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July 17th, 2026

Medicare Maze: Don’t Pick a Company First 🛑 #Medicare #Retirement

Navigating the Medicare decision tree can be overwhelming, but picking an insurance provider right out of the gate is a common misstep. In the full video we breakdown the precise order you should make your choices to ensure you get the best coverage.

Instead of jumping straight to a specific company, you first need to decide if you are signing up for Medicare. From there, you choose between the Medicare Supplement (Medigap) route or the Medicare Advantage route. If you choose a supplement, your next step is picking the specific lettered plan that fits your budget and needs (like Plan G). Only after those steps are locked in should you look at which specific insurance company to buy from.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

– Why shouldn’t I pick a Medicare insurance company first?
Choosing an insurance company first can lock you into a path that might not actually fit your healthcare needs. You should first establish whether you want Original Medicare with a supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan, and then determine the exact level of coverage you need before comparing provider rates.

– What is the difference between a Medicare Supplement and a lettered plan?
Medicare Supplement insurance (also called Medigap) is the broad category of coverage that helps pay for out-of-pocket costs left behind by Original Medicare. "Lettered plans" (such as Plan G, Plan N, or Plan F) refer to the specific, standardized benefit tiers within the Medicare Supplement system.

– Are all lettered Medicare plans the same regardless of the company?
Yes, Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by the government. This means a Plan G offered by one insurance company provides the exact same medical coverage as a Plan G offered by a different company. The main differences between providers will be the monthly premium costs and their customer service reputation.

Contact Us
Questions? Email us at [email protected], call us at (919) 535-8261, or visit our website at https://cardinalguide.com/.

Hans Scheil Hans “John” Scheil, CFP®

Hans “John” Scheil is the author of The Complete Cardinal Guide and has over 40 years of experience specializing in helping individuals at or near retirement. John’s insurance career began at the age of 18, when he sold insurance while attending college full time. His years in the insurance industry included positions as a Branch Manager, National Sales Director, and Senior Vice President for several nationally recognized insurance companies. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University (1980) and a Master of Science in Management from The American College (2007).

John resides in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife, Ronda, and dog, Ellie, and has two grown sons. He is involved locally with StepUp Ministries and the Alzheimer’s Association. John enjoys golf, traveling the world, and leadership.