Grow Your Greeley Business: Making Sense of Medicare: A Simplified Guide

By Suzanne van der Torre, Health Insurance | SJ Brokerage

Navigating Medicare can feel like decoding a foreign language. With confusing terminology, overwhelming choices, and long-lasting financial consequences, it’s no wonder most people struggle to make the right decision. Thankfully, Suzanne van der Torre, owner of SJ Brokerage, has spent over a decade helping clients confidently step into Medicare without confusion or regret.

In this blog, we’ll break down the basics of Medicare through Suzanne’s expert lens and help you recognize when someone in your circle could benefit from her guidance.

Why Medicare Matters — And Why It’s So Confusing

Medicare isn’t just for the elderly. It’s for anyone turning 65, individuals with qualifying disabilities, or those with specific medical conditions like ALS or end-stage renal disease.

But here’s the challenge:

• Choosing the wrong plan (or enrolling late) can result in lifetime penalties.

• Each person’s situation is completely unique — what’s right for your spouse or neighbor may not be right for you.

• Navigating Medicare alone can lead to costly oversights and missed benefits.

Suzanne puts it simply: “You can do this yourself… but if you don’t do it at the right time, or don’t pick the right plan, you could pay for it the rest of your life.”

Breaking Down the ABCDs of Medicare (With a Pizza Analogy 🍕)

Suzanne’s creative, real-world analogy of pizza makes the Medicare process much easier to understand. Here's how it works:

Part A – Hospital Insurance (Think: Crust)

• Covers inpatient care, like hospital stays.

• Most people don’t pay a premium for this if they paid Medicare taxes while working.

Part B – Medical Insurance (Cheese)

• Covers outpatient care, such as doctor visits and preventive services.

• Comes with a monthly premium.

💡 Together, Parts A & B are considered “Original Medicare.” Think of it as a plain cheese pizza — basic but incomplete.

Enhancing Your Coverage: Supplements & Add-ons

Medigap (Pepperoni)

• Also called a Medicare Supplement plan.

• Helps cover the costs that Original Medicare doesn't, like deductibles and co-pays.

• Offers freedom to see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare.

✔️ Pro: You get extensive coverage and flexibility. ❌ Con: You pay an additional premium for this peace of mind.

Part D – Prescription Drug Plan (Soda 🥤)

• Standalone plan to cover medications.

• Often required to avoid penalties later.

🔁 If you choose Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D, you're juggling three separate premiums — but you’re fully covered.

Part C – Medicare Advantage (The Combo Meal 🍕+🥤)

• Bundles Part A, B, and often D into one plan.

• May include extras like dental, vision, or fitness perks.

• Typically lower cost upfront but may have network restrictions and referral requirements.

✔️ Pro: Convenience and simplicity in one package. ❌ Con: Less freedom in choosing doctors, and some surprise costs during treatment.

When Should You Enroll in Medicare?

Timing is crucial. Suzanne recommends talking to a Medicare advisor at least 3–6 months before turning 65, even if you're still working.

If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, you may be required to enroll in Medicare, regardless of your group insurance. If you work for a large employer, you might delay — but it’s still worth reviewing your options, as Medicare could save you money over staying on your employer plan.

How Suzanne Helps Simplify Medicare

With over 20 years in the insurance industry and 10+ years specializing in Medicare, Suzanne is a trusted expert who:

✅ Educates her clients with clear, visual tools 

✅ Stays licensed and certified with over 40+ hours of annual Medicare-specific training 

✅ Offers truly personalized plans based on your doctor network, lifestyle, location, and budget 

✅ Represents all major carriers in Northern Colorado (as an independent broker) 

✅ Services clients in CO, WY, NE, TX, AZ and beyond

Her referral-based practice thrives because clients walk away understanding their options — not confused or pressured.

When to Refer Someone to Suzanne

You don’t need to remember all the details. Just listen for these key phrases:

• “I’m turning 65 soon.”

• “I’m thinking of retiring.”

• “I need help with Medicare.”

• “I’m overwhelmed with insurance choices.”

• “My parents need help with their Medicare plan.”

Introduce them via text or email. Suzanne legally can’t make the first call, but she’s always ready to help.

The Bottom Line

Medicare is too important — and too complex — to approach alone. Suzanne van der Torre at SJ Brokerage makes it easy to understand, simple to enroll, and safe to trust.

Whether you’re approaching 65 or helping a loved one navigate retirement, partnering with a specialist like Suzanne can protect your health and your wallet.

📞 Reach out today to book a consultation with Suzanne — and finally feel confident about Medicare.

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