Turning 65? Understand Medicare Before You Make a Costly Mistake

Medicare Isn’t Just About Premiums

Many retirees focus only on monthly premiums without realizing how costs can change during a surgery year, specialist-heavy year, or prescription-heavy year.

This workshop helps you understand what Medicare could realistically cost over time before you enroll, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Most People Approaching Medicare Run Into the Same Problems

• Too many conflicting opinions
• Confusing deadlines and penalties
• Unclear costs
• Pressure from advertisements and mailers
• Uncertainty about what happens later if health needs change

This workshop is designed to help you slow things down, understand how Medicare works, and avoid making decisions based only on advertisements or assumptions.

What We’ll Walk Through

• What Medicare actually covers and what it doesn’t
• The key enrollment decisions and deadlines
• Common mistakes that can create penalties or unexpected costs later
• How to think about your total costs, not just premiums
• Transitioning from employer coverage to Medicare step-by-step
• How Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage work
• Basics of prescription coverage (Part D)

What to Expect at the Workshop

• 60-minute session
• Small group setting (limited to 20 people)
• Held in-person at Sams Ranch in Decatur
• No pressure or obligation
• Time to ask personal questions
• Spouses and guests are welcome

These no-cost workshops are designed for individuals turning 65 and those preparing to retire.

Location: 4150 Sandcreek Road, Decatur, IL 62521

Light snacks and bottled water are available.

Start With Clarity, Then Decide What’s Right for You

You do not need to have everything figured out before attending.

This workshop is simply a place to:

• Understand how Medicare works
• Get clear answers to your questions
• Feel more confident about your next steps

What Attendees Are Saying

“Michael is very clear and concise, and he’s all about making you thankful you came. There’s absolutely no pressure whatsoever.”
–Cathe Kellogg, past seminar attendee

“There’s absolutely no charge, he walks you through step-by-step, and he made Medicare simple and easy. Everybody has to go!”
–Sandee Moyer, past seminar attendee

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend?

If you are approaching retirement, turning 65, or planning ahead for Medicare in the next few years, this workshop is designed for you. Spouses are encouraged to attend together.

Is this a sales presentation?

No. This is an educational workshop designed to help you understand Medicare clearly before making decisions. There is no obligation and no products are presented during the session.

What will I learn?

We cover the parts of Medicare, enrollment timing, penalties, costs, Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage, prescription coverage, and common retirement planning considerations.

Why should I listen to Michael Sams?

Michael Sams is a licensed insurance agent, 8-time Agent of the Year award winner, and has helped more than 1,000 Central Illinois clients navigate Medicare and retirement decisions.

For over 40 years, Sams/Hockaday & Associates has helped Central Illinois families make informed Medicare decisions with clarity and long-term support.

You can read testimonials here.

Reserve Your Seat

Workshops are kept intentionally small to allow time for questions and discussion.