Medicare in Simsbury, Connecticut — Complete 2025 Guide

What Is Medicare? (Simsbury Context)

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for Americans age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with qualifying disabilities or conditions such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare is divided into distinct parts — each covering a different category of healthcare services — and understanding which parts you need is the first decision every new enrollee must make.

For Simsbury residents, this decision carries real financial weight. Simsbury is an affluent, established community in Hartford County with a cost of living index of 125, meaning everyday expenses run about 25 percent higher than the national average. With a median home price around $425,000 and an estimated 4,500 residents age 65 or older, Simsbury has a mature and financially aware senior population. Many retirees here have built substantial savings — and the last thing they want is an unexpected $50,000 hospital bill eroding those assets because they chose the wrong Medicare plan or missed an enrollment window.

Unlike employer-sponsored insurance, Medicare does not automatically enroll you in everything you need. Original Medicare covers hospital care (Part A) and outpatient medical services (Part B), but it leaves meaningful gaps — most notably, no cap on out-of-pocket costs and no prescription drug coverage unless you add Part D. That reality makes understanding your options not just useful, but genuinely important for protecting your financial security in retirement.

Simsbury’s proximity to Hartford — and its residents’ established relationships with Hartford HealthCare and Trinity Health of New England — also shapes which Medicare plans make the most practical sense. A plan that does not include your cardiologist at Hartford Hospital or your primary care physician in Simsbury Center is not a good plan for you, regardless of its premium. This guide is built around that local reality.

Types of Medicare Available in Simsbury

Medicare is not a single product. It is a framework of coverage options that you assemble based on your individual needs. Here is what is available to Simsbury residents and how each type works.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

Original Medicare is the foundation. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care following a qualifying hospital stay, hospice care, and some home health services. Most people who paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) pay no premium for Part A. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient procedures, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and certain home health services. In 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185.00 per month, though higher-income beneficiaries pay more through Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA).

Original Medicare is accepted by most doctors and hospitals nationwide — including Hartford Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, and providers across the Hartford HealthCare and Trinity Health of New England systems — with no referral requirements. Its primary limitation is that it has no annual out-of-pocket maximum, leaving you exposed to unlimited cost-sharing for extended hospitalizations.

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies and are designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare — covering costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays that Medicare Part A and Part B leave behind. In Connecticut, standardized Medigap plans are labeled A through N, and every insurer must offer the same standardized benefits for any given letter plan, meaning a Plan G from Aetna covers the same services as a Plan G from Cigna.

Plan G is currently the most comprehensive option available to new Medicare beneficiaries (Plan F was discontinued for new enrollees after January 1, 2020). Plan N offers lower premiums in exchange for some copays. Plan A is the most basic, covering only Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs.

Importantly, Medigap policies work alongside Original Medicare — they do not replace it. You still need Part A and Part B. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so most Medigap enrollees also purchase a standalone Part D plan.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurers that contract with Medicare to deliver your Part A and Part B benefits — often bundling in Part D drug coverage and extras like dental, vision, and hearing — all through a single plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans in the Simsbury area are either HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations, which require a primary care physician and referrals) or PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations, which offer more flexibility at higher cost).

Medicare Advantage plans typically have lower premiums than Medigap, and many have $0 monthly premiums beyond what you already pay for Part B. However, they use provider networks — so verifying that Hartford HealthCare and Trinity Health facilities are in-network is essential before enrolling. They also impose annual out-of-pocket maximums, which provides a financial ceiling that Original Medicare alone does not.

Part D Prescription Drug Plans

Part D plans cover prescription medications. They are available as standalone plans for Original Medicare + Medigap enrollees, or bundled into Medicare Advantage plans. Every Part D plan has a formulary — a list of covered drugs organized into tiers with different cost-sharing levels. Simsbury residents filling prescriptions at CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, or Big Y Pharmacy will want to verify that their preferred pharmacy is in-network as a preferred or standard retail pharmacy under their chosen plan, since pharmacy tier affects what you pay at the counter.

How Much Does Medicare Cost in Simsbury?

Cost is often the first question new enrollees ask — and rightfully so. For Simsbury residents navigating a cost of living index of 125, every dollar of monthly premium or out-of-pocket exposure matters more than it might in a less expensive community. Here is a realistic picture of what Simsbury residents typically pay.

Part B Premium

The 2025 standard Part B premium is $185.00 per month. However, if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior exceeded certain thresholds, you will pay more through IRMAA surcharges. For a married couple filing jointly in Simsbury — where median household incomes for retirees can be substantial given the area’s wealth — this is a real consideration. IRMAA surcharges in 2025 range from an additional $74.00 to $443.90 per month per person.

