When Field of Dreams (1989) premiered, it captivated audiences with its heartfelt themes of nostalgia, preparation, and belief in the unseen. While the film famously asked, “If you build it, he will come,” it also offered a timeless message about readiness and trust. In a surprisingly relevant way, preparing for Medicare as you approach 65 mirrors the sentiment and structure of this iconic movie.
Whether you’re nearing retirement, still working, or just starting to think about health coverage, the journey through Medicare doesn’t have to be confusing. Like Ray Kinsella’s decision to build his field, understanding Medicare requires foresight, planning, and a little faith that you’re doing the right thing.
The Dream Starts with a Whisper: Why Planning Matters at 65
Much like Ray’s internal call to action, turning 65 brings with it an internal—and sometimes external—reminder: it’s time to consider Medicare. Many people assume Medicare enrollment is automatic. However, for those not receiving Social Security benefits yet, signing up is a conscious decision that must be made during a specific window of time.
The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a seven-month window that starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and ends three months afterward. Missing this window could result in late enrollment penalties and delayed coverage.
Therefore, just as Ray listened closely to what the cornfield told him, so too must you listen to the calendar and take timely action. Medicare isn’t just a safety net—it’s the field you build for a healthier future.
Building the Field: Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage
In Field of Dreams (1989), building the baseball field wasn’t just about laying down grass and bleachers—it was about building something meaningful. Similarly, choosing Medicare coverage is about constructing the right foundation of healthcare for your next chapter in life.
Medicare has multiple parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient care, skilled nursing facility care, and some home health services.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of medications.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): An alternative to Original Medicare that includes Parts A and B, often Part D, and additional benefits.
Each option offers different levels of flexibility, cost, and coverage. If you’re still working and have employer health coverage, it’s worth assessing how Medicare fits in. Some people delay Part B to avoid paying two premiums. However, this decision should be carefully considered.
Ghost Players and Golden Years: What the Past Can Teach Us
In the film, Ray’s field attracts players from the past—ghostly figures who once dreamed of playing baseball again. These characters represent second chances and the fulfillment of long-lost dreams. For many turning 65, Medicare offers a similar feeling: a second chance at securing dependable healthcare, perhaps better than ever before.
Moreover, many people approaching retirement reflect on how quickly life has passed. As you transition into your Medicare years, there’s an opportunity to build a legacy of health. The decisions you make now affect your peace of mind for years to come. That’s why it’s important to act with intention—not fear.
If You Don’t Build It: Risks of Delaying Enrollment
Ray Kinsella could have ignored the call. But where would that have left him? Similarly, ignoring your Medicare enrollment window can lead to real consequences.
If you delay signing up for Medicare without qualifying employer coverage, you may face:
- Late enrollment penalties that last a lifetime.
- Coverage gaps while waiting for the next General Enrollment Period.
- Higher medical costs if you fall ill without coverage.
These are avoidable. As with the field in Iowa, the groundwork needs to be laid before the need becomes obvious. A proactive approach will save you time, money, and stress.
Bringing It All Home: Field of Dreams (1989)
Ray built his field not for the applause, but because it felt right. Likewise, choosing the right Medicare plan isn’t about what others expect—it’s about ensuring your health needs are met, so you can enjoy the years ahead.
For many turning 65 this year, life is already filled with decisions—financial planning, travel goals, maybe even grandparenting. Medicare shouldn’t be a burden. With the right guidance, the process becomes empowering.
Whether you’re still employed or planning to retire soon, understanding your eligibility, comparing plans, and enrolling on time is the equivalent of constructing your own “field of dreams.”
Field of Dreams (1989): If You Plan It, Health Will Follow
In Field of Dreams (1989), the field becomes a beacon—a place where past meets present and where belief turns into reality. Medicare planning is much the same. It’s not just about coverage; it’s about investing in your future, building something you can count on, and believing that good health is possible with the right tools.
So, if you’re approaching 65—or know someone who is—this is the moment. Listen to that inner voice. Start preparing today. Because just like the film reminds us: if you build it, they will come. And in your case, if you plan it, care will follow.
 shows how belief and timing can shape a future built on hope, vision, and the courage to create something meaningful.){kind=link}