

Check Your Eligibility
You're eligible for Medicare at age 65
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts 3 months before your 65th birthday
You have 7 months total to enroll without penalties
Already receiving Social Security? You may be automatically enrolled


Understand Parts A & B
Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health
Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment
Most people get Part A premium-free if they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years
Part B has a monthly premium based on your income


Understand Your Options
Medicare Advantage (Part C): An all-in-one alternative that often includes drugs, dental, and vision
Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Extra coverage to pay what Original Medicare doesn't
Prescription Drug Plan (Part D): Standalone drug coverage if you stay with Original Medicare
Your choice depends on your doctors, medications, and healthcare preferences


Pick the Right Plan
Consider which doctors and hospitals you want to keep
Review your current prescriptions and their costs under each plan
Think about how often you travel or need care away from home
Compare monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums

Add Smart Protection
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage
Hospital cash benefits for unexpected stays
Critical illness protection (cancer, heart attack, stroke)
Final expense coverage to protect your family

Hospital stays
Skilled nursing facility
Hospice care
Home health care

Doctor visits
Outpatient care
Preventive services
Durable medical equipment

Everything in A & B
Often includes drugs
May include dental/vision
Network-based care

Brand-name drugs
Generic drugs
Specialty medications
Vaccines