Medicare
Medicare Help in Colorado From a Broker Who Speaks Plain English
Lighthouse Group is an independent, family-owned Medicare broker in Colorado that compares Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plans across multiple carriers, so you can choose coverage based on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget instead of TV ads and a mailbox full of flyers.
Medicare Guidance for Turning 65, Retiring, or Rethinking Your Plan
Whether you're turning 65, leaving an employer plan, or opening an Annual Notice of Change that doesn't make sense, we'll help you understand where to start. As a Medicare broker in Colorado, we explain Parts A, B, C, and D from the ground up, then compare the Medicare plans we represent that are available in your county.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, fall is an important time to review your coverage. Medicare Advantage plans can change benefits, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, and costs from year to year, and the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7, is your opportunity to make changes for the following year.
If you have a Medicare Supplement, there's no annual enrollment period for your supplement. The only thing you'd typically review in the fall is your Part D prescription drug plan.
DJ works with all of our Medicare clients, so you'll have the same advisor from your first turning-65 conversation through every plan review after that.
What Colorado Medicare Clients Say About Lighthouse Group
Choosing a Medicare plan isn't a one-time decision.
It's about knowing someone will still answer when your plan changes, a prescription isn't covered, or a bill shows up that you don't understand.
With
five-star Google reviews, Lighthouse Group has built its reputation around responsive communication, straightforward explanations, and helping clients understand their options without pressure.
Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement: Which Fits You Better?
Most people on Medicare choose between two paths. Neither is right for everyone, and the best fit depends on your doctors, prescriptions, budget, travel habits, and the plans available where you live.
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Medicare Advantage
An alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare-approved plan
Medicare Advantage plans, also called Part C, are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Depending on the plan, they may include provider networks, prescription drug coverage, and additional benefits. Costs such as premiums, copays, coinsurance, and annual out-of-pocket limits vary by plan. Because these plans can change from year to year, the Annual Enrollment Period is when most Medicare Advantage members review their coverage.
When comparing Medicare Advantage plans, we look at factors such as:
- Whether your doctors and healthcare facilities participate in the plan's network
- Premiums and potential out-of-pocket costs
- Prescription drug coverage
- Plan benefits and rules
- How the plan works when you travel
Medicare Supplement
Coverage that works alongside Original Medicare
Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, help pay certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. You generally continue to use Original Medicare and may purchase a separate Part D prescription drug plan. Supplement plans aren't tied to an annual enrollment period, so once you have one, there's no yearly deadline to track for your supplement.
When comparing Medicare Supplement coverage, we look at factors such as:
- Monthly premiums
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Access to providers who accept Medicare
- Travel needs
- Timing and possible medical underwriting requirements
Timing matters. Depending on when you apply, moving from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement coverage may involve medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed-issue right or another protected enrollment opportunity. That's also true for Supplement members who want to change carriers. The Annual Enrollment Period doesn't create a guaranteed right to switch Supplement plans.
Provider networks can also vary by plan and county. DJ reviews current provider-network information for the plans we represent so you can understand whether your preferred doctors and healthcare facilities participate before you enroll.
Meet DJ, Your Medicare Advisor
DJ works with every Medicare client at Lighthouse Group. He'll walk you through Parts A, B, C, and D, compare the plans we represent across multiple carriers, and stay your point of contact year after year. He also helps with life insurance and final expense coverage, so one advisor can help with more of your retirement planning.:
Why Colorado Retirees Work With Lighthouse Group
Independent Advice
We're an independent brokerage, so we compare Medicare plans across multiple carriers rather than steering you toward one company's lineup.
Medicare Explained in Plain English
Medicare has more letters than a Scrabble bag. We start at the beginning and explain what each part does before you choose anything, and we'll go back over it as many times as you need.
Fast, Proactive Communication
Something that should be simple sets us apart: we answer people and call them back. If you have Medicare Advantage, we'll review your plan's changes with you before Annual Enrollment. If you have a Supplement, we'll check that your Part D plan still fits your prescriptions.
Family-Owned Since 2015
Lighthouse Group is a family-owned and operated Colorado brokerage. You work with the same small team year after year, and the advisor who handles your Medicare can also help with life insurance and final expense coverage.
No-Pressure Guidance
You've probably had enough Medicare sales calls for one lifetime. Our process is built around consultation, research, review, and enrollment, so you understand every option before anyone asks you to enroll.
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What Should I Do Before I Turn 65?
Start earlier than you think. Your Initial Enrollment Period opens three months before your 65th birthday month, but we like to start the conversation six months to a year ahead. That gives you time to learn how Medicare works, compare your options, and make decisions without a deadline breathing down your neck.
Here's the turning-65 timeline DJ walks clients through:
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6 to 12 months before 65: Start learning how Parts A, B, C, and D work, and find out whether your current employer coverage affects when you should enroll. If you're still working and covered by an employer plan with 20 or more employees, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty.
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About 6 months before 65: Choose your path, Original Medicare with a Supplement and a Part D plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan, and check your doctors and prescriptions against every plan you're considering.
