Janell Sluga Medicare & Individual Health Insurance Account Executive View Bio

 Question: I am getting close to my 65th birthday, and wanted to understand Medicare. Could you direct me to some useful resources to begin this learning process?

Answer:

Turning 65 is one of those significant birthdays that we have during our lifetime. What you need for insurance before and after 65 can be very different. The rules are consistent for every individual, but how they impact your decision is unique. The answer is different for each individual.

There are some very useful resources out there to help you learn about Medicare. The first resource I will give you is www.medicare.gov. This website is the official website for Medicare. There are tools that help you to understand Medicare and all its parts (A, B, C & D). The website has useful links and videos you can access to help your learning process. It is up to date and accurate for the 2025 calendar year. It also has information relating to the many products that work along with Original Medicare (Part A & B) to help you get your Medicare coverage. Those other products include, but are not limited to, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), and Medicare Supplements. It also includes some information about Employee and Retiree Coverage, as well as Veterans Benefits, Champ VA, and Tricare for Life. Plus, there is a Search feature that allows you to search for particular information you may be curious about. You can even use the site to create an individual login, which can be VERY useful once enrolled in Medicare.

Another resource I would direct you to use is the Medicare Rights Center, which the public can access at www.medicarerights.org. To quote from their website, “The Medicare Rights Center is a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educations programs and public policy initiatives.” It offers wonderful information on their website, including videos, free courses, newsletters, and educations events. They let you learn about Medicare as a beginner or as an expert. They even have a paid Medicare Interactive Pro series, which gives you very in-depth information about Medicare and the many product options available through it. They even have a helpline for people with Medicare who face problems with their coverage. I have personally reached out to their staff many times to help people with Medicare related problems.

A third resource which shouldn’t be overlooked is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and their website www.cms.gov. CMS is the federal agency that oversees health coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. Their website is ideal for individuals who want to do a deep dive into the regulations and rules relating to Medicare coverage. It contains pamphlets you can order about Medicare coverage. They also host trainings and provide educational material for all their insurance programs. The site even has interesting articles on the history of Medicare and Medicaid coverage.

Last but certainly not least, I am excited to offer you the opportunity to attend my weekly “Making Sense of Medicare” seminar. I am personally hosting these seminars to educate individuals who are approaching Medicare eligibility and want to learn the basics. The seminar is a 1.5-hour introductory lesson on Medicare. I break down Medicare basics, the different parts of Medicare, and how to enroll. I’ll also help you determine if you need to enroll into Medicare. I provide these free seminars as a personalized opportunity to learn Medicare in a small group setting. To get a schedule of where and when these are being held, you can reach out to Lawley Insurance at 716-489-2988, or click here to learn more.

If you have questions or need assistance navigating your options, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Lawley Medicare Solutions Team. You can contact Medicare Service Team Lead Gabrielle Connor at 716.849.8223, or submit an inquiry through our contact form below. We’re here to help you find the right coverage for your needs!

At Lawley Medicare Solutions, our Medicare and Individual Health Consultants are dedicated to helping you make the most informed decisions about your healthcare needs. We offer personalized service and expert advice tailored to your unique situation. Contact us today by phone or email to schedule a consultation and ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your needs.

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LAWLEY HAS A TEAM DEDICATED TO MEDICARE INSURANCE!

Our licensed Medicare & Individual Health Insurance team can help clients understand the details of Medicare insurance plans, assist with choosing the right benefits and coverage, and provide guidance when life events that affect health coverage occur. For questions, concerns, or to reach Lawley Medicare Solutions, call 716.849.8223.