My strategy thus far has been to answer this question statistically by sharing what is popular among other consumers. Another move is to directly acknowledge my distaste for the question, then ask if my opinion will suffice as the “consensus”.
My dislike of this question is due to my disinterest in pursuing subjectivity in long-term decision-making. I find that using objective data and self-found ideas to make long-term decisions works far better and results in less regret. Simply put, I find asking “What is popular?” produces valueless discussion. We may as well consider what color your first bicycle was as a child since we want to consider everything.
The great thinker and emperor, Marcus Aurelius, had a thought:
“The opinion of 10,000 men is of no value if none of them knows anything about the subject.”
This idea helps me remember that even if I’m talking with someone I trust, if they don’t fully understand the question I ask, their answer will not benefit me.
The desire to know what others have done comes from our desire to reduce the decision-making burden. Thus, we assume that knowing the opinions of others will benefit us. However, it’s best to think from first principles only when making such personal decisions.
How to Rephrase This Question:
If you have a strong desire to get more advice that you can compare and contrast, consider asking a question that’s more objective.
- What have you seen clients do with similar options to mine?
- What does the data show as the most popular enrollment choice?
- If I chose Option A, what is the best and worst case scenario? Option B?
How to Question:
I find that in long-term decisions, that are highly important to your overall well-being, it is valuable to get as fundamental as possible with your line of self-questioning. Sometimes it can be the most simple questions that we overlook. Here are fundamental questions to ask when making your Medicare decisions:
- What is Medicare/ What is Insurance?
- Why do I want to buy insurance?
- When do I want to have insurance?
- How much protection do I want/ How do I determine what I need?
- Who has credible information I can study and learn?
- Where can I go If I need help?
It can be easy to get led astray following opinions and the decisions of others when there are 68 million Americans seemingly who’ve had to make the same choice you are facing. What I encourage you to remember is that the uniqueness of you is the most important variable in your Medicare decision.
Dylan Sunderland 
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