Medigap Premiums in Simsbury

Medigap premiums vary by plan type, age, gender, tobacco use, and insurer. In Connecticut, which uses community rating for some Medigap products, premiums tend to be more stable than in states using attained-age rating. For a 65-year-old non-tobacco user in the Simsbury area, typical monthly premiums in 2025 run approximately:

• Plan A: $90–$140 per month
• Plan G: $140–$240 per month
• Plan N: $110–$190 per month
• Plan K or L: $65–$120 per month (with higher cost-sharing)

These figures are illustrative ranges — actual premiums depend on the insurer and the applicant’s profile. Given Simsbury’s elevated cost of living, paying a somewhat higher Medigap premium for comprehensive coverage like Plan G can be financially rational: a single hospitalization with Original Medicare alone can expose you to a Part A deductible of $1,676 per benefit period in 2025, plus 20 percent of all Part B services with no ceiling.

Medicare Advantage Premiums

Many Medicare Advantage plans available in Hartford County, including those covering Simsbury ZIP codes 06070 and 06089, offer $0 monthly premiums beyond the Part B premium. However, these plans come with copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums that can range from roughly $3,000 to $8,850 per year for in-network services. A $0 premium plan is not a free plan — it is a cost-deferred structure that makes sense for healthy enrollees but can become expensive during a significant illness.

Part D Costs

Standalone Part D premiums in Connecticut typically range from approximately $10 to $80 per month in 2025, with lower-premium plans generally offering narrower formularies or higher drug tiers. Beginning in 2025, the Inflation Reduction Act caps annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 for Medicare beneficiaries — a meaningful protection for Simsbury residents managing multiple chronic conditions.

Low-Income Assistance

Simsbury residents with limited income and resources may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), which help pay Part A and/or Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing. The Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) program assists with Part D costs. Applications for these programs can be initiated through the Social Security Administration or through Access Health CT at accesshealthct.com.

Connecticut-Specific Rules for Medicare

Medicare is a federal program, but several Connecticut-specific rules affect how it works for Simsbury residents. Understanding these state-level protections and resources can meaningfully improve your enrollment outcome.

Connecticut Insurance Department Oversight

The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID), accessible at ct.gov/cid, regulates all insurance carriers selling Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans in Connecticut. If you have a complaint about a denied claim, a billing dispute, or deceptive marketing practices by a Medicare plan or agent, the CID is the appropriate regulatory body to contact. Filing a complaint with the CID is free and can prompt formal investigation of a carrier or broker.

CT SHIP: Free Medicare Counseling

The Connecticut State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to Connecticut residents. SHIP counselors are trained volunteers who can help you understand your coverage options, compare plans, review your Medicare Summary Notice for billing errors, and navigate appeals. You can reach CT SHIP at 1-800-994-9422. This is a genuinely useful resource, and it is completely free — SHIP counselors are not selling anything.

Connecticut Medigap Open Enrollment Protections

During your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) — which begins the month you are both age 65 and enrolled in Part B — Connecticut law gives you the right to purchase any Medigap plan offered in the state without medical underwriting, regardless of pre-existing conditions. This is a federal right reinforced by state law. Outside of this window, insurers in Connecticut may subject you to medical underwriting and can deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on health history. Taking full advantage of your OEP is one of the most important insurance decisions you will make at 65.

No Connecticut Statewide Medicare Advantage Mandates

Connecticut does not impose additional statewide benefit mandates on Medicare Advantage plans beyond federal requirements. This means Medicare Advantage plans in Simsbury are governed primarily by CMS rules, including network adequacy standards and out-of-pocket maximum caps.

CT Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association

The CT Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association provides a safety net if a licensed insurance company becomes insolvent and cannot pay claims. Medigap and Medicare Advantage policies sold in Connecticut are covered subject to applicable limits. This association is not a reason to choose a financially weak insurer — do your due diligence on carrier ratings — but it provides meaningful protection for Connecticut policyholders.

Access Health CT

Access Health CT (accesshealthct.com) is Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace. While primarily used for ACA marketplace plans, it is also the gateway for applications to Medicaid (HUSKY Health) and Medicare Savings Programs in Connecticut. For Simsbury residents who are dual-eligible — meaning they qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid — Access Health CT is the starting point for navigating the coordination between those two programs.