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Mark your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which lasts six months starting the month you're 65 and enrolled in Part B. It's the best window to buy a Supplement without health questions.
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Once you're 65 and enrolled in Part B: Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins. It's the best window to buy a Supplement without health questions.
Missing certain Medicare enrollment deadlines can lead to long-term penalties. The Part B late enrollment penalty adds 10% to your premium for each full year you delayed, for as long as you have Part B.
Key Medicare Dates to Know
Initial Enrollment Period
Seven months, starting three months before your 65th birthday month
Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 through December 7, for changing Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, or switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1 through March 31, for Medicare Advantage members only
About Lighthouse Group
A Local, Family-Run Brokerage in a Sea of Medicare Mailers
Lighthouse Group is based in Colorado Springs, and owners Mandy and DJ work directly with clients. Since 2015, we've focused on making insurance easier to understand through honest guidance, responsive communication, and a no-pressure approach.
We're also an affiliate and sponsor of the Financial Planning Association of Southern Colorado. When your retirement planning goes beyond Medicare, we can also help with final expense insurance and connect you with trusted local financial professionals.
Medicare Help Across Colorado
Lighthouse Group is based in Colorado Springs and works with Medicare beneficiaries and their families throughout Colorado.
Plan availability and provider networks vary by county, so we compare the plans we represent that are available where you live. Most consultations happen virtually, and adult children are welcome to join the call.
We serve clients throughout the Front Range, mountain communities, and the Western Slope, including:
Medicare guidance close to home, with network checks for UCHealth Memorial and Penrose-St. Francis.
Medicare Advantage and Supplement comparisons throughout the Denver metro.
Medicare help for retirees in Fort Collins, Loveland, and across Larimer County.
Medicare plan comparisons throughout Pueblo and Pueblo County, with in-person meetings in Colorado Springs by request.
Medicare guidance for Eagle County retirees, where network options differ from the Front Range.
Medicare support for Northwest Colorado's growing retiree community throughout Routt County.
Medicare Advantage and Supplement guidance for Mesa County and the Western Slope.
We work with clients statewide, so you don't need to be near our Colorado Springs office to work with us.
Four Steps From Turning 65 to Covered
1: Consultation
You'll meet with DJ, who works with all of our Medicare clients. He'll talk through your doctors, prescriptions, health, budget, travel plans, and any coverage you have now.
2: Research
We compare Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D options across multiple carriers, and review provider and prescription drug information for the plans we represent.
3: Review
We walk through your shortlist together so you understand premiums, copays, out-of-pocket limits, and networks before you decide.
4: Enrollment
Once you've chosen, we help with the enrollment and track your deadlines. After that, DJ is still your first call. Each fall, he'll review your Medicare Advantage plan or your Part D coverage with you, depending on which path you chose.
What People Ask Before Choosing a Medicare Plan
When can I change my Medicare plan?
It depends on your coverage. Medicare Advantage members can make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7, with coverage starting January 1, and can also switch plans or return to Original Medicare once between January 1 and March 31. If you have a Medicare Supplement, there's no annual enrollment period for your supplement, but you can change your Part D plan during Annual Enrollment. Certain life events, like moving or losing other coverage, can open a Special Enrollment Period.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement?
Sometimes, but timing matters. Outside certain guaranteed-issue situations or your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, a Medicare Supplement insurer may use medical underwriting and may not approve your application. We can help you review the options available to you before you make changes to your current coverage.
Do I need a Part D plan if I have a Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Supplement plans generally do not include prescription drug coverage. If you want Medicare prescription drug coverage, you would typically enroll in a separate Part D plan. Going without creditable prescription drug coverage when you're eligible may result in a late-enrollment penalty.
My Medicare Advantage plan is changing next year. What should I do?
Start by reviewing your Annual Notice of Change. It explains changes to your plan's costs, benefits, provider network, and prescription drug coverage for the coming year. During Annual Enrollment, DJ can help you compare your current plan with other Medicare options available in your area so you can decide whether to keep or change your coverage.
Do I have to understand all of my options before contacting you?
No. We'll start with your current coverage, doctors, prescriptions, budget, and questions, then explain the Medicare options we represent in plain English. You decide whether any change makes sense for you.
Is there a Medicare broker near me?
Lighthouse Group is based in Colorado Springs and works with Medicare clients throughout Colorado, primarily through virtual consultations. In-person meetings at our Colorado Springs office are available by request. Medicare plan availability varies by county, so we'll review the plans we represent that are available where you live.
Get Started
Trade the Stack of Medicare Mailers for One Clear Plan
Medicare shouldn't feel like a test you didn't study for.
Tell us about your doctors, prescriptions, and what matters most to you in retirement. We'll research the plans we represent that are available in your county, compare the ones that may fit your needs, and explain the differences in plain English.
Turning 65 in the next year? It's a great time to start the conversation. And bring your questions, even the ones that feel too basic to ask. That's exactly where we like to start.
Call: 719-645-6281
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