Resources
Medicare Checklist
Good Medicare decisions start with good information. Most Medicare problems trace back to one missing detail: a drug left off a list, a specialist nobody checked, an HR letter that was never requested.
Work through this checklist before you compare plans. It's the same information a licensed agent will ask for, whether you live in Pflugerville, Dripping Springs or anywhere in between.
- What to pull together before comparing plans
- Deadlines that shouldn't slip by
- Questions worth asking any agent
Step 1
Gather your documents
- Your red, white and blue Medicare card, or your Social Security confirmation letter
- Your current insurance card and plan name, if you have coverage now
- Your Annual Notice of Change letter, if a plan mailed one this fall
- A creditable coverage letter from an employer, TRICARE or the VA
- A rough sense of household income, in case you may qualify for Extra Help
Step 2
List what you actually use
-
Doctors and hospital
Family doctor care, every specialist, and the system you prefer, whether that's St. David's, Ascension Seton or Baylor Scott & White. -
Prescriptions
Exact drug names, dosages, frequency and your pharmacy. Snap a photo of the bottles if that's faster than writing it out. -
Expected care
A planned surgery, ongoing therapy or regular lab work should all shape which plan makes sense.
Step 3
Know your dates
- Your 65th birthday and the 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around it
- The date your Part B starts, since that opens your 6-month Medigap window
- October 15 through December 7 for Annual Open Enrollment
- January 1 through March 31 if you're already on a Medicare Advantage plan
- Your last day of active employment, if you're delaying Part B
Not sure which window applies to you?
Read Turning 65 if this is your first time around, or Switch Your Plan if you're already enrolled.
Step 4
Questions to ask any agent
A good independent agent should answer every one of these without hesitating: Which carriers are you appointed with? Are my doctors in-network on this exact plan next year? What does each prescription cost under this plan's formulary? What's my full expected cost for the year, not just the monthly premium? What happens if I need to switch later?
If the answers feel vague, keep asking around. Free, unbiased counseling is also available from Texas HICAP (Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program) at 1-800-252-9240. You can read about how we work or start with the FAQs.
Next step
Have a licensed agent compare plans with your list
Once your list is ready, a licensed Texas agent can check your doctors and prescriptions against the Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans we represent. Leave your number and we'll call you back during business hours, or call 737-236-2017.
Thanks, we have your request.
A licensed agent will call you during business hours, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:30pm CT. If you'd rather not wait, call 737-236-2017 now.
Checklist done? Let's compare plans.
Bring what you've gathered and we'll compare the plans we represent across the Austin area, matched against your doctors and prescriptions.