarantee period bypasses health questions)
• Ignoring 60-day Special Enrollment Period deadlines

Documentation & Communication Oversights

• Discarding Medicare correspondence and Summary Notices (essential for tracking and error detection)
• Falling for Medicare fraud calls (never give personal info to unsolicited callers)
• Not reporting fraudulent charges (protect yourself and the system)

Financial Missteps

• Underbudgeting for Medicare's premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing
• Paying unnecessary Part B penalties when creditable coverage applied
• Ignoring free preventive benefits like Annual Wellness Visits

Prevention Tips:

• Research early using official sources (Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE)
• Seek unbiased education without sales pressure
• Ask questions until you fully understand your options

Next Episode Preview: True Story Tuesday—real beneficiary experiences showing Medicare successes and challenges in practice.