What Really Happens When You Turn 65 — Medicare, Benefits, and Key Deadlines

🎂 Turning 65 isn’t just about blowing out birthday candles — it’s the doorway into a whole new stage of life and healthcare. For most Americans, it means becoming eligible for Medicare, but it also comes with deadlines, choices, and a few penalties if you miss the mark. Your Initial Enrollment Period acts like an open door, but whether you walk through smoothly or trip over costly mistakes depends on the decisions you make now.

Think of this milestone as more than retirement planning — it’s the moment to secure your healthcare foundation so you can enjoy life in your golden years without worrying about surprise bills or gaps in coverage.

🏁 Medicare Eligibility Begins — What You Need to Know First

Turning 65 is the green flag 🚦 — it’s when your Medicare eligibility officially begins. But here’s the catch: it doesn’t just “magically” happen for everyone. Some people are automatically enrolled, while others have to raise their hand and sign up themselves. Knowing the difference can save you from late fees and stressful surprises.

✅ Understanding Your Medicare Flashcard — The Basics Everyone Should Know

Think of Medicare as a flashcard deck 📇 — each card represents something you need to know before stepping into this new stage. If you flip the cards early, you’ll be ready. If not, you may get caught unprepared.

💬 Martha’s Example
“I thought Medicare would just ‘kick in’ and cover everything when I turned 65. I was shocked to learn I had to actually enroll and choose a plan. Thankfully, I found help in time. Now I have coverage that fits my needs — and I avoided late penalties I didn’t even know existed.”

Here’s who qualifies when that 65th birthday arrives:

👤 U.S. citizens or permanent residents who’ve lived here for at least 5 years
💼 People who’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters)
❤️ Spouses of eligible workers, even if they haven’t worked themselves

🔄 Automatic Medicare Enrollment — Who Gets It and Who Doesn’t

Medicare doesn’t treat everyone the same way at 65. Some folks get the “easy button” with automatic enrollment, while others must sign themselves up.

📥 You’re Automatically Enrolled If:

You’re already receiving Social Security benefits
You’re receiving Railroad Retirement Board benefits
You live in Puerto Rico and already get Social Security

✍️ You Must Enroll Yourself If:

You’re not taking Social Security yet (even if eligible)
You’re still working with employer coverage
You want to delay Social Security but still need Medicare

💡 What Medicare Actually Covers (And What It Doesn’t)

Medicare is powerful — but it’s not a “cover everything” card.

✅ Medicare Covers:

🏥 Hospital stays and emergency care
👩‍⚕️ Doctor visits and preventive checkups
💊 Prescription drugs (with Part D)
🩼 Medical equipment and supplies

❌ Medicare Doesn’t Cover:

🦷 Most dental, 👓 vision, or 👂 hearing care
🛏️ Long-term custodial care (like nursing homes)
✨ Cosmetic procedures
🌎 Medical care outside the U.S.

🔄 Automatic Enrollment vs. Signing Up Yourself

When you turn 65, Medicare gives you two possible paths: 🚪 one opens automatically, the other requires you to take action. Knowing which path is yours can prevent expensive mistakes.

📋 The Dollar-by-Dollar View — What Automatic Enrollment Really Means

Think of automatic enrollment like a receipt 🧾 — line by line, it shows you what you’re paying and what you’re getting.

💳 If You’re Auto-Enrolled:

$0 — No cost to enroll (Medicare does it for you)
$174.70 — Standard Part B monthly premium in 2024 (deducted from Social Security check)
$0 — Part A premium if you’ve worked at least 40 quarters
$240 — Part B deductible each year before coverage starts paying

🖊️ If You Must Self-Enroll:

$0 — No application fee (sign-up is free)
10% — Lifetime Part B penalty for each year you delay enrollment
$505 — Monthly Part A premium if you’ve worked less than 30 quarters
63 days — Maximum gap allowed before Part D penalties start adding up

🎯 When Automatic Enrollment Helps (And When It Doesn’t)

Automatic enrollment sounds simple, but sometimes it works against you. Think of it like cruise control in your car 🚗 — convenient on the highway, but risky if you need to make sharp turns.

