Get Your Ready for Medicare Checklist

Download: Get Your Ready for Medicare Checklist Here:

What to do to get prepared for Medicare

Medicare can be complex, but our checklist has everything you need to get ready to enroll. You can download the PDF here: ashfordinsurancegroup.com/medicare-checklist

6 Months Before You Turn 65 

• Explore the ABCD’s of Medicare. Start with an overview.
  •  Read about Part A
  • Read about Part B
  • Read about Part C
  • Read about Part D
  • Read about Medigap
  • Identify your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period dates (IEP).
  • Ask your employer’s benefits administrator about your Medicare options and employer coverage — especially if you plan to work past 65.

• Learn how Medicare works with other insurance. 

• Check your eligibility 

• Make sense of the costs of Medicare. 
  • Learn Part A Costs
  • Learn Part B Costs
  • Learn about Part C Costs
  • Learn about Part D Costs
  • Learn about Medigap Costs
  • Learn about getting extra help with Costs

• Understand your enrollment options
  • Enroll on time to avoid penalties and delays in coverage, depending on when is best for you.

• • If you want to enroll in your Initial Enrollment Period, set a reminder for yourself for 3-months before your 65th birthday.

4 Months Before You Turn 65:

• Make a list of health care benefits you want such as vision, dental or prescription drugs. 

• Compare plans for coverage packages 

• Confirm that your current Doctor and/or specialists accept Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans 

• Calculate costs per month/year for:
  • Premiums
  • Deductibles
  • Co-pays
  • Coinsurance

•  Talk to a benefits advisor to get detailed information about plans. Contact Ashford Insurance Here 

• Make sure to ask these important questions:
  • Will I have to choose hospitals and healthcare providers from a network?
  • Are my drugs on the plan’s drug list (or formulary)?
  • Will my doctors accept the coverage?
  • If not, are there doctors near me who will?
  • Does the plan include the pharmacies I currently use?
  • Will I need referrals to visit specialists?
  • Can I get my prescriptions through the mail?
  • Will the plan cover me if I get sick while traveling in another state?
  • Does the plan have a good quality rating?
  • What will my prescription drugs cost?

• Make your decision.

• Note: If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. Start looking for your Medicare card to arrive in the mail.

3 Months Before You Turn 65:

• Enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) during your Initial Enrollment Period. Learn how to enroll. 

• Enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap) OR a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan. You only need one of these options. Do NOT enroll in both a Supplement and a MA plan.
  • Contact an Ashford Insurance agent to enroll in a Supplement or MA plan. 

• Enroll in a Part D Prescription Drug Plan. 

• • If you are enrolled in a MA plan that includes prescription drug coverage, do NOT enroll in a Part D Plan. 

• Confirm receipt of Medicare card(s). 

• Learn how to use your Medicare.