Navigating Medicare with Confidence: A Conversation with Broker Eva Peterson

Aug 20

Your Guide to Understanding Medicare

For many family caregivers in Silicon Valley, helping a parent or spouse understand Medicare can feel like decoding a foreign language. Between Parts A, B, C, and D, enrollment timelines, and complex choices around coverage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we brought in licensed Medicare broker Eva Peterson on the Synergy Sessions: Aging Smarter in Silicon Valley podcast.

In this episode, Eva offers clear, practical guidance for adult children and spouses supporting their aging loved ones through the Medicare journey. Whether your senior parent is nearing 65 or you’re helping a spouse reassess their current plan, this conversation has helpful insights to make Medicare enrollment a little more manageable.

Watch or listen to the full episode:

Youtube: https://youtu.be/rVZO0DDGRgU

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1OcTx9GVhcBtL43lYgF3Ed?si=Im7P-jJbR_ixAXX4JIOgbw

What Does a Medicare Broker Do?

Eva helps clients compare Medicare plans, avoid penalties, and find coverage that meets their health, lifestyle, and financial needs. As a broker, she is not tied to any one insurance company. Instead, she works with over 25 carriers and represents her client’s best interest at no cost to the client. Her compensation comes from the insurance carriers, and it does not impact your premium.

Many caregivers worry that navigating Medicare means hours of research and potential mistakes. A broker like Eva simplifies the process, ensures you understand your options, and helps prevent costly missteps.

Breaking Down the Basics: Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D

If you’re supporting a parent or spouse approaching age 65, understanding Medicare’s structure is essential. Here’s how Eva breaks it down:

Part A: Hospital Coverage

This includes hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, and some home health care. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A if they have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Part B: Medical Coverage

Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment. It has a monthly premium, which varies based on income.

Part C: Medicare Advantage

These plans combine Parts A and B, and often include extra benefits like dental, vision, and even gym memberships. Medicare Advantage plans typically have lower premiums but operate like HMOs or PPOs, with provider networks and copays.

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

This covers medications. Even if your loved one doesn’t currently take prescriptions, they need a Part D plan to avoid lifetime penalties.

Eva emphasized that missing a deadline, such as enrolling more than 63 days after eligibility for Part D, can result in permanent penalties, even if your loved one never needs medications.

Supplement vs. Advantage: Which Is Best?

Once your loved one has enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), they must choose between a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap). Both fill in the gaps Medicare doesn't cover, but the way they work is very different.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Often low or $0 monthly premiums
Must use a network of doctors and hospitals
Copays and coinsurance apply
Annual out-of-pocket maximums

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Higher monthly premiums
No network restrictions (can be used nationwide)
Minimal to no copays or out-of-pocket expenses
Ideal for people who travel or want maximum flexibility

Eva’s key advice: If your loved one wants a Medigap plan, the best time to enroll is during their Initial Enrollment Period (around age 65). After that window, they may be subject to health questions and risk being denied coverage.

Common Medicare Myths to Watch For

Even savvy caregivers can fall into misinformation traps. Eva shared some of the most common Medicare myths:

Myth: COBRA counts as creditable coverage.
It doesn’t. If your loved one delays enrolling in Medicare after turning 65 and is on COBRA longer than eight months, they may face penalties.
Myth: I don’t need Part D because I don’t take prescriptions.
Unfortunately, not having drug coverage still triggers penalties, even if no medications are needed.
Myth: Once I pick a plan, I’m set.
Plans change every year. Prescription costs, provider networks, and benefits can shift. Always review plans during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7).

When Should You Start the Process?

Eva recommends beginning to explore options at least three months before your loved one’s 65th birthday. Even six to eight months ahead is reasonable. This gives you time to research, ask questions, and avoid rushed decisions.

If you’re assisting a senior who’s already enrolled, be proactive about annual reviews. Changes in health, medications, or finances could make another plan a better fit.

What If You Make the Wrong Choice?

Fortunately, Medicare offers some flexibility. Every fall, there’s an Open Enrollment period when your loved one can switch Medicare Advantage or drug plans. If their Advantage plan leaves the area, they’ll also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

In California, we also have a unique benefit: the Birthday Rule. It allows Medigap policyholders to switch plans once a year during the 60-day window following their birthday, with no medical underwriting required.

For Caregivers, Knowledge Is Power

If you’re helping a parent or spouse navigate Medicare in Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, or elsewhere in Silicon Valley, you’re not alone. The process can feel daunting, but you don’t have to become an insurance expert overnight.

Working with a licensed, independent broker like Eva Peterson ensures you’re making informed decisions with expert support. The right coverage can protect your loved one’s health and finances while giving you peace of mind as their caregiver.

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode

To hear the full interview between Eva Peterson and host Tom Nelson, tune in to this episode of Synergy Sessions: Aging Smarter in Silicon Valley.

Watch or listen to the full episode:

Youtube: https://youtu.be/rVZO0DDGRgU

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1OcTx9GVhcBtL43lYgF3Ed?si=Im7P-jJbR_ixAXX4JIOgbw

There’s even more insight in the full conversation— perfect for caregivers who want to get ahead of the curve.

Connect with Eva Peterson

If you have questions about Medicare or need help comparing plans, Eva Peterson offers free, personalized guidance with no obligation to enroll.

Phone: 408-964-0345

Email: epeterson@healthmarkets.com

Website: https://www.healthmarkets.com/local-health-insurance-agent/epeterson

Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550616905840

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eva-peterson-46772713

Whether you're aging into Medicare yourself or supporting a loved one through the process, Eva can help you navigate your options and make confident choices.

Supporting Aging Loved Ones at Home

As you help a parent or spouse navigate Medicare, you may also be navigating new care needs at home. Whether it’s managing appointments, assisting with daily tasks, or just being a companion, caregiving can take a toll on your time, energy, and wellbeing.

At SYNERGY HomeCare of Silicon Valley, we provide non-medical home care services tailored to your family’s needs. Our trained caregivers offer:

Companion care to prevent isolation
Personal care assistance with hygiene and mobility
Respite care so family caregivers can recharge
Flexible scheduling with no minimum hours

Whether you’re in Palo Alto, San Jose, Campbell, or anywhere in Santa Clara or San Mateo County, our team is here to help your loved one remain safe, independent, and comfortable at home.

Start with a conversation.

We’re happy to answer your questions, explore options, and help you create a personalized care plan that fits your family.

Resources and References

Eva Peterson – Licensed Medicare Broker, HealthMarkets Insurance
Serving California, Nevada, Florida, and Arizona
https://www.healthmarkets.com/local-health-insurance-agent/epeterson/

Medicare.gov – Official Medicare Site
https://www.medicare.gov/

Social Security Administration (SSA.gov)
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/

Medicare Plan Finder Tool
https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/

SYNERGY HomeCare of Silicon Valley
https://www.synergyhomecareofsiliconvalley.com/

Medicare

Jake Nelson