A Medicare card shows up in the mail and suddenly you’re staring down a seven‑month clock, an alphabet of Parts, and a lifetime penalty if you miss the mark. We brought in Michelle Williams, an independent Medicare and veteran benefits specialist, to make the path simple for veterans and their families. From the American Legion Midwinter Conference in Mississippi, we unpack how Medicare works alongside VA care and TRICARE without conflict, and why the right plan can add real value with dental, vision, and other extras many veterans don’t receive.
Michelle shares the clearest way to prepare: start three months before your 65th birthday, know exactly when your Initial Enrollment Period begins, and compare plans against your doctors, prescriptions, and clinics. We talk through the big pitfalls—like Part B late enrollment penalties that never go away—and show how independent agents, appointed with all major carriers, can narrow choices to a few strong fits. The goal isn’t more paperwork; it’s more options when you need a local specialist, shorter waits, or a benefit that fills a gap, without giving up anything you’ve earned from the VA.
You’ll hear straight answers to the top veteran question—“Why add Medicare if I already have VA or TRICARE?”—plus practical tips for spouses with different medical needs, small‑group Medicare 101 sessions, and simple ways to document coverage so billing is smooth. If you’re within a year of eligibility, or advising a parent who is, this conversation will save time, money, and stress by turning a confusing maze into a clear map.
If this helped you or someone you love, follow the show, share it with a veteran who’s approaching 65, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find it. Got a Medicare question we didn’t cover? Send it our way and we’ll tackle it next.
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