Your Medicare Getting Started Checklist
A step-by-step checklist to guide you through learning about, enrolling in, and setting up your Medicare coverage. Check items off as you go — your progress is saved automatically.
Phase 1: Learn the Basics
Understand How Medicare Works before Making Decisions
Understand the 4 Parts of Medicare
essentialLearn what Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Advantage), and Part D (drugs) each cover.
Understand Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
essentialThese are two different paths — you'll choose one or the other. Know the pros and cons of each.
Learn about Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans
essentialIf you choose Original Medicare, Medigap fills the coverage gaps. Plans are standardized by letter.
Review 2026 Medicare Costs
essentialKnow the premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs you'll be responsible for.
Phase 2: Prepare Your Information
Gather Documents and Review Your Current Situation
Check Your Social Security Status
essentialIf you're already receiving Social Security, you'll be auto-enrolled in Parts A & B. If not, you'll need to sign up manually.
Review Your Current Health Insurance
essentialIf you have employer coverage, understand how it coordinates with Medicare and whether you need to enroll now.
Make a List of Your Current Medications
essentialYou'll need this to compare Part D plans and ensure your drugs are covered at the lowest cost.
List Your Current Doctors and Specialists
recommendedIf you're considering Medicare Advantage, you'll need to verify your providers are in-network.
Set a Monthly Healthcare Budget
recommendedDetermine how much you can afford for premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket costs.
Phase 3: Enroll in Medicare
Sign up for Coverage during Your Enrollment Window
Enroll in Medicare Part a and Part B
essentialSign up online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
Choose Your Coverage Path
essentialDecide between Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D, or Medicare Advantage (Part C).
Enroll in Supplemental Coverage
essentialIf choosing Original Medicare, apply for a Medigap plan during your 6-month Open Enrollment Period.
Enroll in a Part D Prescription Drug Plan
essentialIf you chose Original Medicare + Medigap, you'll need a standalone Part D plan for drug coverage.
Phase 4: Set up Your Coverage
Get everything in order once you're enrolled
Receive and Review Your Medicare Card
essentialYour red, white, and blue Medicare card will arrive in the mail. Verify the information is correct.
Create Your MyMedicare.gov Account
recommendedAccess your claims, coverage details, preventive services schedule, and plan information online.
Schedule your 'Welcome to Medicare' preventive visit
recommendedA free one-time visit within the first 12 months of Part B. Includes health risk assessment and referrals.
Notify Your Previous Insurer
essentialCoordinate the end date of your old coverage with the start date of your Medicare coverage to avoid gaps or double-paying.
Consider Standalone Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage
optionalOriginal Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. You may want to add separate policies.
Phase 5: Maintain Your Coverage
Stay on Top of Your Medicare Year after Year
Review Your Coverage Every Fall during AEP
essentialThe Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) is your chance to switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans.
Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit
recommendedA free yearly visit to review your health, update your prevention plan, and screen for cognitive issues.
Use Your Free Preventive Services
recommendedMedicare covers many screenings, vaccinations, and preventive services at no cost. Take advantage of them.
Watch out for Medicare Fraud and Scams
essentialNever share your Medicare number with unsolicited callers. Medicare will never call you to sell plans or ask for payment over the phone.
Ready to Get Started?
Our licensed Medicare agents can help you work through this checklist, compare plans in your area, and find the best coverage for your needs — at no cost to you.