Medicare Checklist

Updated May 10, 2022

Turning 65 soon? Already 65 and losing your coverage through an employer or group? Make sure you’re ready to get the most out of your new Medicare benefits.

• Most working Americans are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) on the first day of the month in which they turn 65 years of age (or the month before, for those born on the 1st of the month).
• You can choose to enroll in Medicare Part B (medical insurance) at that time; or you may be able to continue to receive benefits through your employer or group health insurance plan and enroll in Part B at a later date, depending on how many people are employed by your company.
• If you lose your group benefits later, you can enroll in Part B benefits at that time.

As your eligibility date approaches, we recommend you take the following steps:

Three months before your Medicare eligibility date:

• If you have group/employer health plan coverage, talk to your plan administrator to find out if you need to sign up for Part B. For small employers of 20 or fewer, Medicare beneficiaries may need to apply for Part B benefits to assure their claims are properly covered under the group. For larger employers, group coverage is primary and Part B is not needed.
• If you intend to take Medicare Part B benefits at this time, contact the Social Security Administration to enroll. You can do this online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
• Contact TR Insurance Group. We are available to answer your questions and schedule a face-to-face or telephone appointment to discuss your Medicare insurance plan options.

One month before your Medicare eligibility date:

• Meet with us to discuss your insurance options and sign up for new Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or Part D prescription drug coverage.
• Check your new Medicare ID card and confirm the dates of your Part A and Part B coverages.
• If you are no longer keeping your pre-Medicare insurance, contact your health insurance company or your group plan administrator to cancel your coverage. Let us know if you’d like us to assist with your cancellation.

Every year thereafter, between October 15th and December 7th:

• Call us to review your coverage options for the new year. Medicare insurance plans change from year to year just like your medical needs do, so make sure you’ve still got the coverage that works best for you.