February Agency Insights
Turning 65 in 2026? What You Need to Know About Medicare
(and How We Can Help)
February is the month of love — and there’s no better time to show yourself some love than by making sure your healthcare is set up correctly for the next stage of life.
If you’re turning 65 this year or planning to retire, you’re not alone. Medicare can feel overwhelming, confusing, and full of unfamiliar terms — but it doesn’t have to be.
At Insurance Benefit Navigators, we specialize in helping individuals transition into Medicare with clarity, confidence, and personalized guidance.
Turning 65: When Should You Enroll in Medicare?
If you’re approaching your 65th birthday, you’ll enter what’s called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).
This is a 7-month window:
- 3 months before your birthday month
- Your birthday month
- 3 months after
During this time, you can enroll in:
- Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
- Medicare Part B (medical insurance)
Missing this window can result in:
- Late enrollment penalties
- Gaps in coverage
- Delayed benefits
Which is why timing matters.
Understanding Your Medicare Options
Once you enroll in Original Medicare (Part A & B), you’ll choose how to complete your coverage.
Your two main paths:
1. Medicare Advantage (Part C)
All-in-one plans that often include:
- Medical
- Prescription drugs
- Dental, vision, hearing
- Gym memberships
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Part D
More flexibility with providers and:
- Lower out-of-pocket costs
- Separate drug plan
There is no “best” option — only what’s best for you.
Your health, prescriptions, doctors, budget, and travel plans all play a role.
Retiring Soon? Your Employer Coverage May Be Ending
If you’re retiring or leaving a job that provided health insurance, Medicare enrollment becomes even more important.
Many retirees assume:
“I’m covered until I figure it out.”
But employer coverage ending is one of the most common reasons people accidentally experience coverage gaps.
This is where working with a licensed Medicare agent can save you:
- Time
- Stress
- And costly mistakes
How Insurance Benefit Navigators Helps
We are a family-owned insurance agency with licensed agents who specialize in:
- Medicare enrollment
- Medicare Advantage plans
- Medicare Supplements (Medigap)
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
- Dental, vision & life insurance
Our services are:
Provided at no additional cost to you Personalized Local No call centers, no pressure
Our goal is simple:
To make Medicare make sense.
Community Partner Spotlight: White Crane Clinic
This month, we’re excited to officially launch our Small Business Spotlight by featuring one of our trusted community partners: White Crane Clinic.
White Crane Clinic is known for providing compassionate, patient-centered care with a focus on holistic wellness. They offer services including:
- Acupuncture
- Digestive health support
- Hormone balance
- Pain management
- Anxiety & insomnia care
- Fertility support
They also work with many major insurance plans, including: Humana, Cigna, and Ultimate, and accept acupuncture benefits for qualifying members.
We’re grateful for the strong relationship we’ve built with White Crane Clinic, and we love working with healthcare providers who share our commitment to accessible, quality care.
White Crane Clinic
727-942-4249
Learn More about White Crane Clinic
February Fun Facts
Just for fun:
- February is Heart Health Month
- The heart beats about 100,000 times per day
- Laughing really does reduce stress and improve heart health
- Preventive care visits are usually covered at $0 under most Medicare and ACA plans
Moral of the story: take care of your heart and your coverage.
Cooking with Candace—
Heart-Healthy Salmon Bowls
A simple, Medicare-friendly, actually-delicious recipe:
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Brown rice or quinoa
- Cucumber, avocado, edamame
- Olive oil, lemon, garlic, salt & pepper
Instructions:
Bake salmon at 400°F for 12–15 minutes with olive oil, lemon, garlic, salt & pepper. Serve over rice or quinoa and top with fresh veggies.
Easy, healthy, and perfect for busy weeks.
Ready to Talk Medicare?
If you’re:
- Turning 65 this year
- Planning to retire
- Helping a parent or spouse
- Or just confused by all the mail you’re getting
Insurance Benefit Navigators is here to help.
Call us
Schedule an appointment
Visit www.joinibn.com
Because Medicare doesn’t have to be complicated — not when you have the right team on your side.