Start planning for Medicare before enrolling
With your Medicare enrollment in sight, it's time to review your coverage options and decide what's right for you.
Don’t miss out! Get key enrollment info for your Medicare journey with email updates.
What do I need to know about preparing for Medicare a few months before I turn 65?
Take time to review Medicare enrollment periods, coverage options and plan costs before your enrollment window begins. Comparing Medicare plans a few months before turning 65 can help you understand your benefits, provider options and prescription drug coverage. Planning ahead can help you avoid late enrollment penalties, coverage gaps and unexpected health care costs.
How to prepare for Medicare
Research Medicare benefits
Health care costs can add up quickly. As you compare Medicare plans, make sure the benefits fit your health needs, your lifestyle and your budget.
Read more
A pre-enrollment checklistBy giving yourself time to prepare for Medicare enrollment months in advance, you can choose the coverage that’s right for you and learn how to make the most of your benefits.
Review Medicare enrollment periods
Even if you already checked the Medicare enrollment periods, it’s important to review again now that you’re a few months away from turning 65. This can help ensure you’re not affected by late enrollment penalties.
Understand Medicare late enrollment penalties
If you sign up for Medicare after the enrollment deadline, you could end up with late enrollment penalties. These penalties are usually permanent, so avoiding them is important.
Learn more about the late enrollment penalties for different Medicare parts and how to avoid them
How does Medicare work?
-
Knowing the parts of Medicare is the first step towards learning how to get the most out of your health care coverage.
-
Medicare is made up of different parts. To help get the coverage you need, you may want to consider combining the parts.
-
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer three advantages: cost, coverage and convenience. Learn more and see if they are right for you.
-
Learn about the benefits of Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) and how the coverage works.
Which Medicare coverage is right for me?
Surprising benefits that are part of Medicare Advantage plans
Did you know that dental care, vision benefits and post-hospital stay meals may be covered by Medicare Advantage plans? Learn more about some of the surprising benefits covered under MA plans but not Original Medicare.
Which Medicare plan will save you the most money?
What is the most cost-effective way to get Medicare coverage? Hint: it’s not always the most obvious choice.
Ready for the next step?
Commonly asked questions about preparing for Medicare enrollment a few months before age 65
These questions are for people who are only a few months away from becoming eligible for Medicare or enrolling in coverage. Now is a good time to review Medicare enrollment periods, compare coverage options and understand how Medicare works before your enrollment window begins. Preparing early can help you avoid coverage gaps, late enrollment penalties and unexpected health care costs.
-
It’s a good idea to start researching Medicare Advantage plans a few months before you become eligible for Medicare. Reviewing your options early can help you understand enrollment deadlines, compare benefits and avoid late enrollment penalties. You can compare plans based on costs, provider networks, prescription drug coverage and additional benefits.
-
Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B coverage from the federal government. Medigap plans help pay for some out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage plans combine medical coverage and may include prescription drug, dental, vision and other benefits. Comparing costs, provider access and coverage can help you choose the option that fits your needs.
-
Medicare is made up of different parts that help cover different health care needs. Part A generally covers hospital care. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. Part D covers prescription drugs and Medicare Advantage plans combine coverage into one plan. Understanding how the parts work together can help you prepare for enrollment.
-
If one spouse becomes eligible for Medicare before the other, each person may need different health coverage. One spouse may enroll in Medicare while the other keeps employer coverage, marketplace coverage or another health plan until becoming eligible. Reviewing your options early can help you plan for costs and avoid gaps in coverage.
What else can I learn about Medicare?
Explore additional resources to help you take the next step in your Medicare journey. You can see which resources apply to you based on the amount of time until you’re eligible for Medicare.
View plans
Enter your ZIP code to see plans in your area.
Get in touch
Schedule a call from a licensed Medicare agent to learn about our plans. We’ll answer your questions so you feel confident about your coverage options.
