When should I enroll in Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period generally begins 3 months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and continues for 3 months after your birthday month. If you are still working and covered by qualifying group health coverage based on current employment, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Your enrollment timing depends on your circumstances.

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

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through a private Medicare-approved plan and may include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits. Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, works with Original Medicare to help pay certain Medicare cost-sharing expenses. The two types of coverage work differently and may fit different healthcare and financial needs.

Do I have to pay for Kidwell Insurance Services?

There is no direct fee to clients for our insurance guidance and enrollment assistance. Insurance carriers generally compensate licensed agents when a client enrolls in a plan they represent. Carrier compensation does not increase the plan's premium.

Can I switch Medicare plans?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to change Medicare coverage during certain enrollment periods. The Medicare Annual Election Period generally runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. Medicare Advantage enrollees may also have certain opportunities to make changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31. Other Special Enrollment Periods may apply.

What if my doctors are not in the plan's network?

Before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, it is important to verify that your doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers participate in the specific plan's network. Network rules vary by plan. Medicare Supplement insurance works with Original Medicare, which generally allows you to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, subject to Medicare's rules.

Expert Medicare Insurance Guidance for Seniors

Partner with us to access personalized Medicare solutions designed to protect your health, simplify coverage decisions, and give you confidence for the future.

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About

A Medicare Insurance Agency With Empowering Healthcare Solutions

At Kidwell Insurance Agency, we are committed to helping seniors throughout Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Francisco, and Alameda counties find Medicare solutions that fit their unique needs and goals. With personalized, local guidance and industry expertise, we make the process simple, clear, and stress-free.

Our approach is built on trust, education, and long-term relationships. We take the time to understand each client's healthcare needs, budget, and concerns so we can recommend coverage options with confidence and clarity. Whether you're in San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Morgan Hill, or anywhere else in the Bay Area, our team is dedicated to providing dependable support and exceptional service every step of the way.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and provide an alternative to Original Medicare.

Learn About Advantage Plans

Medicare Supplement Plans

Supplement plans cover costs Original Medicare doesn't, like copays and deductibles. We help you choose from Plans A–N to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.

Learn About Supplement Plans

Part D Prescription Drug Plan

Prescription costs can vary wildly between plans. We analyze your specific medications to find a Part D plan that keeps your drug costs as low as possible.

Learn About Drug Plans

Our Process

Three steps from first call to full confidence in your coverage — with a licensed agent by your side the whole way.

Call us or fill out the form. We listen to your health needs, budget, and current doctors — no pressure, no obligation.

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Free Consultation

We research plans available in your area from multiple carriers and present a clear, side-by-side comparison tailored to you.

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Plan Comparison & Expert Guidance

We handle the paperwork and enrollment process with you, and stay in your corner long after you're covered.

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Enroll With Confidence

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Turning 65 Soon? Your Medicare Journey Starts Here.

Turning 65 is an important milestone, and understanding your Medicare insurance options doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're retiring, continuing to work, or simply exploring your choices, Kidwell Insurance Agency is here to provide clear, personalized guidance. We'll help you understand Medicare Parts A, B, C, D, and Medicare Supplement plans so you can make confident decisions based on your healthcare needs and budget.

Visit our Turning 65 Resource Center to learn what steps to take, important enrollment deadlines, and how to avoid costly penalties—all with expert, local support every step of the way.

Turning 65? Start Here

Medicare Questions, Answered

Have a question not listed here? Call us — we're happy to help.

Your Initial Enrollment Period begins 3 months before you turn 65 and extends 3 months after. Enrolling during this window avoids late penalties. If you're still working and covered by an employer plan, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. We can help you determine the right time to enroll.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare through a private insurer and often bundles dental, vision, and prescription coverage. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover its gaps, like deductibles and coinsurance. Both have pros and cons depending on your health needs and budget — that's exactly what we're here to help you sort out.
No, our guidance is completely free to you. We are licensed independent brokers compensated by the insurance carriers. This compensation does not affect your premium; you pay the same whether you use an agent or apply directly. Our goal is to find the plan that genuinely fits you best.
Yes. Each year during the Annual Election Period (October 15 – December 7), you can switch between Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare. Some plan changes are also available during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31). We review your coverage annually to make sure you're still in the best plan for your needs.
Keeping your doctors is a top priority. Before recommending any plan, we verify that your current physicians and preferred hospitals are in-network. If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, you can generally see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide, no network restrictions.

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Life Insurance

Protect the People Who Depend on You

A single policy can mean the difference between your family staying afloat and starting over. Kidwell Insurance helps you find affordable term, whole, and universal life coverage from top-rated carriers — with a local agent guiding you every step of the way.

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