Welcome to the inaugural episode of Real Easy Medicare with Al Kushner! If you've ever felt overwhelmed by Medicare paperwork and confusing jargon, you're not alone. In this foundational episode, Al tackles the biggest and most costly Medicare mistake of all: waiting too long to enroll.

What You'll Learn:

• Margaret's Story: How a retired teacher's delayed Part B enrollment led to permanent monthly penalties
• James's Dilemma: Why employer coverage doesn't always equal Medicare-creditable coverage
• The Part D Trap: How skipping prescription drug coverage can cost you thousands, even if you're healthy
• Hidden Scenarios: Lesser-known situations that catch people off-guard, including overseas retirement, military TRICARE coordination, and spousal age differences

Key Takeaways:

1. Enroll on time - Medicare penalties are permanent and expensive
2. Verify creditable coverage - Don't assume your employer plan qualifies
3. Never skip Part D - Future you will thank present you for enrolling in prescription coverage
4. Dual eligibility requires management - Having both Medicare and Medicaid doesn't mean automatic coordination
5. Get professional help - Don't rely solely on word-of-mouth advice

Resources Mentioned:

• Medicare.gov Plan Finder tool
• State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) at shiphelp.org
• Free community seminars at libraries and senior centers
• Al's book: "Virtual Medicare: 10 Costly Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make"

Next Episode Preview: A jaw-dropping story about a family blindsided by a $50,000 hospital bill and how to protect yourself from financial disaster.