Medicare Stories: How Joe Almost Overpaid Thousands—and What You Can Learn From It! .
- Kursti Woolard
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 26
"From time to time, I like to share stories of actual Client cases so that people can gain valuable knowledge! Names and details have been changed to protect client privacy."
Let’s talk about Joe.
Joe is married, 65, and still working full time. His wife also works and has her own separate Employer Group Health Coverage (EGHC). Like many people turning 65, Joe figured it was time to enroll in Medicare. So, he signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B—because that’s what you’re supposed to do at 65, right?
Not exactly.
Medicare Part A is no cost ( for most but some exceptions apply) so, yes Joe should have enrolled in Part A . But Joe kept his Employer Group Health Coverage, which was costing him $600 a month. Add to that the $185 monthly premium for Part B in 2025 (which can be even higher for higher earners), and Joe was suddenly spending $785 every month just to be covered—without realizing he had at least two better options.
Option #1: He Didn’t Even Need Part B Yet
Medicare has a rule: If you’re still working at age 65 and have creditable Employer Group Health Coverage from a company with 20 or more employees, you don’t need to enroll in Part B right away.
And guess what? There’s no penalty in this case for enrolling later. That’s a big deal, because enrolling late in Part B without this exception can lead to lifetime penalties. (We’ll save that rabbit hole for another day.)
Had Joe skipped Part B for now, he would have saved himself $185/month—or $2,220 for the year. That’s a serious chunk of change.
Option #2: Drop the Group Plan and Go Full Medicare
Joe had another option—one that actually turned out to be the winner for him.
He could keep Part B and drop his $600/month employer coverage. Then, he could add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan G, which in the Hampton Roads area averages about $138/month for a 65-year-old male.
Next, Joe would need a Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Most plans for people with lower-tier prescriptions cost anywhere from $0 to $50/month.
Let’s break down the cost:
Part B: $185
Supplement Plan G: $138
Part D Plan: $50 (estimate)
Total: $373/month
Compared to his original $785/month, Joe would be saving $412/month—or $4,944 a year!
Even after factoring in the cost of the supplement and drug plan, Joe’s new Medicare setup would save him at least $2,724 in 2025 alone.
And that’s not even counting any additional savings or benefits.
The Takeaway: Know Your Medicare Options
Joe’s story isn’t unique. I can’t tell you how many people I talk to who automatically enroll in Part B when they turn 65—not realizing they have employer coverage that qualifies them for an exception. They end up spending thousands of dollars unnecessarily.
Medicare can be confusing. But understanding just a few key rules can save you big—like it did for Joe.
If You’re Turning 65 and Still Working—Let’s Talk
Whether you’re like Joe, or your situation is completely different, it’s worth sitting down with someone who can walk you through your real options. A quick review could save you thousands.
Kursti Woolard
Medicare Insurance Broker
Lic VA/NC
Direct : 757-692-8438
Kursti was a wealth of knowledge in assisting me with my Medicare choices. There are factors that are not evident to people that are trying to make the best choices. I would have made a mistake without her. I highly recommend talking to her. She did not try to push you into a plan. She explained how all the plans worked including the pros and con's and allowed you to make the best decision.