Diane Omdahl is a registered nurse and the founder and president of i65. 65 Incorporated is an organization that educates individuals about Medicare without selling insurance. The organization focuses on helping people understand their options, including whether they need to enroll in Medicare based on their current healthcare coverage.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Diane shares her journey from bedside nursing to becoming a Medicare advocate, highlighting her experiences in hospital education and long-term care. On That’s Derm Good!, Diane Omadhl sheds light on dermatology patients' challenges regarding specialty medication access during Medicare open enrollment. 

The first step to understanding Medicare is knowing whether or not you should enroll. The United States has employer-sponsored plans and individual health plans. 

• Employer-Sponsored Plans: If someone is employed by a company with 20 or more employees, their employer's health plan is considered primary.
• Individual Health Plans: For those with individual health plans, such as those obtained through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), these plans become secondary to Medicare after age 65. Therefore, individuals must enroll in Part A and Part B to ensure complete coverage.

Diane Omdahl highlights the critical need for education and awareness regarding Medicare. As open enrollment approaches, individuals must take proactive steps to understand their options, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure they are making informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.

To make informed decisions, individuals should consider the following steps:

1. Review Current Coverage: Understand how existing health plans will interact with Medicare.
2. Consult Resources: Utilize resources like the Medicare plan finder on medicare.gov to compare options and understand costs.
3. Seek Guidance: If needed, seek help from Medicare educators or financial advisors who can clarify the complexities of Medicare enrollment.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners.