Resources
Medicare Checklist
Most Medicare problems trace back to one missing piece of information: a prescription left off the list, a specialist nobody checked, or a retiree coverage letter that never got read.
Go down this list before comparing plans. These are the same things a licensed agent will want from you, whether you're in Jupiter, Greenacres or Boca Raton, and whether you're here all year or just for the season.
- What to gather before comparing plans
- Dates worth marking on your calendar
- Questions any licensed agent should answer
Step 1
Pull together your paperwork
- Your red, white and blue Medicare card, or the Social Security letter confirming you're enrolled
- The card and plan name for any coverage you have now
- This fall's Annual Notice of Change from your plan, if one came
- A creditable coverage letter from a past employer, TRICARE or the VA
- A rough idea of your household income, in case you qualify for Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program
Step 2
List the care you get
-
Doctors and hospital
Your family doctor, each specialist, and the hospital you'd want, such as Jupiter Medical Center or Boca Raton Regional. Add any doctors you see in another state. -
Prescriptions
Each drug's name, dose and how often you take it, plus your pharmacy. Photos of the bottle labels on your phone work fine. -
Expected care
A planned surgery, ongoing physical therapy or regular lab work can change which plan fits.
Step 3
Mark your dates
- Your 65th birthday and the 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around it
- Your Part B start date, which begins your 6-month Medigap window
- October 15 to December 7, Annual Open Enrollment
- January 1 to March 31, if you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan
- The date your job-based coverage ends, if you put off Part B
- The months you'll be away from Florida, if you travel for the season
Which window is yours?
New to Medicare? See Turning 65. Already enrolled? See Switch Your Plan.
Step 4
Questions to put to any licensed agent
A licensed agent should answer these without hesitating. Which carriers have appointed you? Does next year's network include my doctors? What will each of my prescriptions cost? What's my likely total for the year, premium included? How does this plan handle care when I'm out of state? If I change my mind later, when can I switch?
If the answers aren't clear, get another opinion. SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), Florida's free Medicare counseling program, offers free, unbiased counseling at 1-800-963-5337. If money is tight, the Florida Department of Children and Families takes Medicare Savings Program applications through ACCESS Florida. You can also read how we work or browse the FAQs.
Next step
Bring your list to a licensed agent
When the list is finished, one of our licensed insurance agents can run your doctors and prescriptions through the plans we represent: Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Part D. Ask for a callback during office hours, or call 561-000-0000.
Thanks, we have your request.
A licensed agent will call you during business hours, Mon-Fri, 9:30am-6:30pm ET. If you'd rather not wait, call 561-000-0000 now.
List done? Let's compare plans.
Share what you gathered. We'll price the plans we represent in Palm Beach County against your doctors and prescriptions.