TL;DR
Missing your enrollment window, assuming COBRA is creditable, skipping a Part D plan because you don't take drugs, ignoring your plan's annual notice of change, and picking a plan on premium alone — these are the five costliest mistakes Scott sees in Sarasota and Manatee County.
1. Missing your Initial Enrollment Period
Late-enrollment penalties for Part B (10% per 12 months delayed) and Part D are permanent. If you're delaying because of employer coverage, verify in writing that it's creditable.
2. Assuming COBRA counts as creditable coverage
It doesn't. Neither does most retiree coverage. Enrolling in COBRA at 65 without also enrolling in Part B is one of the most expensive mistakes we see.
3. Skipping Part D because you don't take medications
Enrolling later triggers a permanent late-enrollment penalty on top of your premium. A low-premium Part D plan protects you against both future prescriptions and the penalty.
4. Ignoring the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
Every September, your plan mails an ANOC describing what changes January 1 — premiums, copays, drug tiers, network. A quiet change can quietly cost thousands. Review it, or ask a licensed agent to.
5. Choosing a plan on premium alone
A $0 premium plan can be the most expensive plan if your prescriptions land in a bad drug tier or your specialist is out of network. Always compare total expected cost, not just the monthly premium.
