Question 1

Turning 65 in Minnesota — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Start 3–4 months before your birthday. First, sign up for Medicare Parts A and B through Social Security (online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213). Then decide whether to add a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, or a standalone Part D drug plan. Minnesota residents have strong plan options from carriers like Humana, Aetna, Blue Cross, Medica, and Cigna. Murray can compare all available plans in your county at no cost — call (612) 991-3546 or request a free quote to get started.

Question 2

Do I need to enroll in Medicare at 65?

Accepted Answer

If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B at 65. If not, you need to actively enroll during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period — 3 months before your birthday month, the month of, and 3 months after.

Question 3

What is the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B?

Accepted Answer

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Part B covers outpatient services, doctor visits, preventive care, and medical equipment. Together they make up Original Medicare.

Question 4

Is Medicare free?

Accepted Answer

Part A is premium-free for most people who worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B has a standard monthly premium (around $174.70 in 2024, adjusted annually). You'll also have deductibles and coinsurance unless you add a supplement plan.

Question 5

What does Medicare not cover?

Accepted Answer

Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision, hearing aids, long-term care, or most prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage plans often include some of these extras, and a standalone Part D plan covers prescriptions.

Question 6

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one plan from a private insurer — often with $0 premiums but network restrictions. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover your out-of-pocket costs, giving you freedom to see any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide.

Question 7

Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage in Minnesota — which is better?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your priorities. Medicare Advantage plans in Minnesota often have $0 premiums and include extras like dental, vision, and hearing — but you must use the plan's network of doctors and hospitals. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans have higher monthly premiums but let you see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country — no referrals, no network restrictions. For Minnesotans who travel, snowbird to Florida or Arizona, or want predictable costs with no surprise bills, Medigap is often the stronger choice. For those on a tight budget who are comfortable with a network, Medicare Advantage can work well. Murray will walk you through both options side by side based on your specific doctors, medications, and budget.

Question 8

Can I have both Medicare Advantage and a Medigap plan?

Accepted Answer

No. Medigap plans only work with Original Medicare. If you enroll in Medicare Advantage, you cannot use a Medigap policy at the same time.

Question 9

What if my doctor isn't in a Medicare Advantage network?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most important things to check before enrolling. Murray will verify your specific doctors and preferred hospitals before recommending any plan. If keeping your current providers is a priority, a Medicare Supplement plan — which has no network restrictions — may be a better fit.

Question 10

Blue Cross Medicare plans in Minnesota — what are my options?

Accepted Answer

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota offers both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans and is one of the most recognized carriers in the state. Their Medicare Advantage plans (marketed as Blue Cross Aware and related products) typically include $0 or low-premium options with dental, vision, and hearing benefits, and are available in most Minnesota counties. Their Medicare Supplement plans follow the standardized Medigap structure (Plan G, Plan N, etc.) and let you see any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide. Blue Cross MN has a large local provider network, which makes them a strong option for Minnesotans who want to stay close to home. Murray is an independent agent who represents Blue Cross along with 8 other top carriers — he can compare their plans side by side with Humana, Aetna, Medica, Cigna, and others to find the best fit for your situation.

Question 11

How do I know which plan is right for me?

Accepted Answer

The best plan depends on your health needs, budget, preferred doctors, and medications. Murray reviews all of these factors with you at no cost and compares options from 9 top carriers to find the best fit.

Question 12

When can I enroll in Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday. After that, the Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 – December 7 each year, allowing you to switch or join Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Special Enrollment Periods apply for qualifying life events like losing employer coverage.

Question 13

Can I change my plan after I enroll?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) lets you make changes each year, effective January 1. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31) lets you switch MA plans or return to Original Medicare. Special Enrollment Periods may apply for qualifying life events.

Question 14

What happens when I retire after age 65?

Accepted Answer

If you delayed Medicare enrollment because you were covered by employer insurance, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when that coverage ends. You have 8 months from the date your employer coverage ends to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B without a late penalty. You'll also have 2 months to join a Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. It's important to act quickly — missing the SEP window can result in permanent late enrollment penalties. Murray can walk you through the exact steps based on your retirement date and coverage situation.

Question 15

How do I avoid Medicare late enrollment penalties?

Accepted Answer

There are three potential penalties to know about. For Part B: enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7-month window around your 65th birthday) or maintain creditable employer coverage — if you miss both, your Part B premium increases 10% for every 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll, and that penalty is permanent. For Part D: enroll in a drug plan when you first become eligible or maintain creditable drug coverage through an employer; the penalty is 1% of the national base premium for every month you went without coverage, also permanent. For Medigap: enroll during your 6-month Open Enrollment Period starting the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B — after that window closes, insurers can use medical underwriting and may charge more or deny coverage. The simplest way to avoid all three: work with Murray before you turn 65 so nothing falls through the cracks.

Question 16

What happens if I miss my enrollment window?

Accepted Answer

Missing your Initial Enrollment Period can result in a late enrollment penalty — a permanent increase in your Part B and/or Part D premiums. It's important to enroll on time. If you're still working and covered by employer insurance, different rules may apply.

Question 17

I'm turning 65 soon — when should I start the process?

Accepted Answer

Ideally 3–4 months before your 65th birthday. This gives you time to compare plans, check your doctors and medications, and enroll before your coverage start date. Murray recommends starting early to avoid any gaps in coverage.

Question 18

Is there a cost to work with MrHealthInsurance.Net?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Murray's guidance, plan comparisons, and enrollment assistance are 100% free to you. He is compensated by the insurance carriers — never by his clients.

Question 19

Which carriers does Murray work with?

Accepted Answer

Murray is an independent agent representing 9 top Medicare carriers including Humana, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medica, and others. Because he's independent, he can objectively compare plans across carriers to find the best fit for you.

Question 20

Which states is Murray licensed in?

Accepted Answer

Murray is licensed to sell Medicare plans in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Colorado, Arizona, South Dakota, Ohio, and Florida.

Question 21

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Call or text Murray at (612) 991-3546, fill out the contact form on this site, or click Get a Free Quote to compare plans online. There's no obligation and no pressure — just straightforward Medicare guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medicare Basics

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