What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

Bren Sheriff
Bren Sheriff

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

How many times have you heard the phrase, “What you don’t know can’t hurt you”? Well, that statement—like many others repeated in our Black culture—is simply not true. A similar phrase, “Ignorance is bliss”, is also misleading. In reality, what we don’t know can and often does hurt us. It has puzzled me for years why these sayings have been passed down through generations, especially in a culture that has more churches per capita than any other community. My Bible reminds me, “For lack of knowledge, my people perish.” How about yours?

The primary reason I write this column is to share with you, the reader, information that you may not otherwise have access to. I am continually encouraged by the calls and emails I receive from readers seeking clarification and additional resources on the subjects I cover. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your ongoing journey to learn and grow.

For the next few weeks, I plan to focus on a topic that impacts nearly every family: Medicare. The information I will share may help you better understand the benefits and options available so that you can make an informed decision for yourself or a loved one during the upcoming Open Enrollment period, which begins October 15, 2025.

Medicare today is not the Medicare of 1965 when the program was first introduced. It has evolved dramatically, becoming far more complex with a wider range of options and rules. As the saying goes, “This is not the plan your grandmother knew.” No, not by a long shot.

Here’s one example of the many complexities found throughout Medicare: while not everyone eligible for Medicare is mandated to enroll, if you are age 65 or older and eligible to receive Social Security, Medicare enrollment is mandatory. That difference between Medicare eligibility and mandated enrollment alone causes confusion. But that is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in sorting through the many types of coverage plans—Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, prescription drug plans, and supplemental policies. Each carries its own rules, costs, and limitations.

During Open Enrollment, expect your phone to ring constantly with pitches from insurance companies eager to secure your business. That’s why it is critical to approach this season with knowledge and preparation.

I grew up in Nashville, and I remember a jeweler named Earl Scheib who used to say, “If you don’t know diamonds, know your jeweler.” That same wisdom applies to Medicare and other insurance products. If you don’t fully understand insurance—and few people do—find an insurance agent you trust. Beyond that, one of the best steps you can take is to compare plans and ratings directly on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website: CMS.gov.

Remember this as we head into Open Enrollment: what you don’t know can hurt you—and most often will. Knowledge is not only power; it’s protection.

THIS WEEK’S QUIZ: Who is eligible for Medicare?

Answer to the last quiz: No, nothing is automatic. If property is owned in joint tenancy, the surviving owner should record a Quit Claim Deed to remove the decedent’s name from the title.  To get a more detailed answer to last week’s quiz or for any financial questions that you may have, please contact me: 773-817-0601 or basheriff1@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The illustrations presented in this column are not, nor are they intended to be, legal, financial, or any other licensed professional advice, you should contact the licensed professional of your choice for advice on your individual situation.


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