Your Retirement Is Here. Let's Make Sure Your Health Coverage Is Ready.

Retirement should feel like a fresh start — not a scramble to figure out Medicare before your employer coverage runs out.

The Coverage Gap Most Retirees Don't See Coming

Many people spend years planning their retirement finances but give healthcare coverage only a few weeks of thought. That's understandable — Medicare (the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older) has a lot of moving parts, and the rules around when and how you enroll have real consequences. Miss the right window, and you could face a late-enrollment penalty that follows you for years, or find yourself with a gap in coverage during the transition.

 

We work with Michigan retirees every day who are navigating exactly this moment. Whether you're turning 65 soon, stepping away from a job with employer-sponsored insurance, or rethinking a plan you've had for a few years, we'll walk through your situation and help you land in the right place.

What Retirement Healthcare Planning Actually Involves

Retirement healthcare planning isn't just picking a plan from a list. It means understanding how the pieces of Medicare fit together — and which combination makes sense for your health, your budget, and how you live your life.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

Original Medicare is the foundation. Part A covers hospital stays and inpatient care. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and preventive care. Most people get Part A without a premium if they've worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B carries a monthly premium. Together, they cover a lot — but not everything. Most retirees add supplemental coverage to fill the gaps.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They bundle your Part A and Part B benefits into one plan and almost always include prescription drug coverage. Many plans include extras like dental, vision, and hearing. Premiums are often low — sometimes zero — but your care is typically tied to a network of providers. For retirees who want simplicity and predictable costs, Advantage plans are worth a close look.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

A Medicare Supplement plan — also called Medigap — works alongside Original Medicare to cover costs that Medicare doesn't pay, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. You keep the broad provider access that comes with Original Medicare, which is a major advantage if you see specialists, travel frequently, or split time between Michigan and another state. Medigap carries a monthly premium, but it trades that cost for predictability.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

If you stay with Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, you'll want a standalone Part D plan to cover prescription drugs. Part D plans vary significantly in which drugs they cover and what you'll pay at the pharmacy. We compare the available plans against your actual medication list so you're not guessing.

Annual and Special Enrollment Periods

Medicare has specific windows for enrolling and making changes. The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. If you're newly retiring, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period — a limited window triggered by losing employer coverage. Enrolling at the right time, in the right order, matters. We make sure you don't miss it.

Why Retirees in Michigan Choose an Independent Broker

We don't work for any single insurance company. As an independent broker, we shop the market across the carriers available in your area and present the options that actually fit your situation. You get a clear comparison — not a sales pitch for one plan.

 

Richard Duffield has more than 25 years of experience in insurance, and he works directly with each client. When you have a question in March — long after open enrollment closed — you can call us and get a real answer. That kind of ongoing support is what separates working with an independent broker from buying a plan online and hoping for the best.

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Medigap or Medicare Advantage: Which Is Right for You?

This is the question we hear most from retirees, and the honest answer is: it depends. Both paths can work well — the right choice comes down to your health needs, your preferred doctors, your budget, and your lifestyle.

 

A retiree who travels frequently or spends winters in Florida may find that the nationwide provider access of a Medigap plan is worth the higher monthly premium. A retiree who is healthy, stays local, and wants to keep monthly costs low may find that a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium is the smarter fit. We help you think through both sides without pressure.

We Serve Retirees Across Michigan

We work with retirees throughout Michigan — from the Detroit metro and Ann Arbor to Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Flint. Whether you prefer to meet in person, talk by phone, or connect virtually, we make it easy to get the guidance you need without having to travel or navigate a complicated process on your own.

Common Questions from Michigan Retirees

  • When should I enroll in Medicare if I'm retiring?

    If you're turning 65, your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before your birthday month. If you're retiring after 65 and losing employer coverage, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that gives you 8 months to enroll in Part B without a penalty. Timing matters, and the right window depends on your specific situation — we'll help you identify it.

  • Can I keep my doctor when I switch to Medicare?

    With Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, you can see any doctor or specialist in the country who accepts Medicare — which is the vast majority of providers. Medicare Advantage plans use networks, so your current doctors may or may not be in-network depending on the plan. We always check provider participation before recommending a plan.

  • What does Medicare not cover that retirees should know about?

    Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care, and it doesn't cover long-term care or custodial care. Some Medicare Advantage plans include limited dental and vision benefits. For more comprehensive coverage of these gaps, many retirees also explore long-term care insurance as part of their broader retirement healthcare planning.

Ready to Sort Out Your Retiree Health Coverage?

Retirement is a big transition, and your health coverage should be one less thing to worry about. We'll take the time to understand your situation, explain your options in plain language, and help you enroll in a plan that fits — without pressure and without confusion. Call us at 833-647-5267 or book a time that works for you.

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