Sandra Reith

  • When Can You Enroll in Medicare? Key Deadlines Southern Arizona Residents Can’t Miss

    Sep 2, 2025

    If you’re turning 65 in Green Valley, Sahuarita, Tucson, or anywhere in Southern Arizona, Medicare deadlines can feel overwhelming. Many people miss important enrollment windows simply because they don’t know when to act. The truth is that Medicare has several different enrollment periods, and missing one can result in late penalties, gaps in coverage, or limited plan options.

    As a local licensed Medicare broker, I’ll walk you through the key enrollment periods you need to know, with simple explanations and local tips to keep you on track.

    1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Your First Chance

    • When it happens: 3 months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month, and 3 months after (a 7-month window).

    • Why it matters: This is your best chance to enroll without penalties.

    • What you can do: Sign up for Medicare Part A, Part B, and choose whether you want a Supplement, Advantage, or Prescription Drug plan.

    Local Tip: Don’t wait until your birthday month. In Green Valley and Sahuarita, plans can fill quickly, and starting early gives you more choices.

    2. General Enrollment Period (GEP): If You Missed the First Window

    • When it happens: January 1 – March 31 each year.

    • Coverage begins: July 1.

    • Why it matters: If you missed your Initial Enrollment, this is your backup — but penalties may apply.

    Local Insight: Many people in Southern Arizona delay enrolling because they’re still working. Talking to a local broker can help you see if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period instead (which may save you from penalties).

    3. Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Review and Switch Plans

    • When it happens: October 15 – December 7 every year.

    • What you can do: Switch Medicare Advantage plans, move from Original Medicare to an Advantage plan (or vice versa), or change your Prescription Drug Plan.

    • Why it matters: Plan benefits, provider networks, and drug formularies can change each year.

    Local Tip: In Tucson and Green Valley, provider networks can vary by neighborhood. Don’t assume your current plan will cover the same doctors next year.

    4. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MA OEP)

    • When it happens: January 1 – March 31.

    • What you can do: If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare (with a Part D drug plan).

    • Why it matters: It’s a second chance if your plan isn’t meeting your needs.

    5. Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): For Life Changes

    • When it happens: Anytime you qualify.

    • Examples:

      • Leaving employer coverage

      • Moving out of your plan’s service area

      • Losing other health coverage

    • Why it matters: SEPs allow you to enroll without waiting for the General Enrollment or Annual Enrollment windows.

    Local Insight: Retiring later is common in Southern Arizona. If you’re 67, 68, or older and just now leaving employer coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period — no penalty.

    6. Avoiding Medicare Penalties: Why Timing is Everything

    • Part B penalty: Lasts for life if you delay without qualifying coverage.

    • Part D penalty: Adds up the longer you go without prescription coverage.

    • Local tip: I’ve seen too many neighbors in Green Valley hit with permanent penalties simply because they didn’t know their deadlines. A quick call with a broker can help you avoid this.

    Conclusion: Don’t Miss Your Window

    Medicare deadlines don’t have to be stressful, but you do need to know them. Whether you’re turning 65 soon, retiring later, or just trying to sort out your options, having a clear timeline makes all the difference.

    If you live in Green Valley, Sahuarita, Tucson, or anywhere in Southern Arizona, I’d be honored to help you stay on track and avoid costly mistakes.

    Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation today and let’s make Medicare simple.

    Call or text: (520) 909-3677


  • 5 Things People Get Wrong About Medicare – Especially in Southern Arizona

    Jul 2, 2025

    If you're approaching 65 and live in Green Valley, Sahuarita, or anywhere in Southern Arizona, you're probably starting to hear all kinds of advice about Medicare. Unfortunately, much of it is outdated, incomplete, or simply incorrect.

    As a local, licensed Medicare broker, I’ve helped hundreds of people sort fact from fiction and avoid costly mistakes. Let’s clear up some common myths I often hear.

    1. I’ll be enrolled automatically at 65.

    Not always.

    Some people are auto-enrolled in Medicare at 65 (especially if they’re already receiving Social Security), but many are not. If you’re not collecting benefits yet, you’ll likely need to sign up manually to avoid coverage gaps or penalties.

    Local tip: Don’t wait for a letter. Mark your calendar and take action 3 months before your 65th birthday.

    2. All Medicare plans are basically the same.

    Not even close.

