Medicare is a huge part of your retirement. Whether you’re looking to arm yourself with the information you need in preparation for the next stage of your life, or you’re already there and simply want to learn how you can do better with what you currently have, this is the episode for you.   Susan Sloan, a licensed agent and longtime friend, joins us to do a deep dive into everything women need to know about Medicare.   Her passion for her field came about when she noticed that there was a lack of understanding about the ins-and-outs of health insurance not just among patients, but among their doctors, too.   As Susan herself says, “Doctors and hospitals, and insurance companies live on two separate planets.”   This drove her to become not just an insurance salesperson, but an insurance advocate.   Listen in as Susan defines the business of the hospitals and insurance companies; exactly when and how to apply for Medicare; what’s covered by Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D; the difference between supplemental plans and Medicare Advantage plans; and how insurance agents can represent you.   Key Topics: How does Susan know so much about Medicare and health insurance? (1:54) When it comes to Medicare, what exactly do you need? (6:57) “If you have a retiree program, sometimes you have to take everything or you get nothing.” (16:00) The difference between Medicare Part A and Part B. (17:01) Always ask your provider what services are covered under your Medicare plan. (23:10) How Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) work differently. (24:30) Can you switch Advantage Plans? (31:16) What if you have health issues heading into retirement at 65? (36:18) About Medicare Part D. (38:30) “It costs you nothing to use an agent.” (42:15) Our closing thoughts. (45:54)   Reach out to Susan to learn how to take the frustration out of health insurance. Get in touch with her at www.realhealthquotes.com. Our favorite video from her library covers the strict rules around the marketing of Medicare insurance plans http://www.realhealthquotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Susan-Sloan-talking-about-Fraudulent-Medicare-Solicitors.mp4.   If you like what you’ve been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. Stephanie@sofiafinancial.com   You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.   Follow Stephanie on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.  Follow Kevin on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.