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Transitioning to Medicare - Our Step-By-Step Guide
1
Review Your Needs
Original Medicare does not cover all your healthcare costs, but you have options with Medicare. Review your overall healthcare costs and needs, including regular health maintenance visits, specialists you see, prescription drug costs and any procedures you know you will need. This will help you understand your overall financial picture.
2
Review Your Plan’s Providers
Check to see if your current healthcare providers accept Medicare. While most do, some doctors opt out of Medicare so they are not required to follow Medicare rules. In other words, you’ll want to make sure your doctor can’t tack on extra costs and you are getting the lowest cost for your services.
3
Learn Medicare Basics
Before you select a plan, take time to understand all the different parts of Medicare. Selecting the wrong coverage can cost you. You can also pay fines and penalties if you do not enroll within your specific initial enrollment period, or in a timely manner during annual enrollment! Visit our Medicare Resources list at the top of this page to learn more!
4
Don’t Go it Alone
Talk to us! We’ll do the leg work for you, helping you to add up all your costs (copays, premiums, etc.) so you can pick the best option. And we continue to be resource for you annually, as plans may change, or your needs evolve. Give us a call or fill out the form below to request an appointment. Our guidance is provided at no cost and no obligation!
5
Enroll in Medicare
Turning 65? Timing is the most important factor when first signing up for Medicare. Following our step-by-step guide will help you avoid excessive fees and costs.
Initial Enrollment Period: 7 months, which starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, and includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after your 65th birthday.
For most people, Medicare is not automatic. You need to enroll in original Medicare (Parts A & B) before you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan. To enroll, you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility. Some acceptable documents are birth certificate, proof citizenship if not born in the US, W-2 or tax forms, and or military records.
Follow this link to apply online at the Social Security Administration website. Here you can enroll, create your Medicare account, track your Medicare information such as bills, claims, health information and more, as well as print your Medicare card. You can also call your local Social Security office for assistance.
Meet Your Medicare Advisor
Tom Woodward of Westwood Agency and his knowledgeable staff advise and guide individuals through the process of transitioning to Medicare.
With decades of experience, Tom and each insurance professional at Westwood Agency is properly trained on Medicare rules and regulations, and they continually update themselves on the constant changes within the Medicare system. They can help you transition smoothly into the right Medicare coverage that fully serves your healthcare needs, while protecting your life’s savings.
