The Biggest Medicare Mistake People Make in Year 1

Turning 65 should be exciting. Instead, most people hear the same two complaints: “Medicare is a headache” or “I’m still paying thousands out of pocket.” Unfortunately — they’re right.

Here’s the reality:

• 63% of people say they don’t fully understand Medicare before enrolling.

• The average retiree spends over $6,500 a year out-of-pocket on healthcare.

• There are thousands of plan options across the country, changing every year.

That’s not just paperwork. That’s your money, your doctors, and your peace of mind on the line. One wrong choice can cost you thousands every single year.

What We Do

Decoded Medicare exists to take the stress — and guesswork — out of this process.

We cut through the noise and give you just the essentials: what matters, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the traps that trip up so many people.

No jargon. No upsell. Just the facts you need to make the smartest decision for you and your family.

What You’ll Find Here

• Straight answers on how Medicare works (no acronyms, no fluff).

• Step-by-step guides on deadlines and enrollment rules.

• Money-saving strategies to keep costs from spiraling.

• Real stories from people who’ve been through the process.

Start With the Basics

Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older (and some younger with disabilities). It’s made up of different “parts,” each covering a different slice of care.

Here’s the simplest way to remember them: ABCD = Always Be Covered Daily.

• A = Admission → Hospital coverage (inpatient stays, skilled nursing, hospice).

• B = Basics → Doctor visits and outpatient care (checkups, screenings, medical equipment).

• C = Combo → Medicare Advantage (an all-in-one alternative combining A, B, and usually D).

• D = Drugs → Prescription drug coverage.

Simple enough — until you realize there are 3,800+ Medicare Advantage plans and countless combinations of coverage nationwide. That’s where things get messy.

And that’s exactly why we’re here: to make sure you don’t waste time, money, or energy on the wrong choice.

Bottom Line

You’ve worked hard to get here. Don’t let confusing insurance rules eat into your retirement.

We’ll help you decode Medicare step by step — so you can spend less time worrying about coverage and more time enjoying the years ahead.