5 Important Things to Know Before You Apply for Medicare

Important Tips for When You Apply for Medicare

If you’re nearing retirement age, it’s time to start thinking about applying for Medicare.  Unfortunately, the application process is complicated, and you’ll have a lot of choices to make in terms of which plans you sign up for.  Educating yourself is important!  A good California health care broker can help you apply for Medicare, but the process will go more smoothly if you understand what’s happening before you make that call.

Here are a few tips to help your sign-up process go more smoothly.

Five Important Things to Know Before You Apply for Medicare

1 – You can sign up early

You don’t have to wait until you turn 65.  You can start the process three months before that, and it’s a good idea to do so.  This gives you more time to work out any snags that might come up.  That way, you’ll be guaranteed to be insured once you turn 65, without any gaps in your coverage.

2 – Consider your provider network

Like all insurance plans, Medicare has limitations on which doctors you can and cannot use.  It’s important to do research and make sure that you pick a plan which will include your favorite doctors and necessary providers.  You shouldn’t have to make any radical changes to your medical services just because you go on Medicare.

3 – What coverage will you need in the coming year?

Not all Medicare plans cover all types of services.  For example, Original Medicare does not include dental or vision – but there are Medicare Advantage programs that do cover those services.  You’ll want to match the program you choose to your own needs, so some forethought will serve you well.

That said…

4 – Remember that you can change plans every year

Once you pick your Medicare plans, you’ll be locked in for a year – but not forever.  Every year, from October to December, you can choose to change your Medicare plans and coverage.  So even if you make a mistake, or a new health issue comes up after enrollment, you’ll have annual opportunities to choose new plans.

5 – Don’t miss the deadlines

If you miss your Medicare enrollment window, you’ll most likely have to wait a full year before you can enroll again.

This is why it’s a good idea to have a qualified California insurance broker helping you apply for Medicare.  Contact Good & Associates to learn more about your options.