    There are big differences between Original Medicare, Advantage Plans, Supplement Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans, and even more variation by ZIP code. A plan that works well for someone in Phoenix might not work the same in Green Valley.

    Local insight: In Southern Arizona, provider networks and benefit extras can vary block by block. It's worth reviewing your specific needs.

    3. I should just pick the cheapest plan.

    Not if you want peace of mind.

    Low monthly premiums sound great—until you realize the plan doesn’t cover your medications or your doctor is out-of-network. The cheapest plan isn’t always the best value.

    I always encourage people to look at the big picture: total costs, convenience, and how you actually use healthcare.

    4. I don’t need to think about Medicare until my birthday.

    You might already be in your enrollment window.

    Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after. That 7-month window goes fast, and if you miss it, you could face penalties.

    Pro tip: The earlier we talk, the more options you’ll have.

    5. I can’t ask anyone for help unless I’m ready to sign up.

    Not true. You can ask anytime.**

    I offer free, no-pressure consultations to help you understand your options, timelines, and next steps—whether you’re ready to enroll or not. There’s no obligation, just clear answers.

    Whether you're still working, retiring soon, or just trying to make sense of it all, I'm here to help.

    Let’s Make Medicare Clear, Not Confusing

    Medicare doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re turning 65 in Green Valley, Sahuarita, or Southern Arizona, I’d be honored to guide you through it.

    Call or text me anytime:
    (520) 909-3677


  • Turning 65 in Green Valley or Sahuarita? Your Local Medicare Guide Starts Here

    Jun 26, 2025

    If you live in Green Valley, Sahuarita, or anywhere in Southern Arizona, and you're getting close to turning 65, chances are you're starting to hear a lot about Medicare, and you’ve got questions. Maybe you’ve received dozens of mailers, been invited to Medicare seminars, or had well-meaning friends tell you what you "should" do. It can feel overwhelming fast.

    As a licensed independent Medicare broker based in Southern Arizona, I help people just like you every day make confident, informed decisions about their Medicare options. If you’re looking for local, trustworthy guidance, you’re in the right place.

    Let’s break down what you need to know.

    1. What Happens When You Turn 65 in Arizona?

    When you turn 65, you’re eligible for Medicare—a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. In Arizona, you have several options to choose from, including:

    • Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

    • Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)

    • Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)

    • Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

    Each has pros and cons depending on your health needs, budget, and lifestyle, and not all plans are the same in Green Valley or Sahuarita as they are in Phoenix or Tucson.

    2. Why Work with a Local Medicare Broker in Green Valley or Sahuarita?

    Here in Southern Arizona, healthcare needs and insurance options are different than those in other parts of the country. Working with a local, licensed Medicare agent means you get:

    • Personalized help choosing the right plan for your area

    • Clear explanations without the jargon

    • Ongoing support, even after you enroll

    • Peace of mind that someone is advocating for you

    I don’t work for any one insurance company. I work for you.

    3. Your Medicare Timeline: Don’t Miss These Key Dates

    If you're turning 65 soon, your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.

    That 7-month window is the best time to enroll to avoid penalties and get the most coverage options. I always recommend starting early so we can review your choices without feeling rushed.

    4. What Medicare Options Are Popular in Southern Arizona?

    Many residents in Green Valley and Sahuarita choose Medicare Advantage plans that offer extras like dental, vision, and wellness benefits, while others prefer the flexibility of Original Medicare + a Supplement plan. It depends on:

    • Which doctors or clinics you want to keep

    • How often you travel

    • Whether you take prescriptions

    • Your monthly budget

    My job is to help you compare plans, explain the trade-offs, and make the choice that fits your life, not someone else’s.

    5. Questions I Hear Most Often in Green Valley & Sahuarita

     Do I need a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage Plan?
    What if I’m still working at 65?
    How do I avoid Medicare penalties?
    Can I keep my doctor?
    What about dental, vision, or hearing coverage?

    I offer free consultations to answer all of these and more. No pressure. Just clarity.

    Let’s Make Medicare Simple.

    If you’re in Green Valley, Sahuarita, or anywhere in Southern Arizona, and feeling unsure about Medicare, I’m here to help. You don’t need to figure this out on your own. I’ll walk you through every step, answer every question, and make sure you’re set up with the coverage that works best for you.

    Schedule a free consultation today or explore more resources right here on the blog.

    (520)909-3677