🎉 I Just Turned 33 — Here’s What Medicare’s Taught Me (So Far)

By Dalton Brewster | November 5, 2025

🎂 Another Year Older (and Hopefully Wiser)

Yesterday was my birthday — I just turned 33! 🎂No, I’m not on Medicare (yet 😅), but after years of helping folks every single day, I’ve picked up a thing or two.

Actually… 33 things.

In honor of the big 3-3, here’s a fun (and slightly sarcastic) list of what I’ve learned about Medicare — from the serious to the “wait, what?” moments.

🎈 33 Things I’ve Learned About Medicare

1. Most people don’t realize they’re automatically enrolled in Part A.

2. Part B isn’t free (and no, the government doesn’t “owe” you a stimulus check).

3. Givebacks are real — but they’re not “free money.”

4. If it sounds too good to be true… yeah, it is.

5. “Food cards” exist — but only on certain plans.

6. You should never give your Medicare number to a Facebook ad.

7. AEP ends December 7th — no exceptions.

8. MA-Only plans can be a great fit for veterans.

9. Original Medicare doesn’t cover dental, vision, or hearing (surprise!).

10. Prescription costs vary wildly — even for the same drug.

11. Your neighbor’s plan isn’t automatically the right one for you.

12. HMO ≠ bad. PPO ≠ perfect.

13. Doctors drop networks — it’s not your fault.

14. There’s no “best plan.” There’s only the best plan for you.

15. Your meds matter more than your ZIP code sometimes.

16. Many people qualify for more benefits than they realize.

17. The word “free” is overused — especially by TV ads.

18. Out-of-pocket max (MOOP) is a big deal — don’t ignore it.

19. Prior authorizations can be a headache (but we can prep for them).

20. DSNPs are amazing — if you qualify.

21. Chronic plans exist for folks with conditions like diabetes or heart issues.

22. Not all dental is the same — some is great, some is “cleaning and floss only.”

23. Plans can change every single year — and often do.

24. I can usually explain this better than a 1-800 number.

25. Losing Medicaid can change everything — check your status!

26. You don’t need to switch every year — just when it makes sense.

27. Carrier names aren’t everything — benefits matter more.

28. I’ve helped people save thousands by reviewing their plan.

29. Most folks wait too long to ask for help.

30. I’ll always give you the real story — no pressure.

31. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find out.

32. The right agent makes a big difference.

33. I genuinely enjoy helping people understand this stuff (even on my birthday 😄).

🎯 What This Means for You

Medicare doesn’t have to be confusing — but it does change every year.If it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed your plan, or you’re not sure what all these givebacks, cards, and networks mean for 2025… it’s the perfect time to check.

👉 Book a quick 15-minute review — I’ll make sure your coverage still fits your needs (and maybe save you a birthday gift’s worth of cash).

💌 Stay in the Loop

Every Tuesday at 10 AM EST, I send out a free email called the Medicare Tuesday Tune-Up — short, helpful updates that make Medicare a little less messy.It’s fun, quick, and you’ll always learn something new.

👉 Join the newsletter here →

💬 Your Turn

Which of these 33 lessons surprised you most? Or do you have your own “Medicare moment” you’d add to the list?👇 Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your take!