If you’ve recently joined Medicare, you may feel a bit overwhelmed from the enrollment process. Not to worry – you’re not alone. Florida Medicare can be complicated and difficult to navigate. There is a lot to learn and you may be wondering what the next steps are. Below is a checklist to help make your Medicare journey a smooth one.
- Review your new Medicare card to learn how to contact Medicare and what kind of Medicare coverage you have. You may have other cards as well if you signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), a prescription drug plan (Part D) or a Medicare supplement insurance plan (Medigap). Keep all your health insurance cards in a safe place.
- Schedule your Welcome to Medicare visit during the first 12 months you have Medicare Part B. This is a one-time exam that will give you a full review of your health and teach you about preventive services you may need. There is no additional cost for the visit, and the Part B deductible does not apply.
- Fill out an Authorization Form if you want a family member or friend to call Medicare on your behalf. Before Medicare will give personal health information about you to anyone, you must first give Medicare your written permission.
- Mark your calendar to review your coverage every year during Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 – December 7. Your health needs and budget may change, and you may want to fine-tune your coverage, too.
For local and personalized Florida Medicare counseling – at no cost to you, contact us at (941) 405 – 3900.
