Medicare@work
A blog about Medicare. What you and your employees need to know
Steps – The Dance of Medicare

Author: Lora Drummond
Medicare Transition Specialist
Posted: 09/13/2021
#37-52 Solution Series – Steps – The Dance of Medicare
Like most new things we approach doing for the first time, we need to know how to start. Think back to the last new thing you tried… the first step probably involved some type of learning. You might watch an instructional video, read a book, article, or blog, consult with an expert, or converse with friends who have had experience with what you want to do. Learning creates familiarity with a new subject. Familiarity and understanding build confidence to proceed.
Get Into the Swing
A dear friend of mine loves to dance. Years ago she prodded me to join her for a ‘drop in’ West Coast Swing dance lesson at a local studio. The lesson was designed for newbies who just wanted to learn the basics and have fun. My friend said the instructors would make it easy and fun. I was curious to try so I agreed to go, but apprehensive about making mistakes and looking foolish.
So prior to attending the event, I watched a few videos online. I watched both instructor-led and professional dancers. Now that I had familiarized myself with what the dance was, I was more confident to proceed. The event was indeed casual and the instructors slowed down the steps even more than the videos I watched, plus the personal attention to ask questions was a benefit. It was really fun. I was glad I did it and attended more events after that. But I was particularly glad I preempted the event with some learning on my own to gain confidence before actually doing it.
The Dance of Medicare
What does a dance lesson have to do with Medicare? Transitioning to Medicare should be taken in steps- – like learning a new dance.
- Start by learning what Medicare is.
- Start with basics so you are confident to proceed.
- Then you understand what you are choosing when you meet with an expert.
We hear Medicare described as: confusing, complex, a maze. Insurance companies inundate people turning 65 with mounds of advertising telling them what plans they should have. So the confusion now becomes –overwhelmed. Now they are stressed and don’t know how to start- they’re filled with Medicare anxiety.
The simple solution for Medicare anxiety is a dance lesson…(Medicare education).
Folks should start learning about Medicare 6 months before they need to enroll. Understanding Medicare gives them confidence so they can pick plans to meet their needs – instead of advertising guiding them and selling them a plan. (Which is a risky mistake.) Also, folks may talk with friends about Medicare, but experience doesn’t make them experts!
So when employees approach you with Medicare questions, suggest they start with a dance lesson… I mean Medicare education.
Have them follow these simple steps:
Step 1. Attend a free Medicare workshop approved by CMS (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) like 123EasyMedicare.com where Medicare basics are simplified and no insurance companies are represented.
Step 2. Create a list of healthcare needs or benefits you want.
Step 3. Consult with a Medicare plan fiduciary who can help you compare all the plans in an area so you can choose with confidence.
Have your employees do a Medicare dance instead of fretting over how to manage their Medicare transition.
Need guidance on how to support your employees with other possible scenarios and helpful solutions?
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– Lora
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