✅ Automatic Enrollment Benefits:

No paperwork or online applications
You can’t miss your enrollment window
Coverage starts smoothly without gaps

⚠️ When It Can Cause Problems:

You’re still working with good employer insurance
You’d rather delay Part B to avoid paying extra premiums
You’re covered through a spouse’s active employer plan

📅 Medicare Enrollment Timeline

Here’s a simple timeline seniors in every ZIP can follow to understand when to act:

Milestone	Timeline	Action Required	What Happens
3 months before 65	Initial Enrollment begins	Can start enrolling in Medicare	Coverage may begin your birthday month
Birthday month	Midpoint of window	Should already be enrolled or enrolling	Coverage starts 1st of next month if not enrolled early
3 months after 65	Initial Enrollment ends	Last chance without penalty	Coverage delays + late fees possible
After employer coverage ends	Within 8 months	Must show proof of creditable coverage	Avoid penalties with documentation

💡 Tip: Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before you turn 65. Don’t wait until the last minute — the earlier you act, the smoother your coverage will be.

📞 [Mid-Article CTA #1]: Your Initial Enrollment Period starts three months before you turn 65. Palmetto Mutual can walk you through it step by step so nothing slips through the cracks.

💡 Your Medicare Parts Explained: A, B, C, and D

When people first hear about Medicare, it can feel like trying to figure out a tangled set of light switches 💡. Each one powers a different part of your healthcare. Flip the right switches, and everything works. Leave one off, and you might be sitting in the dark.

💬 Michael’s Example
Michael thought Medicare would be automatic. He didn’t sign up for Part B on time and was hit with a penalty that raised his premiums for life. Now, he warns friends: “Don’t assume the government just does it for you — you have to take action.”

💡 Think of Medicare Like a Light Switch — Each Part Powers Different Coverage

Each Medicare part is like a switch controlling a room in your home 🏠. You need all the right switches flipped to keep your health fully covered.

🔘 Part A — Hospital Insurance (The Foundation Switch)

Covers inpatient hospital stays
Skilled nursing care (limited)
Hospice and home health services
Usually premium-free if you worked 40 quarters

🔘 Part B — Medical Insurance (Your Everyday Switch)

Doctor visits and outpatient care
Preventive services (screenings, checkups)
Medical equipment and supplies
Requires a monthly premium for everyone

🏥 Your Initial Enrollment Period: The 7-Month Window You Can’t Miss

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is like having a 7-day parking pass 🚗— if you miss it, you’ll get fined every time you park afterward.

📆 The Timeline Breakdown:

3 months before your 65th birthday month
Your birthday month
3 months after your birthday month

⚠️ Miss This Window And:

Part B premiums go up 10% for every year delayed
Part D premiums rise 1% per month delayed
You’ll face coverage gaps that could leave you with big medical bills
Penalties last for life

🔄 Parts C and D — Your Optional Add-Ons

If Parts A and B are the foundation, Parts C and D are the bonus switches that add comfort and convenience.

Part C — Medicare Advantage (All-in-One Switchboard)

Bundles A + B, often includes Part D
May add dental, vision, hearing coverage
Works through networks (HMO, PPO)
Lower premiums but more restrictions

Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage (The Medicine Cabinet Switch)

Helps cover prescription drug costs
Plans vary by ZIP and provider
Each plan has its own drug list (formulary)
Works with Original Medicare or bundled in Advantage

👉 Together, these switches create the full light system for your healthcare. The key is knowing which ones you need on from day one.

🧩 How Turning 65 Affects Your Current Health Insurance

Turning 65 and starting Medicare is like working on a big puzzle 🧩. Your existing health insurance is one piece, and Medicare is another. The way they fit together depends on your job, your spouse, and even which state you live in. If the pieces don’t line up, you could end up paying more than you should.

🧩 The Employer Coverage Puzzle Piece

Here’s how Medicare fits with employer insurance, depending on the size of the workplace:

🏢 Large employer (20+ employees): You can delay Part B without penalty because your job-based insurance stays primary.
👔 Small employer (under 20 employees): Medicare becomes primary, employer insurance secondary — if you skip Medicare, you could be left uncovered.
🛠️ Retiree coverage: Often works with Medicare, wrapping around it.
📉 COBRA: Usually more expensive than Medicare and doesn’t count as creditable coverage.

