(NBC) - You or your parents may be approaching an age where some big decisions have to be made about how, when and where you'll get medical care after retirement.
All of us pay Medicare tax but the same can't be said about how Medicare works.
"I read an article just recently that said 82 percent of seniors are confused about Medicare, I think that is about 18 points short," said John Hill of Gateway Retirement, a Medicare expert.
You migh be confused and probably intimidated.
But, as long as you remember that sign-up occurs three months before or after their 65th birthday, Hill says you'll be OK.
"You need to be active and not just let things happen because that is how people get penalties," said Hill.
He helps people navigate the Medicare maze and sells the insurance people need above and beyond basic Medicare.
Plus, he offers advice on whether to go with original or Medicare Advantage.
"Medicare Advantage will change every year. They will change their networks, doctors can go in and out of networks if they want to," said Hill.
What you're being taxed for now is Medicare A for hospital stays after age 65.
Medicare B is the government insurance you'll probably need to pay doctors and other providers after retirement.
All of this is found on the Medicare.gov website.
Medicare.gov also offers free assistance programs in every state.