NAVIGATOR | Medicare & Healthcare Decisions

A clear, steady guide to making healthcare decisions without confusion, pressure, or potentially costly mistakes.

MEET BOB

Bob had made plenty of important decisions in his life. Career moves. Home purchases. Investments. Family choices. None of them felt as confusing as Medicare.

The mail stacked up on the counter — Part A, Part B, Advantage plans, supplements, prescription coverage. Commercials promised “more benefits.” Friends confidently recommended what they chose.

Bob wasn’t afraid of getting older. He was afraid of making the wrong choice — one that would be hard or expensive to undo.

He worried about:

               •  Losing access to doctors he trusted

               •  Unexpected out-of-pocket costs

               •  Choosing based on marketing instead of reality

               •  Discovering limitations only when he needed care

What frustrated him most was this: He wasn’t trying to optimize. He just wanted to choose wisely.

The real question wasn’t “Which plan is best?” It was calmer and more practical: “How do I choose healthcare coverage that supports my life — now and in the years ahead — without unnecessary stress?”

How do I choose healthcare coverage that supports my life — now and in the years ahead?

WHAT THIS NAVIGATOR IS:

A plain-language guide to Medicare and healthcare decisions — designed to help you understand your options, avoid common pitfalls, and choose coverage aligned with your health needs, lifestyle, and financial plan. This Navigator is about structure before selection.

A CHECKLIST: To Help You Ask Some Important Questions.

Medicare Foundations

☐ Do I understand what Medicare Part A covers?

☐ Do I understand what Medicare Part B covers?

☐ Do I know what Medicare does not cover?

☐ Do I understand when I must enroll to avoid penalties?

Structure Choices

☐ Do I understand the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

☐ Do I understand how Medigap (supplement) plans work?

☐ Do I understand prescription drug coverage (Part D)?

Doctors & Providers

☐ Can I keep my current doctors under this plan?

☐ Are my preferred hospitals covered?

☐ Do I travel or live in more than one location?

Cost Awareness

☐ What are my monthly premiums?

☐ What are my deductibles and copays?

☐ What is my maximum out-of-pocket exposure?

Flexibility & Future Health

☐ How easy is it to change plans later?

☐ Could future health changes limit my options?

☐ Are there underwriting risks if I switch later?

Prescription Coverage

☐ Are my current medications covered?

☐ Are there formulary or pharmacy restrictions?

Marketing vs. Reality

☐ Am I choosing based on benefits — or commercials?

☐ Have I verified plan details independently?

Integration With Life & Finances

☐ Does this plan fit my overall retirement budget?

☐ Have I planned for healthcare inflation?

☐ Does this plan align with my lifestyle and travel needs?

Review & Confidence

☐ Do I know when and how to review my plan annually?

☐ Do I know who to call with questions or problems?

☐ Do I feel confident — not rushed — in this decision?

ACTION PLAN

1. Learn the Medicare structure before comparing plans

2. Clarify your personal health profile (doctors, meds, travel)

3. Identify non-negotiables (providers, flexibility, cost predictability)

4. Compare plan types before specific plans

5. Evaluate total cost, not just premiums

6. Confirm enrollment timing and deadlines

7. Avoid decisions driven by marketing or urgency

8. Integrate healthcare costs into your financial plan

9. Review coverage annually during open enrollment

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Today

• Write down your top three healthcare priorities (doctors, flexibility, cost, travel).
  

This Month

• Confirm enrollment deadlines.

• List current doctors and prescriptions.

• Compare Original Medicare vs. Advantage first — before choosing a plan.
  

This Year

• Review coverage annually as health, travel, and finances evolve.

Schedule a Conversation: Meet with your Gentian team to integrate healthcare decisions into your broader retirement plan — ensuring coverage supports both health and peace of mind. .......................................................................................................................................................................................................

GENTIAN FINANCIAL | 12740 N River Road, Mequon WI 53092 | PH 262-518-7575 | www.gentianfinancial.com

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