Navigating Medicare With Confidence
Your Local Partner for Clear Medicare Guidance
Serving the Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA metro areas, we simplify Medicare Advantage, Supplement, and Part D choices to fit your needs and budget.
Get a Free Appointment
How We Can Help You
We offer guidance on the key types of Medicare coverage to ensure you find the perfect fit.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Explore all-in-one plans that can include drug, dental, and vision coverage.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Find plans to help cover the deductibles and copayments that Original Medicare doesn't.
Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Let us assist you in choosing a standalone drug plan that covers your specific medications.
Your Medicare Roadmap
Key milestones on your journey to the right coverage. Click each step to learn more.
3 Months Before Turning 65
Initial Enrollment Period Begins
This is your first and best opportunity to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B without any penalties. You can also enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.
The Month You Turn 65
Coverage Can Start
If you enrolled in the months prior, your coverage will typically start on the first day of your birthday month. It's the perfect time to ensure your doctors are in-network and your prescriptions are covered.
Working Past 65
Navigating Employer Coverage & Medicare
Continuing to work past age 65? Depending on your employer's coverage, your options vary. It's crucial to coordinate correctly to avoid penalties. Let us help you navigate this transition smoothly.
October 15 - December 7
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
This is the key time each year to review and make changes to your coverage. You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change plans, or add/drop Part D.
January 1 - March 31
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP)
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, this period allows you one opportunity to switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch back to Original Medicare (and add Part D).
All Year Round
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)
Certain life events (like moving, losing coverage, or gaining certain chronic conditions) may qualify you for an SEP, allowing plan changes outside of AEP/OEP.
Partnering with Local Clinics
We collaborate with healthcare providers in the Portland & Vancouver area to offer seamless Medicare guidance for their patients.
Reduce Staff Workload
Our resources, including the virtual assistant, answer common patient questions, freeing up your team.
Enhance Patient Support
Provide patients with easy access to reliable Medicare information and booking.
Ensure Compliance
We handle the complexities of Medicare guidance according to CMS regulations.
Meet Your Local Expert
Jennifer Stahel, Agency Principal
With over 15 years in the insurance industry, Jennifer founded Sixty-Four and More with a simple mission: to replace confusion with clarity for her neighbors in the Portland and Vancouver metro areas. She believes that everyone deserves to understand their Medicare options without pressure or jargon.
As a licensed, independent agent, her loyalty is to you, not an insurance company. When she's not helping clients, Jennifer enjoys hiking the trails around Mount Hood and volunteering at the local animal shelter.
We are certified with all major carriers in Oregon & Washington
What Our Clients Are Saying
"Working with Jennifer was a breath of fresh air. She took the time to explain everything clearly and found a plan that saved me money withoutsacrificing coverage. I finally feel confident about my Medicare choices."
"I was completely overwhelmed by all the mail I was receiving. Jen sat down with me, answered all my questions, and made the whole process painless. I couldn't be more grateful for their local, expert help."
"Finding a local agent I could trust was my top priority. The team at Sixty-Four and More exceeded my expectations. They truly have their clients' best interests at heart. I recommend them to all my friends."
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common Medicare questions. For more details, ask our chat assistant or book a free appointment!
What's the difference between Medicare Part A and Part B?
Here's a simple way to think about it:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers your 'room and board' if you're admitted to a hospital, plus skilled nursing facility care (after a hospital stay), and hospice. Most people get Part A premium-free.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers your 'doctor services' like visits, outpatient care, lab tests, x-rays, and medical equipment. You pay a monthly premium for Part B.
Together, they're often called 'Original Medicare'.
I'm still working past 65. Do I have to sign up for Medicare?
Maybe not yet, but be careful! It depends on your employer:
- Big company? (20+ employees): If your work insurance is 'creditable' (most large group plans are), you can usually delay Part B without penalty.
- Small company? (Under 20 employees): You'll likely need to sign up for Part A & B when you turn 65 to avoid issues.
This situation is tricky. A free chat with an agent is the best way to know for sure. Book an appointment.
What happens if I sign up late for Part B? (Late Enrollment Penalty)
Signing up late for Part B can mean paying a **Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP)**. This penalty is added to your monthly Part B premium *for as long as you have Part B*.
The penalty amount increases the longer you wait to sign up after you were first eligible. The best way to avoid it is to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period when you turn 65, unless you qualify to delay because you have creditable employer coverage.
Does Original Medicare cover dental, vision, or hearing?
Generally, no. Original Medicare (Part A & B) does **not** cover routine dental cleanings, fillings, eye exams for glasses, or hearing aids.
This is a major reason why many people choose a **Medicare Advantage (Part C)** plan, as most Advantage plans bundle these extra benefits into their coverage.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
It's easy to mix them up! Think of it like this:
- MediCARE is primarily based on **AGE** (65+) or certain disabilities. It's a federal program.
- MedicAID is based on **INCOME** and household size. It's a joint federal and state program providing health coverage to eligible low-income individuals.
Some people qualify for both programs (known as "dual-eligible").
Do I need referrals with a Medicare Advantage plan?
It depends on the plan type:
- HMO plans: Usually, **yes**. You pick a primary care physician (PCP) and need their referral to see specialists. You generally must use doctors in the plan's network.
- PPO plans: Usually, **no**. You don't typically need a referral for specialists and have more flexibility to see out-of-network doctors (though it often costs more).
Knowing your plan type is key!
What is the "Donut Hole" or Coverage Gap in Part D?
The "Donut Hole" (or Coverage Gap) *used* to be a stage where drug costs went up temporarily. But **starting in 2025, things got much simpler!**
Now, there's a yearly **$2,000 cap** on what you pay out-of-pocket for covered Part D drugs (this amount might adjust slightly in future years, like ~$2,100 in 2026). Once your spending hits that cap, you pay **$0** for covered drugs for the rest of the year.
This makes drug costs much more predictable than the old donut hole system.
Does Medicare cover preventive care like wellness visits?
Yes, absolutely! Medicare Part B covers many preventive services at **$0 cost** to you. This includes:
- Your annual "Wellness" visit
- Flu shots and certain other vaccinations
- Screenings for cancer (like mammograms, colonoscopies), diabetes, depression, and more.
Taking advantage of these services helps you stay healthy and can catch problems early!
What is "Extra Help" or LIS?
"**Extra Help**" (also called the **Low-Income Subsidy** or **LIS**) is a Medicare program specifically designed to help people with limited income and resources pay for their **Part D prescription drug costs**.
It can significantly lower your monthly Part D premium, yearly deductible, and prescription copays. Qualification is based on income and asset levels set by Social Security, who handles the applications.
Can I change my Medicare plan outside of the fall enrollment period (AEP)?
Generally, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP, Oct 15 - Dec 7) is the main time to switch plans. However, certain life events might qualify you for a **Special Enrollment Period (SEP)**, allowing you to change plans at other times.
Common SEP triggers include: moving out of your plan's service area, losing employer coverage, qualifying for (or losing) Medicaid or Extra Help, or moving into/out of a nursing home. SEPs are time-limited, so it's important to act quickly if you think you qualify.
Helpful Downloads
We've created some simple guides to help you understand complex topics. Download them for free!
Working Past 65 Guide
A simple guide to help you understand your options for Medicare if you plan to keep working.
Download (PDF)New to Medicare Checklist
Turning 65 soon? Use this checklist to make sure you have all your bases covered for enrollment.
Download (PDF)SOA Form (Blank)
A Scope of Appointment (SOA) form is required before any plan-specific chat. Download a blank copy here.
Download (PDF)Get in Touch Today
Ready to discuss your options or learn about partnering? Fill out the form below or call us.