In today’s episode, I sit down with Jason Hrzich, a Senior Solutions Consultant with American Senior Benefits who specializes in helping seniors navigate the confusing world of Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap (Supplement) plans, drug plans, penalties, enrollment periods, and more.Jason brings a calm, educational approach to a system that overwhelms many people turning 65 or retiring. Throughout our conversation, he breaks down complex Medicare rules in a clear, practical way and shares why having an independent agent advocate for you can save people from costly penalties and long-term mistakes.We discuss how enrollment timelines work, how Advantage and Supplement plans differ, how drug plans fit into the picture, and why New York’s unique “guaranteed issue” rules are so important. Jason also talks about what makes independent agents different from captive agents, why annual reviews are essential, and what people should know before responding to mail or phone solicitations during open enrollment.Timeline Summary00:45 What Medicare Advantage enrollment looks like02:00 Comparing Medicare Advantage and Supplement (Medigap) plans03:00 Why Medigap exists and how it fills the 20% gap04:30 Cost structure, premiums, and why people prefer Supplement plans06:00 Freedom from networks — any doctor accepting Medicare07:00 How drug plans (Part D) fit in08:00 Penalties: Part B vs. Part D and how they’re calculated10:30 Why COBRA creates confusion for people turning 6512:30 Creditable coverage and employer rules — avoiding lifelong penalties14:30 State differences: New York vs. Florida and guaranteed issue rules16:30 Why switching plans is easier in New York18:00 Jason’s Medicare seminars and education-focused approach20:00 CMS rules on seminar costs and avoiding sales pressure22:00 Scams, phone solicitations, and what Medicare will never do24:00 Annual enrollment: what changes and why reviews matter26:00 Jason’s role as an advocate and “agent of record.”28:00 Independent vs. captive agents — what buyers need to know30:00 Jason’s 5-star reviews and why people trust him32:00 The emotional side of helping seniors feel secure33:30 Why no one should navigate Medicare alone36:00 Open enrollment workloads and how he manages new clients38:00 Enrollment timelines: turning 65 vs. annual windows41:00 How to contact Jason for help and consultations5 Key Takeaways1. Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans Work Very DifferentlyJason explains that Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one, network-based alternative to Medicare, while Medigap (Supplement) plans simply cover the 20% Medicare doesn’t — with no networks and fewer surprises.2. Penalties Can Be Permanent — and CostlyFailing to enroll in Part B or Part D on time can trigger lifetime penalties, often because people misunderstand employer coverage or rely on incorrect advice.3. New York’s Guaranteed Issue Rules Protect ConsumersUnlike most states, New Yorkers can switch from Medicare Advantage to a Supplement plan without medical underwriting — even after major health changes.4. Independent Agents Offer More ChoiceUnlike captive agents who can only sell one company’s plans, independent agents like Jason compare all available carriers, making the recommendation truly based on the client’s needs.5. Annual Reviews Are EssentialPlan costs, drug formularies, and benefits change every year. Jason reviews each client’s plan annually, ensuring they’re always in the best option for their medications, doctors, and budget.Links & ResourcesLanding Page (Seminars & Google Reviews):americanseniorbenefitsjh.medicaremeetup.comFacebook Page:facebook.com/people/Jason-Hrzich-American-Senior-Benefits/61576862642188/Contact Jason:📞 Cell: 516-314-1961📧 Email: jhrzich@asb.insureOffice:119 N. Park Ave, Suite 210Rockville Centre, NY 11570