🧩 The Marketplace/ACA Puzzle Piece

If you bought coverage through the Marketplace (ACA/Obamacare), here’s what changes at 65:

❌ Premium tax credits end once you’re Medicare-eligible.
📅 You must cancel your Marketplace plan when Medicare begins.
⚠️ Keeping ACA instead of Medicare can trigger penalties.
💸 Subsidies vanish, leaving you with higher bills if you stay.

🚫 What Happens to Different Insurance Types

If You Have VA Benefits:

Can keep VA care alongside Medicare
Medicare helps with non-VA providers
Part D can broaden prescription coverage
Good idea to compare both systems

If You Have Medicaid:

May qualify as “dual eligible” (Medicare + Medicaid)
Medicaid can help pay your Medicare premiums
Extra Help is available for prescriptions
Programs vary widely by state

💵 Local Cost Surprise

📍 Costs can shift a lot by ZIP code. For example:

In 30331 Atlanta, a 65-year-old might see Plan G around $118/month
In 85308 Glendale, AZ, the same applicant could pay about $142/month

This shows why comparing local options matters — the puzzle pieces look different depending on where you live.

📞 [Mid-Article CTA #2]: Turning 65 doesn’t mean you need to retire — but it does mean you should review how Medicare fits with your current coverage. Palmetto Mutual can help you put the pieces together so you don’t overpay.

⏰ Key Deadlines Around Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period

Think of your Medicare deadlines like a security camera 📹 — always recording the dates that matter. If you miss a key moment, the camera doesn’t stop. Instead, it catches the mistake, and you may pay for it with penalties that stick for life.

💬 James’ Example
“I thought Social Security and Medicare went hand-in-hand. I wasn’t taking Social Security yet, so I didn’t realize I had to sign up for Medicare myself. I missed my Initial Enrollment Period and now I’m paying a penalty every month. If I could tell anyone turning 65 one thing — learn the rules before your birthday.”

📆 Critical Dates to Monitor

Here are the dates every senior should circle on their calendar 📅:

🕕 6 months before 65: Start researching plans and benefits.
🕒 3 months before 65: Initial Enrollment Period opens.
🎂 1st of your birthday month: Coverage can start if you enroll early.
🕞 3 months after 65: Last chance for timely enrollment without penalty.

⏰ How Your Health Coverage Changes at 65

When you blow out the candles, your insurance options shift — sometimes right away, sometimes later.

📍 Immediate Changes:

Medicare eligibility begins
Employer insurance may change roles
COBRA moves to secondary coverage
Marketplace subsidies end

📍 Delayed Changes (If Still Working):

Can postpone Part B if covered by large employer
Special Enrollment Period begins when you retire
8-month window to enroll penalty-free
Must show proof of continuous coverage

📊 Best Medicare Path by Situation

Here’s a quick guide to see which plan might fit based on your situation:

Your Situation	Best Medicare Path	Why This Works	What to Watch For
Still working (20+ employees)	Delay Part B, keep employer plan	Avoid double premiums	Must enroll within 8 months of retirement
Retired, healthy	Original Medicare + Plan G	Any doctor nationwide	Higher monthly premiums
On a fixed income	Medicare Advantage $0 premium plan	Lower upfront costs	Network restrictions
Taking many medications	Original Medicare + Part D + Plan G	Strong drug coverage + full Medicare	Need to check Part D drug list

📅 Special Circumstances That Change Your Timeline

Your deadlines may look different if:

You’re already on Medicare for disability, then turning 65
You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
You’re covered by a spouse’s employer plan
You live abroad when you turn 65

⚠️ Missing one of these deadlines can mean higher premiums for the rest of your life. The good news? With the right guidance, you’ll never have to worry about missing a key date.

💰 Understanding Costs: Premiums, Deductibles, and Copays

Starting Medicare at 65 is a lot like setting a clock ⏰ — some costs tick by every month, while others reset once a year. Knowing when and how these costs show up helps you avoid surprises and budget with confidence.

💬 Barbara’s Story
Barbara signed up for a Medicare plan after seeing a flashy TV ad. Weeks later, she learned her doctor and pharmacy weren’t covered. After switching to a local plan, she sighed with relief: “I wish I’d asked for help before choosing — it would have saved me a lot of trouble.”

