Medicare Made Simple: What every Nebraskan should know before turning 65

Medicare is one of those programs everyone has heard of, but few feel confident navigating. Between Parts A, B, C, and D, enrollment windows, and plan choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The official Medicare & You booklet is a great resource (see the Medicare & You Handbook 2026), yet its depth of detail can leave folks unsure which guidelines apply to their stage of the journey. This article breaks down the essentials in plain language, with a focus on what matters most for Nebraskans preparing for retirement.

Medicare Basics

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 or older, but it also covers younger individuals with certain disabilities.

The Four Parts of Medicare

(Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B)

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home health services. Think of it as your hospital safety net.

• Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment. This is your everyday medical coverage.

• Part C (Medicare Advantage): Private plans offered by carriers that combine Parts A and B, often with extras like dental, vision, or hearing. These plans can feel more like traditional insurance, but networks and benefits vary.

• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps pay for medications. Available as standalone drug plans or bundled into Advantage plans.

Enrollment Windows – Timing Is Everything

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts seven months total. If you don’t have employer coverage, this is one you do not want to miss.

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7): Time to review and change your coverage for the next year. This is when you’ll see all the ads—it’s the window for signing up or changing Medicare Part C and/or Part D.

• Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) : Triggered by life events like losing employer coverage or moving. Usually you have two months to navigate coverage options.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Missing enrollment deadlines — penalties can last a lifetime.

• Assuming Original Medicare covers everything — remember there are four different parts (A, B, C, D).

• Confusing Medicare Supplement vs. Advantage — Supplements help pay gaps in Original Medicare, while Advantage replaces it with a private plan. (See our Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement article for more details.)

Local Guidance for Nebraskans

Medicare is federal, but your choices and expertise can be local. A great unbiased resource many Nebraskans use is the Nebraska SHIP program, and local senior centers also provide free counseling. (Find a location near you here.)

Medicare doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, you can make choices that fit your health needs, budget, and retirement goals.

As an independent agent, I help Nebraskans compare options side by side, so you can feel confident about your decision—without the jargon.

Call or email to schedule a consultation with Aaron Polak Insurance LLC:

• Office: 402‑282‑8206

• Cell: 402‑805‑7055

• Email: sales@aaronpolakins.com

Aaron Polak Insurance LLC

Office: 402-282-8206

Cell: 402-805-7055

Email: sales@aaronpolakins.com