Posted on June 23rd, 2025

 

Sorting out Medicare shouldn’t feel like decoding ancient scrolls, but thanks to all the half-truths floating around, that’s often exactly how it feels.

You’d think turning 65 would come with a guidebook—but instead, you're hit with jargon, fine print, and everyone’s “expert” opinion.

What’s real? What’s not? Hard to tell when myths are dressed up as facts and bad info spreads faster than cold at a family barbecue.

Not every plan is built the same, and not every pitch has your best interest in mind. That’s why breaking through the noise matters.

Once you spot the fiction, the facts start making a whole lot more sense. This isn’t just about choosing a policy—it’s about setting yourself up to avoid regrets down the line.

Keep on reading, and we’ll discuss the most common Medicare mix-ups so you can sidestep the traps and move forward with confidence (and maybe even a little smugness).

 

The Most Common Myths About Medicare

Medicare might be a federal program, but that doesn’t stop rumors from spreading like wildfire. For something that’s supposed to simplify healthcare, it sure comes with a lot of confusion.

And let’s be honest—most of it comes from misunderstandings passed around like secondhand advice at a family BBQ. If you’re heading toward 65 or just trying to make sense of your options, cutting through the noise is the first real step.

The biggest trap? Believing that Medicare handles everything. It doesn’t.

Yes, it covers a good chunk of hospital and doctor visits under Parts A and B, but if you’re expecting full-service coverage that includes dental checkups, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or long-term care—well, that’s a Medicare fairy tale.

Plenty of people discover this too late and wind up scrambling to fill the gaps out of pocket.

Other myths float around just as loudly:

• Medicare covers 100% of all medical expenses

• There’s no cost to enroll in Medicare

• You’re automatically enrolled when you turn 65

• Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans are basically the same

Each of these is misleading in its own special way. Medicare, while valuable, still leaves you with bills—premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and the occasional head-scratching expense.

For example, most folks don’t pay a premium for Part A, but Part B? That one comes with a monthly fee, no matter how much you’ve paid into the system. And if you’re thinking, “it’s fine, I’ll just enroll when I need it,” think again.

Delay it without the right coverage in place, and you might get hit with late penalties that never go away.

Then there’s the Advantage vs. Supplement mix-up. Spoiler: they’re not interchangeable.

One replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one plan (often bundled with extras), while the other just fills in the gaps of the standard stuff. Knowing the difference means the plan you pick won’t come back to bite you later.

Bottom line—Medicare’s not out to trick anyone, but misunderstandings can cost you. Clearing up these myths early on gives you more control, more clarity, and a much better shot at getting the coverage that actually fits your life.

 

Debunking Medicare Supplement Plan Misconceptions

If you’ve dipped your toes into the world of Medicare Supplement Plans (also known as Medigap), you’ve probably bumped into a few too-good-to-be-true claims or downright confusing info.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Medigap plans are supposed to make life easier by helping cover those out-of-pocket costs. Original Medicare doesn’t touch it.

But a few persistent myths can easily lead people down the wrong path if they’re not careful.

One of the loudest myths? That all Medigap policies are cut from the same cloth. Not even close. Sure, they’re standardized by letter (Plan A, Plan B, all the way to Plan N), but each one offers a different level of coverage.

Some pay for coinsurance and hospital stays, while others chip in for foreign travel emergencies or skilled nursing care. And no, they’re not all priced the same either.

That’s why comparing both coverage and cost side-by-side matters way more than just grabbing the first plan your neighbor swears by.

Here are a few other myths that tend to trip people up:

• All Medigap plans cover prescription drugs

• You can sign up for a Medigap plan whenever you want

• Once you have Medicare, you don’t need to compare Medigap options

• Medigap plans cover everything Original Medicare doesn’t

Each of these sounds simple, but they’re misleading in their own way. For example, prescription drugs haven’t been part of Medigap since 2006.

If you need coverage for meds, you’ll need to pair your Medigap policy with a separate Medicare Part D plan. Miss that enrollment period, and you might be stuck with higher premiums or gaps in coverage.

Timing also matters more than people think. That six-month Medigap open enrollment period that starts when you’re 65 and enrolled in Part B? That’s golden.

Apply during that window, and you can’t be turned down or charged more due to pre-existing conditions. Wait too long, and you might face medical underwriting—or worse, rejection.

Medigap plans don’t promise to cover everything under the sun, but if chosen wisely, they can help you avoid surprise medical bills and sleep a little easier.

Taking the time to cut through the myths and match the right plan to your needs is the smartest move you can make.

 

What You Need to Know About Medicare

Medicare Advantage Plans might sound like the flashy cousin of traditional Medicare—and in many ways, they are.

Often dubbed Part C, these plans bundle together the basics from Part A and Part B, then sweeten the deal with extras like dental, vision, and sometimes even gym memberships. Sounds great, right? Well, they can be. But the fine print matters.

These plans usually include prescription drug coverage and may look like an all-in-one solution.

But there's a catch—or a few. Most operate under network rules, meaning if your favorite doctor isn’t part of the plan’s HMO or PPO, you’ll either pay more or have to make a switch.

So if sticking with your long-time provider is non-negotiable, you’ll want to read those network details like your health depends on it—because it kind of does.

Cost is another area where Advantage Plans can shine—or surprise. Unlike Original Medicare, which offers no limit on how much you might pay out of pocket, Advantage Plans set annual caps to help shield you from runaway costs.

That’s good news—if you know the cap. These limits can vary between plans, so it pays to check. You don’t want to find out the hard way what “maximum out-of-pocket” really means.

Medicare Advantage isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal either. These plans can change each year—networks shift, benefits get shuffled, and premiums adjust.

Keeping tabs on those changes can make the difference between a plan that works and one that works against you.

An annual check-in can help make sure your coverage still matches your health needs, your wallet, and your doctor list. Feeling overwhelmed by options? You’re not alone.

Medicare Advantage is a complex mix of benefits, trade-offs, and timing. But you don’t have to play guessing games. Talking to a knowledgeable agent—someone who lives and breathes this stuff—can turn confusion into clarity.

Whether you call Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, or Manhattan home, knowing where to get the right help can make this process a lot less stressful.

And once you find a plan that actually fits your life? That’s where the real peace of mind begins.

 

Your Medicare, Made Simple with Shemane’s Insurance Agency

Choosing the best Medicare plan isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about making smart, informed choices that support your health and financial stability. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.

At Shemane’s Insurance Agency, we simplify the process and support you through options that actually make sense for your life.

Our Medicare Advantage Plans go beyond basic coverage by combining hospital and medical benefits with added perks like vision, dental, and often prescription drug coverage.

If you’re more concerned with covering the gaps left by Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap) might be your best bet. 

Choosing the right plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our experienced team will walk you through your options, help assess your needs, and match you with a plan that checks all the right boxes.

Have questions or ready to get started? Contact us directly at +1 (718) 300-8455 or send an email to [email protected].

Let’s cut through the confusion, sidestep the myths, and get you set up with coverage that gives you confidence—not headaches.