Simsbury’s Healthcare Landscape and Its Impact on Your Medicare

The healthcare infrastructure available to Simsbury residents is strong — but it is not uniformly accessible under every Medicare plan. The network you depend on under your current insurance may or may not be available under a given Medicare Advantage plan, and this disconnect is one of the most common sources of dissatisfaction among new Medicare enrollees.

Hartford Hospital

Hartford Hospital, part of the Hartford HealthCare system, is a 867-bed Level I Trauma Center and a major academic medical center. It is one of the leading hospitals in New England for cardiac care, cancer treatment, and neuroscience. Many Simsbury residents receive specialist care at Hartford Hospital. Before enrolling in any Medicare Advantage plan, verify that Hartford Hospital is in-network — not just as an out-of-network option with higher cost-sharing, but as a preferred in-network facility.

St. Francis Hospital

St. Francis Hospital, part of Trinity Health of New England, is a 617-bed community teaching hospital in Hartford. It offers a full range of cardiac, orthopedic, oncology, and women’s health services. Trinity Health operates numerous outpatient facilities and physician practices that serve communities throughout Hartford County, including practices that may be closer to Simsbury than the main hospital campus. St. Francis and Hartford Hospital serve somewhat different patient populations and accept different sets of insurance plans, so knowing which facility your specialists are affiliated with matters for plan selection.

Hartford HealthCare Network

Hartford HealthCare is one of Connecticut’s largest integrated health systems, including Hartford Hospital, MidState Medical Center, Backus Hospital, and dozens of outpatient locations and physician groups across the state. The Hartford HealthCare Medical Group includes primary care and specialty practices that many Simsbury residents use routinely. Medicare Advantage plans that include the Hartford HealthCare system in their network typically serve Simsbury well — but verify this for the specific plan year you are enrolling in, since network contracts can change annually.

Trinity Health of New England

Trinity Health of New England encompasses St. Francis Hospital, Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, and affiliated physician practices. If your primary care physician or specialist is affiliated with Trinity Health, their network participation under your chosen Medicare Advantage plan is a critical checklist item.

Pharmacies Serving Simsbury

Simsbury residents have convenient access to national pharmacy chains and regional options. CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens both have locations accessible to Simsbury residents and are typically in-network for the major Part D and Medicare Advantage plans serving the area. Big Y Pharmacy, operating through the Big Y grocery chain, offers an additional local option. When comparing Part D plans or Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage, check whether your preferred pharmacy is in the plan’s preferred pharmacy network — preferred pharmacies typically offer lower copays than standard in-network pharmacies.

How to Get Medicare in Simsbury: Step-by-Step

Enrolling in Medicare correctly — on time, in the right sequence, and with the right supplemental coverage in place — is a process with specific windows and real consequences for missing them. Here is how it works for Simsbury residents.

Step 1: Know Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window centered on the month you turn 65: the three months before your birth month, your birth month, and the three months after. If you enroll during the first three months of your IEP, coverage typically begins on the first day of your birth month. Enrolling in the three months after your birth month delays coverage by one to three months. Enroll as early in your IEP as possible to avoid gaps.

Step 2: Understand the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) Exception

If you are still working at 65 and covered by employer-sponsored insurance through a current employer (not a former employer), you can delay Medicare enrollment without penalty. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that lasts for eight months after you lose that employer coverage or stop working, whichever comes first. COBRA coverage and retiree health coverage do not count as qualifying employer coverage for this purpose — enrolling late based on COBRA will trigger late enrollment penalties.

Step 3: Enroll in Part A and Part B

Enroll at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security Administration office. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you are typically enrolled automatically in Parts A and B at 65. Confirm this with SSA rather than assuming. Gather your Social Security number, date and place of birth, current health insurance information, and employer/union coverage details if applicable.

Step 4: Choose Supplemental Coverage During Your OEP

Once you have Part B, your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins. Use this window — you cannot get it back. Simultaneously, begin comparing Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans. This is the right time to work with a licensed broker who can run side-by-side comparisons across carriers for your specific situation.

Step 5: Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During AEP, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, switch Medicare Advantage plans, drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare, or change your Part D plan. Changes made during AEP take effect January 1 of the following year.

Step 6: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

From January 1 through March 31, existing Medicare Advantage enrollees can make one plan change — switching to a different Medicare Advantage plan or returning to Original Medicare (with a Part D plan). This is not available to people on Original Medicare who want to switch to Medicare Advantage; that happens during AEP.

