Turning 65 should simplify health coverage, but for a lot of people, it does the opposite because the rules change fast and the paperwork doesn’t explain the “why.” One missed deadline or wrong enrollment choice can trigger penalties, uncovered bills, or months of paying for a plan that doesn’t actually fit. The worst part is that the mistake often looks reasonable in the moment, especially when mailers, ads, and well-meaning friends all say different things. This is where marketplace confusion gets expensive, because it turns simple decisions into guesswork. Here are six common coverage mistakes to avoid, plus the quick checks that keep your costs predictable.