⏰ The Clock Format — Your Medicare Costs Throughout the Year

🕛 Monthly Clock (Recurring Costs):

12:00 — Part B: $174.70 standard premium
3:00 — Part D: $35 average prescription plan
6:00 — Medigap (Plan G): $150 on average (varies by ZIP)
9:00 — Medicare Advantage: $0–45 is typical for many plans

📆 Annual Clock (One-Time Costs):

January — Deductibles reset: Part B $240, Part A $1,632 per benefit period
October — Time to shop: Compare plans for next year
November — Enrollment changes: Annual Enrollment Period
December — Final deadline: Lock in coverage for the next year

💵 Real Costs for Real People

Original Medicare (Parts A + B) Alone:

Part A: Usually $0 with work history, up to $505 if not
Part B: $174.70 base (higher if income-based)
20% coinsurance on most services, no maximum limit
No prescription drug coverage included

With Supplemental Coverage:

Medigap Plan G: About $100–200/month (varies by ZIP)
Part D: $10–100/month depending on plan
Predictable costs and nationwide coverage
Little to no bills when you actually need care

📞 [Mid-Article CTA #3]: If you miss your enrollment window, you could face lifetime penalties. Palmetto Mutual can help you avoid those costs and keep more money in your pocket.

🛡️ Supplemental Coverage Options: Medigap and Medicare Advantage

Medicare alone is like owning a smartphone without a case 📱. It works, but one drop can be costly. Supplemental coverage — Medigap or Medicare Advantage — acts like protection. Some give you full waterproof coverage (Medigap), while others are more water-resistant (Advantage). Choosing the right case depends on your lifestyle and budget.

💬 Carl’s Example
Friend: “Why didn’t you take Part B?”
Carl: “I thought I didn’t need it with my disability coverage. When I turned 65, I didn’t realize my situation changed. I had to fight to get coverage back — and it cost me. Now I tell everyone to double-check their Medicare choices when their birthday comes around.”

🛡️ Medigap (Full Waterproof Protection)

Covers almost all Medicare’s gaps 💧
Works with any doctor that takes Medicare
No networks or referrals needed
Higher monthly premium, but fewer surprise bills

🌊 Medicare Advantage (Water-Resistant Option)

Replaces Original Medicare entirely
Care is network-based (HMO or PPO)
Often includes extras like dental, vision, and hearing
Lower monthly costs, but higher bills if you go out-of-network

🎯 Key Decisions You’ll Need to Make in Your First 3 Months

Choosing between Medigap and Advantage is like choosing which road to drive 🚗 — both get you to healthcare, but the ride feels different.

Path 1 — Original Medicare + Medigap:

Freedom to see any doctor nationwide
Predictable, steady costs
Must add a Part D drug plan separately
Higher monthly premiums

Path 2 — Medicare Advantage:

All-in-one convenience
Extra perks like dental/vision
Lower monthly costs, higher usage costs
Networks may limit choices

📍 Local Rate Reality: From 19120 Philadelphia to 85032 Phoenix, costs differ even if you’re the same age and health. ZIP code pricing makes local comparisons a must.

⚖️ Comparing Your Supplemental Options

Best Times to Choose Medigap:

You travel often ✈️
You want to keep your favorite doctors 👨‍⚕️
You prefer steady, predictable bills 💵
You’re comfortable paying a higher monthly premium

Best Times to Choose Medicare Advantage:

You’re okay with provider networks 🏥
You want dental, vision, or hearing included 👂👓🦷
You’re on a fixed income 💳
You don’t travel much 🌍

🎁 Other Benefits That May Start at Age 65

Turning 65 doesn’t just open the door to Medicare — it can also unlock other programs and perks that help you save money and stay active. Think of it like a Venn diagram 🔄 where Medicare overlaps with other benefits. Some are unique to Medicare, some overlap with Social Security or state programs, and others are special “senior perks” you might not know about.

