First Medicare Awareness Day celebrated in Georgia

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia celebrated its first Medicare Awareness Day on Wednesday, and the Savannah founder behind the initiative is pushing for national recognition.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed a proclamation May 8 designating June 4 as Medicare Awareness Day in Georgia. The date represents age 64, when most Americans should begin preparing for Medicare before eligibility begins at 65.

Chip Lewis, founder of the 64 Movement, said the initiative aims to help Americans avoid costly mistakes.

“June 4th should be the day every American is reminded to start early,” Lewis said. “Medicare has a lot of moving parts, and everyone’s situation is different. It’s not cookie cutter. Getting it wrong can mean penalties that follow you for the rest of your life.”

More than 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day. Missed enrollment windows can lead to lifelong financial penalties and gaps in coverage.

Lewis, owner of 64 Insurance Group in coastal Georgia, launched the 64 Movement on May 21. The initiative has drawn more than 3,000 Founding Supporters from across the country in its first two weeks, adding roughly 500 supporters daily. Each supporter receives a numbered Founding Supporter certificate.

“It’s one of those things you can tell your grandchildren about,” Lewis said. “That you helped put a day on the calendar.”

The movement is pursuing federal recognition to place Medicare Awareness Day permanently on the national calendar. Lewis said the effort is bipartisan.

“No matter which side of the aisle you’re on, I think we can all agree that Medicare is confusing,” Lewis said. “That’s what makes this something everyone can get behind. It can genuinely impact millions of Americans, and it’s something people can be proud to be part of and remembered for: helping put 6/4 on the calendar. And it all started right here in Savannah, Georgia.”

Americans can join the movement and become Founding Supporters at 64movement.com.

The 64 Movement is an independent public awareness initiative and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.