TIMELINE

5-6 Months Before

• Begin with either the Social Security Administration (SSA.gov) or the Railroad Retirement Board as appropriate to you.

• At SSA.gov, set up an individual account and review your information preloaded for accuracy.

• Confirm your eligibility for Medicare.

• Contact your HR department for information about the company's policy regarding Medicare.

• Assemble documentation you will need to provide during the application process.

4-5 Months Before

• Sign up for Medicare Part A & Part B*. Do this online or make an appointment (in-person or over-the-phone).

• Search for a Medicare broker in your area to serve as your trusted advisor. Make an appointment to begin the process.

• Learn as much as you can about Medicare so that you can make an informed decision medically & financially.

• Decide on who you will use for your primary care doctor and any specialists. Make a list with their zip code.

• Make a list of your drugs, dosages and how often you take the drug to help determine the best drug plan for you.

1-3 Months Before

• Receive your Medicare card with ID #, name and dates for Part A & B.

• Narrow down plans with your advisor that fit your needs.

• Spend time reviewing & discussing the Summary of Benefits for plan(s) & their STAR rating.

• Enroll in your chosen Medicare plan. Confirm receipt of materials and your card(s) for the new plan.

• Cancel previous insurance as of midnight on the last day of the month before you begin your new plan.

Annual Enrollment Period

• Review your Annual Notice of Change document from your plan in late September for changes coming in the next year.

• Contact your advisor during October 15-December 7 if a review of other plans seems appropriate.

NOTE: Part B-If you plan to continue working with medical coverage from your employer, you can delay signing up for Part B.