Serving Bend, La Pine, Sunriver & All of Central Oregon
Local Medicare Help in Central Oregon
Turning 65? Changing plans? Our licensed agents in La Pine and Bend help you cut through the confusion — and find the coverage that fits your life and your budget. At no charge to you.
Virtual, phone, or in-person appointments available · No obligation to enroll
Turning 65? Here’s What You Need to Know First.
Medicare enrollment isn’t automatic for everyone — and the decisions you make during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) can affect your premiums for the rest of your life. Missing your window without qualifying employer coverage can trigger permanent late penalties on Part B and Part D.
Your 7-Month Window
Your IEP opens 3 months before your birthday month, includes your birthday month, and closes 3 months after — a total of 7 months.
Enroll Early for Smoother Coverage
Enrolling in the first 3 months of your IEP means your coverage starts the month you turn 65 — no gap, no delay.
Still Working at 65?
If you or your spouse are covered under an active employer health plan, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty. Rules are specific — ask your agent.
Your Medicare Timeline: Aging into Coverage
A simple month-by-month guide for anyone turning 65
12 months out
Start Learning
Research the four parts of Medicare (A, B, C, D) and understand how each one works. Decide whether you plan to retire at 65 or keep working.
9 months out
Check Social Security
Confirm whether you’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, your Medicare card arrives in the mail — no action needed for Parts A & B.
6 months out
Meet with an Agent
This is the sweet spot. Review your current coverage, doctor network, and prescriptions with a licensed Medicare agent. Compare Medicare Advantage, Supplement, and Part D options side-by-side — at no cost to you.
Book your free consultation →3 months out
IEP Opens
Your Initial Enrollment Period officially begins. Enroll now for the smoothest coverage start date — effective the month you turn 65. Waiting until your birthday month or later delays your coverage start.
Birthday month
You Turn 65 🎉
Happy Birthday! If you enrolled during the first three months of your IEP, your coverage is active. Review your Medicare card and confirm your plan details.
+3 months
IEP Closes
Your Initial Enrollment Period ends. Enrolling after this window without qualifying employer coverage can trigger permanent late penalties on Part B and Part D premiums.
Get Started with Medicare in 3 Steps
Learn the Basics
Understand Parts A, B, C, and D — what each covers, what it costs, and how they fit together.
Learn About the Parts →Check Your Eligibility
Three pathways to Medicare: turning 65, a qualifying disability, or end-stage renal disease. Know your starting point.
Check Eligibility →Choose Your Coverage
This is where a local agent makes the biggest difference. We compare every option available in your area — Advantage, Supplements, and Part D.
Book Free Appointment →Medicare Plan Options Explained
Every person’s health needs and budget are different. Here’s a plain-English overview of your main choices.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
The government foundation. Part A covers hospital stays; Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. Most other Medicare options build on top of this.
Learn More →Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Private plans that bundle Part A, Part B, and often Part D. Many include vision, dental, and hearing benefits Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Learn More →Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Fills the gaps Original Medicare leaves — deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — so your out-of-pocket costs are more predictable.
Learn More →Medicare Part D (Prescription Drugs)
Stand-alone drug plans that work alongside Original Medicare or a Supplement plan. Formularies and costs vary significantly — comparison is essential.
Learn More →Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 – December 7, 2026 · Changes effective January 1, 2027
What You Can Do During AEP
- ✓ Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- ✓ Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- ✓ Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
- ✓ Join, switch, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan
How to Prepare Right Now
- ✓ Watch for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter in September
- ✓ Verify your doctors and pharmacy are still in-network for 2027
- ✓ Review your drug formulary — tiers can change
- ✓ Compare all available plans with a local agent before December 7
Free · No obligation · Virtual, phone, or in-person
Serving Central Oregon — In Person & Virtually
Our office is based in La Pine, and we work with Medicare beneficiaries throughout the region — including Bend, Sunriver, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, Klamath Falls, and surrounding communities. Whether you prefer to meet in person, hop on a video call, or just pick up the phone, we make it easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Talk to a Local Medicare Expert?
Appointments are available at no charge and with no obligation to enroll. Book a virtual, phone, or in-person appointment — or just call us.
A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you following your appointment request. This is a solicitation of insurance.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH OR ENDORSED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT OR THE FEDERAL MEDICARE PROGRAM.
Bancorp Insurance, Powered by OneDigital represents multiple carriers in Deschutes, Klamath, and Lake County for Medicare Advantage Plans. The number of organizations we represent and the plans we offer may vary by market area. For a complete list of all options available in your area, visit Medicare.gov, Healthcare.gov, shiphelp.org, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY users call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Enrollment in a Medicare plan depends on plan availability and your eligibility. Benefits, formularies, premiums, and provider networks may change on January 1 of each year. For full plan terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions, review the plan’s Evidence of Coverage.
This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you.
