Medicare is simple to describe and surprisingly hard to navigate the first time. There are deadlines, penalties for missing them, and several plan types that can look similar on paper. Add a move to a new state and the questions multiply. This checklist walks you through the steps in order, and includes the free counseling program for each state we serve. It is general information, not advice for your specific situation.
Step 1: Find your enrollment window
Most people become eligible at 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is seven months long:
- The three months before your birthday month.
- Your birthday month.
- The three months after.
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you are usually enrolled in Parts A and B automatically around your 65th birthday. If not, you generally need to sign up yourself. People who qualify earlier because of a disability have different timing. Check your card and notices, and do not assume you are enrolled.
Step 2: Understand the four parts
- Part A is hospital coverage, and most people pay no premium for it.
- Part B is medical coverage for doctors and outpatient care, with a monthly premium and cost-sharing.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a private plan alternative that bundles A, B, and usually D.
- Part D is prescription drug coverage.
Our guide to Medicare Parts A, B, C and D explains each in plain English.
Step 3: Choose your path
Most new enrollees pick one of two routes:
- Original Medicare + a Medigap plan + a Part D drug plan. Higher monthly premiums, broad doctor choice, and predictable costs.
- A Medicare Advantage plan. Often low premiums with extras like dental and vision, but with networks and copays.
Neither is automatically better. See Advantage vs. Medigap. If you choose Medigap, your best chance for guaranteed acceptance is the six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that starts when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B.
Step 4: Check your doctors and drugs before you enroll
Make a list of every doctor, hospital, pharmacy, and medication, with dosages. Check each against any plan you are considering. This single step prevents the most common new-enrollee regret.
Not sure which Medicare option fits you?
We'll compare what's available at your address and check your doctors and drugs — free, no pressure.
Get my plan reviewStep 5: Know the penalties and deadlines
Missing windows can be costly. Late enrollment penalties can apply to Part B and Part D and may last as long as you have the coverage. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans also have an Annual Enrollment Period each fall, from October 15 to December 7. Mark your calendar.
Step 6: If you are moving to a new state
Original Medicare works across the country, but plans tied to a service area do not. If you move out of your plan's area, you generally have a Special Enrollment Period to choose a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Medigap policies follow different rules, so check before you cancel anything, because insurers in many states can ask health questions when you apply for a new one. Read when you can switch plans for the windows.
Your one-page checklist
- Write down your birthday and your enrollment window dates.
- Confirm whether you are automatically enrolled in Parts A and B.
- Decide whether to delay Part B based on your employer coverage.
- List your doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and medications.
- Compare Original Medicare plus Medigap against Medicare Advantage in your county.
- Add Part D if you choose Original Medicare.
- Enroll before your window ends and keep confirmation records.
- Set a reminder for October 15 each year to review your plan.
How Honorbrook helps
We are an independent agency licensed in 11 states, appointed with many carriers, so we compare real plans at your address instead of promoting one company. Our help is free to you because carriers pay us, and by law your premium is the same whether you use an agent or enroll alone. Everything can be handled by phone, which is especially helpful if you are moving or live far from our Tysons, Virginia office.
Medicare help in your state
Honorbrook is licensed in the 11 states below. Plan availability, costs and some rules vary by state and county, so call us at (571) 354-0146 for what applies where you live.