Step 7: Understand Late Enrollment Penalties

Missing your enrollment windows without a qualifying Special Enrollment Period triggers permanent premium surcharges. The Part B late enrollment penalty is 10 percent of the standard Part B premium for every 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled — and it lasts for as long as you have Part B. The Part D late enrollment penalty is 1 percent of the national base beneficiary premium per month you went without creditable drug coverage, also permanent. These penalties are not waivable based on ignorance of the rules — they follow you indefinitely.

Comparing Medicare Providers in Simsbury

Several major carriers offer Medicare Advantage and/or Medicare Supplement plans in Hartford County. The right carrier depends on your specific priorities — network access, premium level, drug formulary, or customer service. The following is a fair overview of major options available to Simsbury residents. Carrier availability and plan details change annually, so always verify current offerings during the applicable enrollment period.

No single carrier is universally best for all Simsbury residents. A 65-year-old in excellent health who uses few medications and values low monthly premiums may prefer a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan from Humana or Aetna. A 72-year-old managing multiple chronic conditions who frequently sees specialists at Hartford Hospital may be better served by a comprehensive Medigap Plan G from Mutual of Omaha or UnitedHealthcare paired with a Part D plan. The decision should always begin with your specific healthcare usage, not with a carrier’s name recognition.

Simsbury Neighborhoods and ZIP Code Coverage

Simsbury is a geographically spread community, and residents in different neighborhoods may have slightly different access to in-network providers and preferred pharmacies depending on their chosen plan. Both ZIP codes that serve Simsbury — 06070 (central Simsbury) and 06089 (Weatogue and surrounding areas) — are covered by the major Medicare Advantage and Part D plans operating in Hartford County, but plan availability can occasionally differ at the ZIP code level.

Simsbury Center (06070)

The geographic and commercial center of town, Simsbury Center is home to primary care offices, specialty practices, and the main village amenities. Residents here are generally well-positioned for access to in-network providers, as most carrier networks in Hartford County are built around the corridor connecting Simsbury to Hartford along Route 44 and Route 185.

Weatogue (06089)

Weatogue is a quieter residential section of Simsbury served by the 06089 ZIP code. Residents here typically rely on the same Hartford-area hospital systems but may have longer drives to certain specialist practices. When comparing Medicare Advantage HMO plans, verify that primary care physicians accepting new patients are available in or near Weatogue.

Tariffville

Tariffville is a historic village section in the northern part of Simsbury. Its residents are served by Simsbury and Hartford-area providers, and the same Medicare Advantage plan considerations apply. Tariffville’s slightly more rural character may make a PPO plan — which allows out-of-network access at higher cost sharing — a sensible consideration for residents who value flexibility.

West Simsbury

West Simsbury encompasses residential neighborhoods near the Avon and Canton borders. Residents here may find themselves equidistant between Simsbury Center providers and providers in neighboring Avon or Canton, both of which fall within Hartford County and are typically within the same Medicare Advantage plan networks. The proximity to Canton is worth noting for residents who may access Canton-area primary care practices.

Neighboring Communities and Cross-Border Care

Simsbury borders Avon, Bloomfield, Granby, and Canton. Residents who receive care from providers in these communities — which is common — should verify cross-town network coverage when selecting a Medicare Advantage plan. Most Hartford County plans include providers in all of these communities, but coverage maps should be confirmed rather than assumed. Original Medicare + Medigap, by contrast, follows you anywhere in the United States that accepts Medicare — there are no network boundaries to navigate.

Frequently Asked Questions — Medicare in Simsbury

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) in Simsbury?

Medicare Advantage replaces your Original Medicare coverage through a private insurer, while a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan works alongside Original Medicare to cover its cost-sharing gaps. With Medicare Advantage, you generally pay low or $0 monthly premiums but use a network of providers and pay copays when you receive care. With Medigap, you pay a monthly premium but typically have very predictable out-of-pocket costs, can see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, and do not need referrals for specialists. Simsbury residents who value simplicity, flexibility, and predictability often prefer Medigap; those who prioritize low monthly costs and are comfortable with managed care networks often prefer Medicare Advantage. The right choice depends on your health status, finances, and how you use healthcare.

When can I enroll in Medicare if I live in Simsbury?

Your main enrollment window is the seven-month Initial Enrollment Period surrounding your 65th birthday — three months before, your birth month, and three months after. If you are still working and covered by employer insurance, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after that coverage ends. After your initial enrollment, changes are generally limited to the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7) each year. Missing enrollment windows without a qualifying exception results in permanent late enrollment penalties, so understanding your timeline is critical.

Does Medicare cover care at Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Hospital in Simsbury?

