Checklist: 6 Things to Do When You Get Medicare
1) Fill out an Initial Enrollment Questionnaire
Make sure your medical bills are paid correctly and on time by filling out this questionnaire and sending it to Medicare, or complete it over the phone or by mail.
The Initial Enrollment Questionnaire (IEQ) should come in the mail about 3 months before your Medicare coverage starts. The questionnaire asks about other health insurance you have that might pay before Medicare does, like group health coverage from your or a family member’s employer, liability insurance, or workers’ compensation.
How to submit the Initial Enrollment Questionnaire (IEQ):
Complete the questionnaire online at MyMedicare.gov. Mail back the paper copy you got in the mail. Complete the questionnaire over the phone by calling the Coordination of Benefits Contractor at 1-800-999-1118. TTY users should call 1-800-318-8782.
2) Fill out an Authorization Form
Medicare can't give personal health information about you to anyone unless you give permission in writing first.
If you want friends or family to be able to call 1-800-MEDICARE on your behalf, you should let Medicare know in writing now in case you’re unable to do it later.
3) Make a "Welcome to Medicare" Physical Exam Appointment
This free, one-time comprehensive exam is offered during the first 12 months you have Medicare.
The free "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam puts you in control of your health and your Medicare from the start. Offered during the first 12 months you have Medicare, this exam lets you and your doctor discuss steps to prevent disease, improve your health, and help you stay well. The exam is completely covered by Medicare. There is no co-pay or deductible. Learn how it can benefit you.
4) Sign up for MyMedicare.gov
MyMedicare.gov is a secure online service where you can access your personal Medicare information 24 hours a day, every day.
5) Choose and Join a Medicare Drug Plan (Part D)
If you're new to Medicare, you have 7 months to join a Medicare drug plan.
If you want Medicare prescription drug coverage, now is the time to join a Medicare drug plan. You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare drug plan at these times:
When you first become eligible for Medicare?
Between October 15 - December 7
This 7 month period starts 3 months before you become eligible, includes the month you become eligible, and ends 3 months after you become eligible. This is true whether you’re eligible for Medicare because of your age or a disability. If you're eligible for Medicare because of a disability, you'll have another chance to join a Medicare drug plan when you turn age 65.
Find Medicare drug plans in your area. Once you choose a Medicare drug plan, you may be able to join by completing a paper application, calling the plan, or joining online.
6) Download a Copy of "Your Medicare Benefits"
Medicare's official "Your Medicare Benefits" http://www.medicare.gov/Library/PDFNavigation/PDFInterim.asp?Language=English&Type=Pub&PubID=10116
publication explains the rules about which health care services and supplies Medicare covers.
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