Ask Auntie Pine Medicare Questions Part 1
Dear Auntie Pine… My Sister Is Almost Medicare Age (And I’m Never Letting Her Forget It)
Dear Auntie Pine,
My sister is almost Medicare age. I say “almost” because if she reads this, she’ll remind me she’s still “young.”
Being the loving little sister that I am, I’d like to casually remind her that she probably needs to get her Medicare ducks in a row… preferably before she’s buried under a mountain of mail that all says, “IMPORTANT MEDICARE INFORMATION!”
Besides buying her “Happy 65th” balloons and reminding her she’s older than me every chance I get, what should she actually know? And is there someone local she should talk to before she accidentally signs up for something because a television commercial told her to?
—The Younger (and Obviously Favorite) Sister
Dear Favorite Sister…
First of all…
Congratulations on having an older sister. That means you get to lovingly remind her of this milestone for the rest of your lives.
Now don’t go getting her a walker just yet.
Turning 65 isn’t about getting old.
It’s about making sure your health insurance doesn’t become an unexpected adventure.
Since Medicare has approximately 437 parts, 18,000 television commercials, and enough confusing mail to keep your recycling bin employed full-time, I called in someone who actually knows what he’s talking about.
Meet Caleb Huskins with The Insurance Center in Southern Pines.
He’s a Moore County native, Medicare advisor, and one of those rare people who actually enjoys explaining insurance without making your eyes glaze over.
Naturally… I had questions.
Auntie Pine:
“So…when should people actually start thinking about Medicare?”
Caleb didn’t even hesitate.
Six months before turning 65.
Not six weeks.
Not when the Medicare card magically appears in your mailbox.
Six months.
That gives you time to learn your options without feeling rushed into making a decision that affects your healthcare for years to come.
Auntie Pine Translation:
If you wait until the last minute…
You’ll panic.
You’ll Google.
You’ll panic some more.
Let’s avoid that.
“What’s the biggest mistake people make?”
This answer surprised me.
Caleb says one of the biggest mistakes is assuming Original Medicare covers everything.
Spoiler Alert…
It doesn’t.
Many people don’t realize Original Medicare generally pays about 80% of covered outpatient medical costs—meaning you’re responsible for the remaining 20%, and there isn’t an automatic cap on those out-of-pocket expenses. Depending on your situation, additional coverage such as a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan may help limit those costs. That’s one reason it’s important to understand your options before you enroll.
Translation…
Read the fine print before your hospital bill does it for you.
“Can I just call one of those TV commercials?”
Caleb laughed.
Then politely said…
Please don’t make that your first choice.
Here’s why he recommends working with someone local:
✔ They understand how plans work right here in Moore County.
✔ You can actually sit down face-to-face.
✔ If you have questions later, you know exactly who you’re calling.
✔ And perhaps most importantly…
You’re not just another phone number in a national call center.
As Caleb put it, his clients know where to find him—in his Downtown Southern Pines office—and they have his direct number when they need help.
That’s pretty hard to beat.
Auntie Pine Tip 💗
If your age starts with a 6 and ends with a 4 or 5, don’t wait until your mailbox looks like Medicare exploded.
Start asking questions early.
Your future self will thank you.
And yes…
You still get to tease your older sister.
Just make sure you also remind her to make an appointment.
Meet This Month’s Local Expert
Caleb Huskins
Insurance Advisor
The Insurance Center
Caleb joined the insurance center in 2023. A Moore County native, he graduated from Union Pines High School and later North Carolina State University with a degree in Communication. After receiving his diploma, he spent several years working as an insurance agent in Winston-Salem before returning home to the Sandhills. Caleb is licensed in all lines of insurance including Home, Auto, Farm, Business, Life, Health, Medicare, and Long-Term Care. He enjoys playing golf in his free time and spending time with his wife and daughter at home.
📞 Office: 910-692-9251
📱 Mobile: 910-724-3795
📧 caleb@sandhills-ins.com
If you’re approaching Medicare—or helping a spouse, sibling or parent navigate it—Caleb is happy to answer questions and help you understand your options without pressure.
The Insurance Center has been proud to serve Moore County residents from our office in Downtown Southern Pines since 1980. We are an independent agency, meaning we do not work for an insurance company, we work for you! Our duty is always to our client’s best interest. As your insurance agents, it is our responsibility to provide you the best service and best coverage at the best possible price.
Next Ask Auntie Pine issue we will tackle…
We’ll tackle the questions everyone is afraid to ask:
“What’s the difference between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap…and why do I suddenly feel like I need a dictionary?”
More Laughs and Fun from Ask Auntie Pine:
Medicare doesn’t have to be Scary Part 1
Medicare doesn’t have to be Scary Part 2
Medicare doesn’t have to be Scary Part 3
Auntie Pine’s Must-Know Guide for Women in Their Menopause Era in The Pines
Line Dancing through Midlife with Lisa of Red, White and Boots Line Dancing
