Medicare checklists: before you enroll and your first 90 days

Tick items here and they are kept with the plan when you press Save. Dated items can go to a calendar.

Before you enroll

The things that are easier to have in hand before the first call or the online application.

Create or check a my Social Security account (ssa.gov)Signing up for Part A and B happens there, or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.Gather: birth certificate or proof of age, proof of citizenship or lawful residence, W-2s or tax returns for last yearSocial Security may already have some of this; it will say what it still needs.If there is job coverage: ask the benefits office whether it is based on current employment and whether the drug coverage is creditable — in writingList every prescription with dose and pharmacyNeeded to check any drug plan's list.List the doctors and hospital you want to keepWrite the first window's closing date where you will see itFind the SHIP counseling program for your state (shiphelp.org) and book a callIf contributing to an HSA: note the last contribution month

Your first 90 days on Medicare

What arrives, what to do with it, and the one appointment worth booking early.

The red, white and blue Medicare card arrives — check the Part A and Part B start dates on itCreate a Medicare.gov account and confirm the card details matchIf you chose a Part D, Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan: their cards arrive separately — keep the Medicare card safe even if a plan says to use theirsBook the one-time "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit (within the first 12 months of Part B)Tell each doctor's office and pharmacy about the new coverageCheck how the Part B premium is being paid (Social Security deduction or a quarterly bill)On the Original path: if Medigap is wanted, buy it inside the six-month windowNext fall: read the Annual Notice of Change from any plan before Open Enrollment

Two checklists

Before you enroll

Your first 90 days on Medicare