Yes — Original Medicare covers care at both Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Hospital, as well as providers across the Hartford HealthCare and Trinity Health of New England systems, as long as those providers accept Medicare assignment, which the vast majority do. If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, you must verify that Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Hospital are in your specific plan’s network, as Medicare Advantage plans use contracted networks and coverage can vary by plan and year.

What is the Annual Enrollment Period and do I need to use it every year?

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 each year and is the main window for Medicare beneficiaries to change their Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Part D (prescription drug) plans. You are not required to make changes — if you are satisfied with your current plan and nothing significant has changed in your health or the plan’s benefits, staying put is a valid choice. However, Medicare Advantage and Part D plan features, formularies, premiums, and networks can change each year, so reviewing your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) — which your plan sends in September — is worthwhile every year even if you ultimately keep the same plan.

What are the Medicare late enrollment penalties and how do I avoid them?

The Part B late enrollment penalty adds 10 percent to your Part B premium for every 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll, and this increase is permanent. The Part D late enrollment penalty adds 1 percent of the national base beneficiary premium for every month you lacked creditable prescription drug coverage, also permanently. Both penalties are avoidable by enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period or by maintaining employer-sponsored coverage that qualifies as creditable. COBRA and retiree coverage do not qualify — do not rely on them to avoid penalties. Given Simsbury’s elevated cost of living, a permanent 20 or 30 percent surcharge on your Part B premium is a meaningful ongoing financial burden that is entirely avoidable with proper planning.

Can I get help paying for Medicare if I have limited income in Simsbury?

Yes — several assistance programs are available to Connecticut residents. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) can help pay your Part B premium and in some cases Part A premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing, depending on your income and assets. The Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) program, administered by Social Security, significantly reduces Part D drug costs for qualifying individuals. Connecticut’s HUSKY Health (Medicaid) program may cover additional costs for those with very low incomes. Applications can be initiated through Social Security, Access Health CT at accesshealthct.com, or the Connecticut Department of Social Services. Free assistance navigating these applications is available through CT SHIP at 1-800-994-9422.

What is dual eligibility and how does it affect Simsbury residents?

Dual eligibility refers to individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (HUSKY Health in Connecticut). For dual-eligible residents of Simsbury, coordination between the two programs can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs — Medicaid often covers premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing that Medicare does not pay. Some dual-eligible beneficiaries enroll in Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), which are a type of Medicare Advantage plan specifically designed to coordinate care for dual-eligible individuals. Given the complexity of coordinating two programs, dual-eligible Simsbury residents benefit especially from working with a knowledgeable local broker or contacting CT SHIP for free guidance.

Do I need a referral to see a specialist under Medicare?

Under Original Medicare with or without a Medigap plan, you do not need a referral to see a specialist — you simply need the specialist to accept Medicare. Under Medicare Advantage HMO plans, referrals from your primary care physician are typically required before seeing a specialist. Under Medicare Advantage PPO plans, referrals are generally not required for in-network specialists, though seeing out-of-network providers costs more. If you regularly see specialists at Hartford Hospital or St. Francis Hospital without referrals, this is an important factor when deciding between plan types.

How do I compare Medicare plans for the Simsbury area?

The best starting points for comparing plans are the Medicare Plan Finder tool at medicare.gov, which allows you to search by ZIP code and enter your specific medications to compare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans, and CT SHIP at 1-800-994-9422, which provides free unbiased counseling. A licensed local broker who knows the Hartford County market can also run side-by-side comparisons and identify which plans include your specific doctors and pharmacies. Always compare based on your actual expected healthcare usage — premium is just one number in a much larger financial equation.

Can I change my Medicare plan if I move within Connecticut?

Moving within Simsbury or to a nearby community like Avon, Granby, or Canton typically will not affect your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, as most plans serve all of Hartford County. However, moving to a different county or a different state triggers a Special Enrollment Period during which you can switch plans to match your new address. For Medigap enrollees, your policy generally follows you anywhere in the United States since it is not network-based, though you should notify your insurer of your new address. Always contact your plan and your broker when you move to verify that your coverage is still appropriate for your new location.

If you are a Simsbury resident navigating Medicare for the first time — or reassessing coverage that no longer fits your needs — you do not have to work through it alone. Joseph Antonucci, a Connecticut-licensed insurance broker (CT License #21658409) with We Find Your Insurance, has been helping Hartford County residents make confident Medicare decisions since 2019. Joseph offers free, no-obligation consultations and can compare plans across all major carriers serving Simsbury ZIP codes 06070 and 06089. Call (860) 351-0514 to schedule your consultation — it costs nothing, and the right plan decision can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your retirement.