New to Medicare Checklist

4-6 Months Before

Confirm your eligibility for Medicare by contacting the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board.If you or your spouse are still working, ask Human Resources what happens to your employer coverage once you become eligible for Medicare.Make a list of your current medications, dosages, and how often you take them, along with the doctors and other providers you want to keep seeing.

3 Months Before

Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B online at SSA.gov or by calling Social Security at (800) 772-1213.If you or your spouse have employer coverage you want to keep, you may be able to delay enrolling in Part B. Ask us before you decide.Learn about your Medicare options on our Turning 65 guide, our YouTube channel, or by giving us a call.

1-2 Months Before

Enroll in a Part D drug plan and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, or in a Medicare Advantage plan.Confirm you received your red, white, and blue Medicare card, along with the ID cards for the plans you enrolled in.Cancel your old coverage, if needed, once your new coverage is confirmed.

Annually

Look for your Annual Notice of Change from your plan, which is mailed by the end of September.Review your coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7.Remember that working with an agent or broker is free. A good agent will help you with every step above and be there year-round for claims and billing questions.

4-6 Months Before

3 Months Before

1-2 Months Before

Annually

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