Top Questions We Get from Ankeny Residents About Medicare

If you're turning 65 and live in or around Ankeny, there's a good chance you’ve got questions about Medicare—and you’re not alone. We talk with folks every week who are trying to figure out what they need to do, when they need to do it, and how to make the best choice for their situation.

So I thought I’d share a few of the most common questions we hear and clear up some of the confusion.

1. When should I sign up for Medicare?

This is hands down the #1 question we get. The short answer: if you’re turning 65, your enrollment window is 3 months before your birthday, your birthday month, and 3 months after.

If you’re already drawing Social Security, you’ll usually be enrolled automatically in Parts A and B. If not, you’ll need to sign up.

Now, if you’re still working and have employer coverage, things might be different (check out our blog about secondary payer)—so it’s worth having a quick conversation to make sure you’re not missing anything (or signing up too early and paying for something you don’t need yet).

2. What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and a Medicare Supplement?

This one comes up in every meeting. Here’s the simple breakdown:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles everything into one plan and often includes extras like dental, vision, or a gym membership. These plans typically have lower monthly premiums, but you’ll pay more as you use the plan (co-pays, coinsurance, etc.). You’ll also want to check that your doctors are in-network.

• Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) works with Original Medicare and helps cover the gaps—things like deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance. These plans have higher premiums, but you get a lot more flexibility with which providers you can see.

Neither one is "better"—it really depends on what you want out of your coverage and what you want out of your retirement.

Here at Pierce Insurance we sit down and listen to our clients needs and truly put them first, the plan that your neighbor is on and works for them, might not work for you.

Yes, Medicare Advantage may include dental coverage, and vision, but at Pierce Insurance we also offer those products, and more.

3. What’s the "best" plan for me?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. I always say: it depends on your health, your prescriptions, your doctors, and your budget.

Some people want the lowest monthly cost. Others don’t want to deal with co-pays or referrals. That’s why we meet one-on-one to compare options and walk through what will actually work best for you—not just what’s popular.

This is part of why we offer so many different carriers, we represent all the Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug and Medicare Supplement carriers you may need.

4. Do I really need a drug plan if I’m not taking any prescriptions?

Short answer: yes.

Even if you’re not taking any medications right now, skipping Part D can lead to a penalty later. And honestly, there are a few really low-cost plans out there that offer basic protection in case something changes with your health.

We always look at the lowest-cost options that still check the right boxes.

5. Can I change plans later if I don’t like what I picked?

Yep! You’re not locked in for life.

There’s an Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) every fall—October 15 to December 7—when you can make changes. Whether you want to switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or go from Advantage back to Original Medicare with a supplement, we can walk through those options each year to make sure you’re still in the right spot.

Even if you're on a Medicare Supplement and your premiums increase, we can always look at underwriting you onto a new plan with lower premiums.

A lot of clients right now are asking me about Medicare Supplement plan N with the premium savings.

6. Is Medicare the same in every state?

The basics of Medicare (Parts A and B) are the same across the country because it’s a federal program—but the plans and prices vary by area.

So what works for someone in Texas or even Des Moines might not be available in Ankeny. We keep up with what’s happening locally, including which plans are most competitive in Polk County and which networks your doctors participate in.

If you're planning to travel, or spend winters somewhere warm (jealous) - make sure we know so that we can build it into your planning and evaluation.

7. Can you help even if I already have a plan?

Yes, 100%. We review current plans all the time—whether someone enrolled on their own, through another agent, or even just wants a second opinion.

Sometimes people are in a great spot, and we tell them to stay right where they are! Other times, we find a way to lower costs, or improve coverage. Either way, it’s worth the conversation and we're happy to have it.

Why Work with a Local Agent in Ankeny?

I live and work right here in Ankeny, and I’ve helped a lot of your neighbors navigate Medicare. This isn’t a call center or a one-size-fits-all deal. We take the time to answer your questions, check your prescriptions, make sure your doctors are in-network, and help you feel confident in your decisions. I founded the agency with a dream to make insurance easy and worry free, my wife and I are proud members of the Ankeny community and are raising our family here.

Let’s Chat

If you’re getting close to 65 or just want to understand your options better, let’s connect. You can call or text me at 515-257-6663!