5 Tasks for Your First Year with Medicare

Is this your first year as a Medicare recipient? Check out the following list of tasks that Medicare.gov suggests to help you better understand and navigate your Medicare coverage.

1. Fill out an Authorization Form if you want your family or friends to call Medicare on your behalf. Medicare can’t give personal health information about you to anyone unless you give permission in writing first. Get this form in Spanish.
2. Make a “Welcome to Medicare” Preventive Visit appointment during the first 12 months you have Medicare. This free, one-time comprehensive “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit puts you in control of your health and your Medicare from the start.
3. Sign up for MyMedicare.gov, our secure online service where you can access your personal Medicare information 24 hours a day, every day. You can:
   • Track your health care claims
   • View your “Medicare Summary Notices” (MSNs)
   • Order a replacement Medicare card
   • Check your Medicare Part B deductible status
   • View your eligibility information
   • Track your preventive services
   • Find information about your Medicare health plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D), or search for a new one
   • Keep your Medicare information in one convenient place
4. Learn what Medicare covers. You’ll get a list of tests, items, and services that are covered no matter where you live. If your test, item, or service isn’t listed, talk to your doctor or other health care provider about why you need certain tests, items, or services, and ask if Medicare will cover them.
5. Decide if you want to go paperless, and get your next free copy of “Medicare & You” [PDF, 5.91 MB] electronically! Next
6. Learn how you can become an informed Medicare consumer. This includes protecting your identity and staying up-to-date with Medicare changes.

If you are not enrolled in Medicare, then learn How to Get Started With Medicare: 5 steps to follow.

Have additional questions about Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or general Medicare questions?  For more information, or to speak to a friendly, licensed agent contact us HERE.