🔄 The Venn Diagram of Benefits at 65

⭕ Medicare-Only Circle:

Part A (hospital stays) 🏥
Part B (doctor visits & screenings) 👩‍⚕️
Part D (prescription coverage) 💊
Preventive services at no cost ✅

⭕ Overlapping Benefits Circle:

Social Security income (if you start it at 65) 💵
State pharmacy assistance programs 💊
Medicaid (for income-qualified seniors) 🏠
Employer retiree health benefits 🧑‍💼

⭕ Non-Medicare Benefits Circle:

Senior property tax exemptions 🏡
Reduced fares for public buses & trains 🚌🚎
Lifetime National Park passes 🌲
Senior center memberships & discounts 🎶

🏥 What Happens to Your Current Health Insurance

Your existing insurance may shift when Medicare begins:

Employer Insurance Coordination:

Large employers: Coverage may stay primary if you keep working
Small employers: Medicare becomes primary at 65
Retiree coverage: Usually wraps around Medicare
COBRA: Often unnecessary once Medicare starts

Other Insurance Changes:

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) 🚫: Can no longer contribute once Medicare begins
Marketplace plans ❌: Should be canceled at 65
VA benefits 🇺🇸: Continue alongside Medicare
TRICARE for Life 🎖️: Begins automatically once you enroll in Part B

📋 Coverage Qualification Checklist

Coverage Check Item	Yes	No	Action Needed
Must use in-network pharmacy	✓		Check your plan’s pharmacy list
Guaranteed issue Medigap eligibility	✓		Apply within 6 months of Part B
Must answer health questions for Medigap		✓	Only after initial open period
Part D premiums under $12/month available	✓		Compare local drug plans
Employer coverage ending soon	✓		Use 8-month Special Enrollment Period
Qualify for Extra Help program	?	?	Check local income limits

📞 [Mid-Article CTA #4]: Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Palmetto Mutual can help you sort through local benefits so you only pay for what you need.

🎁 Additional Programs You May Qualify For

Financial Assistance Programs:

Extra Help: Lowers prescription drug costs 💊
Medicare Savings Programs: Helps pay Part B premiums 💵
State Pharmaceutical Assistance: Available in some ZIPs 📍
Dual Eligibility: Full Medicaid + Medicare for those who qualify 🏠

⚠️ Avoiding Penalties and Coverage Gaps When You Enroll

Medicare is like a stage play 🎭 — most of what you see is simple: sign up, pick a plan, and you’re covered. But behind the curtain, hidden rules can surprise you with penalties if you don’t act on time. The key to protecting yourself is knowing the rules before the show begins.

🎭 Pull Back the Curtain — Hidden Penalties Most People Don’t Expect

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty:

📈 Premium goes up 10% for each 12-month delay
⏳ Penalty lasts your entire lifetime
💵 Added to your monthly premium forever
✅ Avoidable only with creditable coverage proof

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty:

💲 1% of the national base premium for each month delayed
📅 Recalculated annually as the base changes
⏳ Also permanent for life
⚠️ Applies even if you don’t take prescriptions right now

⚠️ Costs to Expect at 65: Premiums, Deductibles, and Late Penalties

Here’s a quick look at common costs seniors face at 65:

Standard Costs at 65:

Part A: $0 with work history (up to $505/month if not)
Part B: $174.70/month base (more if income is higher)
Part D: $35/month average ($0–100+ depending on plan)
Medigap: $75–300/month depending on ZIP and plan

Penalty Costs If You Wait:

Part B: +$17.47/month per year delayed
Part D: +$4/month per year delayed (approximate)
Coverage gaps: Can leave you paying unlimited bills out of pocket
Medigap: May require health questions or deny coverage later

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself from Penalties

Think of this step as locking your front door 🏡 — simple actions keep out trouble.

📂 Document Everything:

Keep employer coverage letters
Save creditable coverage notices
Track your enrollment dates
Request confirmation numbers

✅ Know Your Exceptions:

Large employer coverage still active
Union coverage in place
Living abroad temporarily
Qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period

👉 With the right steps, you can step onto the Medicare stage with confidence — no hidden penalties waiting behind the curtain.

🚦 Steps to Take Now to Make Turning 65 a Smooth Transition

Enrolling in Medicare today looks very different than it did a generation ago. Think of it like upgrading from a paper road map to GPS 🔄 — the old way worked, but the new way is faster, smarter, and keeps you from getting lost.

