Turning 65 in Eugene, Oregon? Here’s What You Need to Know About Medicare in 2026

Turning 65 in Eugene, Oregon? Here’s What You Need to Know About Medicare in 2026

If you’re turning 65 in Eugene this year, Medicare decisions are closer than you think.

And most people don’t realize this:

You don’t automatically get “the best plan.”
You get defaulted into confusion.

Here’s what actually matters.

Step 1: Know Your Enrollment Window

You have a 7-month window:

• 3 months before your 65th birthday

• Your birth month

• 3 months after

Miss it, and you may face:

• Lifetime penalties

• Coverage delays

• Limited plan options

This isn’t something to guess on.

Step 2: Understand the 3 Real Paths

In Lane County, most people choose between:

1. Original Medicare + Supplement (Medigap)

2. Medicare Advantage plans

3. Original Medicare only (rarely ideal long-term)

Each has tradeoffs:

• Premium vs out-of-pocket risk

• Network flexibility

• Drug coverage

• Specialist access

There is no universal “best” plan.
There is only what fits your health, prescriptions, and budget.

Step 3: Consider Your Doctors in Eugene

Before choosing a plan, check:

• Is your primary care provider in-network?

• Do you see specialists?

• Do you travel outside Oregon?

These answers matter more than the monthly premium.

Step 4: Prescription Strategy

Drug coverage can change yearly.

What worked in 2025 may not be ideal in 2026.

A proper review should:

• Compare formularies

• Estimate annual total cost (not just premiums)

• Evaluate pharmacy pricing

Step 5: Work With Someone Local

You can enroll online.

But here’s the reality:

When something goes wrong, you won’t be calling a website.

You’ll want someone in Eugene who:

• Knows the carriers in Oregon

• Understands Lane County networks

• Can review your plan every year

That’s where guidance matters.

Medicare Planning in Eugene — The Bottom Line

Turning 65 isn’t complicated.

It’s just specific.

If you’re within 6 months of eligibility, it’s time to:

• Review options

• Compare total costs

• Avoid penalties

• Build a long-term strategy

If you’d like a no-pressure Medicare review:

📞 541-844-3544
📧 aburns@farmersagent.com

We’ll walk through your situation clearly and simply.

• Medicare Eugene Oregon

• Turning 65 Medicare Lane County

• Medicare Advantage Eugene

• Medicare Supplement Oregon

• Medicare enrollment 2026