Getting started with Medicare can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out when to enroll, what it costs, and how employer coverage fits in.
This page pulls together our best articles that answer common Medicare enrollment questions, like:
Which enrollment period applies to you
What to do if you’re still working (or covered through a spouse)
How to avoid late penalties
What happens if you miss a deadline
Browse the articles below to find the guidance that matches your situation.
READ: What Is Medicare? 2026 Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Your Coverage Options
Enroll in Part B when enrolling in COBRA Toni: My Medicare and Social Security nightmare began when I retired from my job, July 31 of last year and enrolled in COBRA so that I could have a knee replacement in December. I was given inaccurate information from a local...
Know How to Enroll in Medicare When Losing Your Job!! Toni: I worked for a major oil service company in Fort Bend Cty and Dec.8th I was part of the 8,000 oil industry employees lay off. I turned 65 in June and only have Medicare Part A and delayed Part B because I...
Choosing The Right Medicare Supplemental Plan Can Be Extremely Stressful! Morning Toni: When I first got Medicare, I picked a Medicare supplement plan F. Next year I was approached by an insurance agent and he talked me into plan L to save me a few bucks since...
Medicare Open Enrollment When You Have Company Benefits Toni, After speaking with you yesterday, I received a call from my deceased husband’s office and was advised that my medical insurance would expire March 31, 2016. I am taking the paper which goes to Social...
Medicare Open Enrollment Toni: I turn 65 next March 2016 and am absolutely baffled by all of the mail I am receiving on this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment. Is there something that I need to do for this enrollment time? All of the mail is informing me that I need to...
My Doctors are Not Accepting My Medicare Toni: Last year, I made a big mistake and changed to a Medicare Advantage HMO from my Medicare Supplement and I want out!! I cannot even get a MRI with this company. I am in Galveston County and most of my doctors are not...
Medicare Annual Enrollment Toni: Read in your column last week that there is only 5 weeks to the Medicare Annual Enrollment period. I’m really confused on what I need to do. I am receiving so much mail that I am stressed about making the wrong decision and messing up...
Why Enrolling In a Part D Medicare Drug Plan Is So Important Dear Toni: I have been told that Medicare does not cover drugs when you are in an emergency room? My mother went in the hospital from the ER for 2 days and because it was considered “under observation, we...
Good Morning Ms. Toni: The first week, my wife and I moved to Houston from Oklahoma, I had a wonderful surprise in my front yard and there was your Medicare column discussing different Medicare option for someone who has cancer. I am 70 years...
Dear Toni: A few months ago, you wrote about other options for long term care. You mentioned life insurance with living benefits and this confuses me because I thought all life insurance was the same. I thought there was only term and whole life. How does this new...