🔄 Old Way / New Way — Medicare Enrollment Then vs. Now

🕰️ Old Way (What Your Parents Did):

Waited for a Medicare card to show up in the mail
Assumed one-size-fits-all coverage
Stood in line at the Social Security office
Picked plans based on TV commercials

💻 New Way (Smart Enrollment Today):

Start researching 6 months before turning 65
Compare plans using online tools and advisors
Talk with a licensed agent who knows your local ZIP options
Choose based on personal health and budget, not hype

✅ Extra Benefits You May Now Qualify For

New Preventive Benefits:

Annual wellness visits 👩‍⚕️
Free cancer screenings 🎗️
Diabetes prevention programs 🍎
Cardiovascular disease screenings ❤️

Expanded Coverage Options:

Telehealth visits from home 💻
Mental health services 🧠
Substance abuse treatment 🚫
Obesity counseling & therapy 🏃

📋 Your Pre-65 Action Checklist

6 Months Before 65:

Create a MyMedicare.gov account
Gather work history for eligibility
List current medications 💊
Start researching plan types

3 Months Before 65:

Compare local Medicare Advantage & Medigap plans
Check if your doctors are in-network 👨‍⚕️
Calculate total monthly costs 💵
Speak with a licensed advisor

At 65:

Confirm your enrollment is complete ✅
Double-check your coverage start date
Save all plan documents in one folder 📂
Review your plan every year during open enrollment

📞 [Mid-Article CTA #5]: We’ll guide you step-by-step so your 65th year starts with confidence, not confusion. Palmetto Mutual is just a phone call away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare for People Turning 65

Even with all the guides and timelines, many seniors still have lingering questions as their 65th birthday approaches. Here are some of the most common ones — answered simply and clearly.

🤔 I’m not ready to decide today — can I still get the information without pressure?

Yes! You can request educational materials and speak with a licensed Medicare agent without signing up for a plan right away.

💊 Can I use my current pharmacy after I enroll in Medicare?

That depends on the plan you choose. Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans each have their own pharmacy networks. Always check to make sure your local pharmacy is included.

📝 Is there a paper form I can fill out instead of doing this online?

Yes. You can enroll using paper applications that can be mailed in, or completed with the help of a Medicare agent.

📞 Will I have to keep calling different people every year?

Not if you work with a dedicated Medicare agent. They can review your plan annually and act as your single point of contact.

🪪 What happens if I lose my Medicare ID card or plan paperwork?

You can request a replacement card directly from Medicare or your plan provider — online, by phone, or through an agent.

📦 My friend said something about “units” — what does that mean in Medicare?

Some plans use “units” to measure things like prescription drugs or services. For example, insulin may be measured in units per vial, or therapy in units per session.

👥 Can someone come explain Medicare to me in person if I’m unsure?

Yes, many local licensed agents offer free in-person Medicare consultations.

🔄 How do I cancel if I feel like I picked the wrong Medicare plan?

You can switch or drop plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7), or sometimes during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.

⏳ What’s the benefit of signing up early instead of waiting until my birthday month?

Enrolling before your birthday ensures your coverage starts on time and helps you avoid late penalties.

📱 Do I have to reapply if I change phone numbers after joining Medicare?

No, but you should update your contact information so Medicare and your plan can reach you.

🗺️ Final CTA Block — “We’re the Light on Your Medicare Journey”

Turning 65 can feel like sailing into unfamiliar waters 🌊. The letters from Medicare arrive, the phone rings with strangers offering plans, and your mailbox fills with flyers. Without a guide, it’s easy to drift toward the wrong choice.

At Palmetto Mutual, we see ourselves as the lighthouse 🏝️ — steady, local, and always here to guide you safely to shore.

✅ We’ll help you understand:

What changes at 65
What stays the same
Which Medicare plans truly fit your health, budget, and lifestyle

So instead of worrying about penalties, deadlines, or picking the wrong plan, you can enjoy your 65th birthday the way it was meant to be — with peace of mind and a clear path forward. 🎂✨

📞 [Final CTA Closer]: Your 65th birthday should be about celebrating — not stressing over insurance. Let’s make sure you understand exactly what happens, what’s required, and how to lock in a Medicare plan that fits your life.