When it comes to Medicare, bad advice can be costly—and unfortunately, not everyone giving Medicare guidance is actually an expert. I learned this firsthand early in my career when I unknowingly gave incorrect advice about Medicare Part A and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). At the time, I didn’t realize that someone actively contributing to an HSA should NOT enroll in Medicare Part A, as it would make them ineligible to continue contributing. Worse yet, Medicare Part A can be retroactive for up to six months, meaning any HSA contributions made during that time are taxed as excess contributions.
I corrected my understanding, but not everyone in the industry takes the time to truly learn Medicare. Just recently, I met someone who had been working with an "advisor" from Blanker’s Strife—a company that markets itself as a retirement specialist but doesn’t specialize in Medicare. They insisted this individual enroll in Medicare Part A at age 65, completely overlooking the HSA issue. As a result, this person contributed to their HSA for 18 months while ineligible and will now face penalties and taxes on all those contributions. That’s a costly mistake—all because they trusted someone who didn’t have real expertise in the field.
When you work with someone who lives and breathes Medicare, you get:
✅ Accurate, up-to-date guidance – Medicare is complex, and the rules change frequently. A true expert knows the nuances and avoids common pitfalls.
✅ Personalized advice tailored to your situation – Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all. A knowledgeable broker helps you make decisions based on your needs.
✅ Protection from costly mistakes – Whether it’s HSAs, late enrollment penalties, or network restrictions, a real expert helps you avoid financial missteps.
✅ Ongoing support – Unlike call centers and companies like Blanker’s Strife, a dedicated local broker is there to help long after the initial enrollment.
Your Medicare choices impact your healthcare access, finances, and future security. Whether it’s understanding HSA rules, enrollment periods, or Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap, getting advice from the wrong person can cost you thousands.
🚨 Don't make the same mistake! Work with a real expert who understands the system inside and out. If you have questions or need guidance, schedule a free consultation with me today—so you don’t end up paying the price for bad advice.
📞 Call 517.300.2101