What is the Medicare Enrollment Checklist?

Medicare enrollment can be daunting at times due to the complexity of the program and the high regulations. In order to have timely enrollment in Medicare and to avoid health coverage lapse, make sure to abide with the enrollment timelines. We have prepared this Medicare Enrollment Checklist for you to follow as you are navigating through your Medicare enrollment. If you have any questions during the process, feel free to contact us.

 Understand how the Medicare program is structured:

• Read More about Part A
• Read More About Part B
• Read More About Medicare Advantage (Part C)
• Read More About Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

Learn how Medicare works with other insurance

• Medicare Eligibility goes beyond just turning 65 and being a US citizen. 
• Read about how Medicare coordinates with other insurance.

Understand the costs associated with Medicare’s different parts:

• Read about Part A and Part B costs
  • Determine if your (or your spouse’s)work history qualifies you for premium free Part A.
  • If you have limited income and resources, check to see if you qualify for help paying you health care costs. 

Understand your enrollment options:

• Read about Part A and Part B enrollment.
• Determine whether you’ll get Medicare automatically or need to sign up manually.

Check with you doctor (s) and healthcare providers to see if they accept Medicare

Understand your Medicare out-of-pocket health care costs:

• Premiums
• Deductibles
• Copays and coinsurance

Decide how you want to get Medicare coverage:

• There are two main ways to get you Medicare Coverage.
  • Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
  • Through a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)
• Determine which Medicare path fits your personal needs best.
• Compare available plans in your area.

Apply for Medicare with the Social Security Administration.

Make sure you have the following information ready:

• Date and Place of Birth
• Medicaid (if eligible) number and start/ end dates
• Current Health insurance information

Enroll in Medicare Part A during your Initial Enrollment Period.

Enroll in Medicare Part B, unless you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (usually this is for people who continue working past age 65.)

After you enroll in Part A and B:

You can join Medicare (Part D) Prescription Drug Plan and / or a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan. We will help you picking out a Medicare Supplement Plan, Medicare Advantage Plan, or Part D plan. Our agents are certified and trained on helping our clients pick and choose the best plan for their health and financial needs.

Pull together resources that can help guide you from enrollment to your next steps.

• Find area – specific information through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), a free counseling service.
• Sign up for MyMedicare.gov to access your personal Medicare information 24/7. 

Do I need to Enroll in Dental and Vision Plan at the same time with Medicare?

You can enroll in a Dental and Vision plan at any time during the year. Some carriers like Ameritas, allow for an immediate effective date and no waiting period. Some Medicare Advantage Plans include Dental and Vision coverage at no cost. Original Medicare does NOT cover Dental and Vision, so you  may have to enroll in a separate Dental and Vision plan.

Disclaimer:

While this Medicare enrollment checklist is a great resourceful guide to start your Medicare enrollment, speaking to an independent licensed Medicare insurance agent is the best way to get your Medicare enrollment questions answered. Feel free to contact us today with any questions you have during the process.