So you’re new to Medicare and don’t really know what to do. Things are very different from individual or group insurance, so we’ve made a list of what you need to do once you are eligible. For a full step-by-step list, pair this with our Turning 65 Medicare enrollment checklist.

Fill Out the Initial Enrollment Questionnaire (IEQ)

Medicare will mail this to you. You should have the following readily available to make the process easier:

  • Both your spouse’s and your insurance card, for insurance company and prescription drug information
  • Both your spouse’s and your social security number and address
  • Both your spouse’s and your employer’s name and address (if you receive group health plan coverage through your employer)
  • The associated insurance carrier information, employer name and attorney information, if you are receiving benefits or treatment for Black lung, Worker’s Comp, injury or illness by fault or no fault

Once you have filled out the IEQ it cannot be modified; if you need help with a mistake, call our team at 800-930-7956.

Go to our Medicare Overview page for help signing up with Medicare.

Sign up for Both Medicare Part A & B

Many people will automatically be signed up for Medicare Part A, but every senior needs to sign up for Part B. Medicare Part A is hospital insurance, while Part B covers your day-to-day needs: doctor’s visits, second opinions before surgery, and mental health. This combination offers seniors the basic coverage available. What many seniors who are new to Medicare don’t realize is that Original Medicare leaves a lot of gaps in coverage. This just means that if a senior has a medical emergency they may find themselves not as financially covered as they thought. That’s where Medicare Supplemental steps in. (Source)

Medicare Supplemental Kicks in Where Medicare Leaves Off

Medicare Supplemental, AKA Medigap, fills in the financial gaps of Original Medicare. Medigap helps cover out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, as well as items that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like foreign travel emergency care and blood transfusions. Click here to learn how Medigap fills in Medicare gaps.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the plans and insurers? Remember that you are not locked in for life: you can apply to switch Medigap plans at any time through medical underwriting, and qualifying is easier than most people expect, even with pre-existing conditions. If your state has the Birthday Rule or a similar law, that is a bonus that can let you switch without health questions. Not sure where you stand? Our Medigap Underwriting Checker gives you a quick read, or call us at 800-930-7956 for free help.

Get Separate Prescription Coverage

Seniors are surprised to find out that prescription coverage is separate from Original Medicare, and even if they have a supplemental plan it is not covered. Prescription coverage is known as Medicare Part D. It has a separate premium and is purchased separately from Medicare. Prescriptions are pricey, and without Part D you will pay full price (without a negotiated rate). Recent rules also added an annual out-of-pocket cap ($2,100) on what you pay for covered drugs. Before you pick a plan, make sure your current prescriptions are covered through the provider’s formulary, and see our step-by-step Part D enrollment guide to get started.

Next Steps

For any further questions about Medicare, contact Senior65.com, or click here to get a Medigap quote.