Mere Benefits
Medicare Resource Guide

Feeling overwhelmed by Medicare? You’re not alone.

That’s exactly why we created the Mere Benefits Welcome to Medicare Resource Guide — a free 28-page tool designed to help you make confident choices, avoid costly mistakes, and feel prepared every step of the way.

A Companion to Medicare & You — Not a Replacement

Old Man Reading Handbook about Medicare


When you become eligible for Medicare, you’ll receive the government’s Medicare & You handbook — a helpful start, but often a bit… overwhelming.

Our guide doesn’t replace it. It complements it.

We break down the trickier parts, help you stay organized, and guide you through decisions with clarity.

Inside the guide, you’ll find:.

  • Easy-to-understand Medicare timelines and enrollment tips

  • A breakdown of costs — and how to prepare for them

  • Checklists to keep you on track

  • Worksheets to plan doctor and medication coverage

  • A look at underwriting questions if you’re exploring a Medicare Supplement

  • Travel tips and key reminders

  • Top 10 Medicare mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Old Man Reading Handbook about Medicare
Old woman checking the resources for Medicare

What Makes This Resource Different?

Old woman checking the resources for Medicare

This isn’t just information — it’s a guided experience to help you:

  • Understand Medicare at your pace

  • Organize your decisions with purpose

  • Get answers to the questions people actually ask

  • Know what steps to take — and when to take them

This resource is free, created by our licensed team, and backed by years of real-world experience helping people just like you.

Also Available: The Future Unlocked Starter Kit

Get it Right: Medicare & Social Security Unlocked


Want the full experience? You can also request our Future Unlocked Starter Kit, which includes tools to help you evaluate your retirement strategy, navigate Social Security decisions, and feel confident about what’s ahead — including helpful excerpts from the book Get It Right: Medicare & Social Security Unlocked.

📌 The Medicare Resource Guide and Your Future Unlocked Starter Kit are separate, but both are free and designed to support you.

Get it Right: Medicare & Social Security Unlocked

Let Us Be Your Guide


At Mere Benefits, we’ve walked thousands through this journey. This guide is one of the ways we live out our mission to serve—not sell (although we hope you will choose to let us help you with your health enrollment choices)


We’re here for you — from questions to coverage to peace of mind. #simplyforyourbenefit


📞 904-654-5450 ✉️ [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions


For Self-Employed Individuals Exploring Health Insurance Outside the Marketplace

Do you offer Medicare 101 trainings or seminars?

Yes! We regularly host free Medicare 101 webinars and in-person seminars to help you understand your options and get your questions answered.

Check out our Events Page to find an upcoming webinar or seminar near you — and reserve your spot!

What is Medicare and who qualifies for it?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, certain younger individuals with disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Eligibility typically starts at age 65 based on your work history or your spouse’s.

What are the different parts of Medicare?

 Medicare includes:

  • Part A (hospital coverage)

  • Part B (medical coverage)

  • Part C (Medicare Advantage plans that bundle A, B, and often D)

  • Part D (prescription drug coverage — Learn more about Part D plans here)

Do I have to sign up for Medicare, or is it automatic?

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll usually be enrolled automatically in Part A and Part B. Otherwise, you need to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period. If you plan to add prescription coverage, be sure to explore Part D options here.

When should I enroll in Medicare?

Most people should enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period — a 7-month window surrounding your 65th birthday.

If you need additional protection beyond Original Medicare, you can learn about Medicare Supplement plans here.

What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

  • Original Medicare (Part A and B) allows you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide.

  • Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private companies and often includes extras like dental, vision, or gym memberships. Learn more about Medicare Advantage plans here.

Do I need a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan?

Medicare Supplement plans help cover costs like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles that Original Medicare doesn't pay for.

If you want predictable out-of-pocket costs and nationwide provider access, read about Medicare Supplement options here.

Can I change my Medicare plan later?

Yes! You can:

  • Review your coverage annually during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7)

  • Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after certain life events You can update your Part D, Medicare Supplement, or Medicare Advantage coverage based on your needs.

How do I avoid late enrollment penalties?

Enroll in Part B and Part D when you first become eligible unless you have qualifying employer coverage.

If you skip Part D coverage and don't have creditable drug coverage, you could face a lifelong penalty — Learn more about Part D here.

What if I’m still working past 65?

You might be able to delay Part B and Part D without penalty if your employer coverage qualifies. It's important to understand how that impacts future enrollment in Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans.

How can Mere help me with Medicare?

Our licensed team helps you:

  • Understand your choices

  • Compare different plan types

  • Stay updated year after year We work with most major insurance companies and help you find the Medicare coverage that best fits your needs — at no cost to you.

What is a Certified Medicare Insurance Planner® (CMIP®) — and why does it matter?

A Certified Medicare Insurance Planner® (CMIP®) has completed advanced, specialized training in Medicare planning and solutions. This certification goes beyond basic licensing, equipping advisors to guide clients with greater expertise, strategy, and care. Choosing a CMIP® ensures you’re working with someone who deeply understands how Medicare fits into your overall retirement and healthcare planning.

Why should I work with Mere for my Medicare coverage?

At Mere, we believe Medicare should be simple, not overwhelming.

  • Our team is licensed, certified, and continuously trained to stay ahead of changes in Medicare.

  • We focus on listening first — helping you find the coverage that fits your unique needs.

  • We offer ongoing support year after year, not just at enrollment.

  • We work with most major insurance carriers and advocate for your best interest — not just one company’s plan. Our mission is simple: Helping you make informed, confident choices. (And there’s no cost to you for our services!)

What are the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare Advantage plans offer bundled coverage (hospital, medical, and usually prescriptions) and often include extra benefits like dental and vision. But they also come with trade-offs like limited networks and potential for higher out-of-pocket costs.

Unlock Your Medicare Confidence


Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices?

We created a step-by-step guide to make Medicare — and Social Security — simple.

We created a step-by-step guide to make Medicare — and Social Security — simple.

This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent with Mere is contracted with multiple carriers offering Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans. Enrollment depends on contract renewal. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY:1-877-486-2048) to get information on all your options.

This site is owned and operated by Mere, an independent insurance agency. It is not associated with, endorsed by, or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. For official information about Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov.

Licensed Insurance Agency

Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or ‍1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. Not affiliate with or endorsed by the United States government, the federal Medicare program. Social Security, or
Healthcare.gov.


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[email protected]
. We’ll be happy to help.

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