Medicare Tips for First-Timers

IN the months before I turned 65 last year, I got a lot of mail from two sources: assisted living centers featuring photos of youthful seniors playing pickleball and Medicare Advantage and medigap providers promoting their plans.

- BY SANDRA BLOCK

Most of the missives went into the recycling bin. I don’t play pickleball (or plan to sell my house anytime soon), and I was still working. There was no downside to enrolling in Medicare Part A, which covers hospital costs and is free to most beneficiaries. But Part B, which covers doctor’s visits and other outpatient services, comes with a monthly premium—$185 for most retirees in 2025. Since I was already paying for health insurance through my employer, I didn’t want to pay for Part B coverage while I was still working. Earlier this year, however, I decided to retire, and that’s when things got complicated.

Signing up.