Medicare Enrollment Checklist

A Step-by-Step Guide to Enrolling in Medicare

Enrolling in Medicare can feel overwhelming, but having a clear checklist can make the process much easier. Follow these steps to ensure you enroll in the right coverage at the right time while avoiding penalties.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

You qualify for Medicare if you are:

Turning 65 years old (your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday).
Under 65 and have a qualifying disability for at least 24 months.
Diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Step 2: Know Your Enrollment Periods

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Starts three months before your 65th birthday and lasts three months after.
Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) or choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D plan.

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

Runs from January 1 – March 31 each year.
If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up now (late penalties may apply).

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Runs from October 15 – December 7 each year.
Switch, drop, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the following year.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

Runs from January 1 – March 31.
Change your Medicare Advantage plan or switch back to Original Medicare.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

Available if you experience qualifying life events, such as losing employer coverage, moving to a new state, or other special circumstances.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Before applying for Medicare, have the following documents ready:

Social Security card
Birth certificate (or proof of citizenship/residency)
Driver’s license or state-issued ID
Proof of current health insurance coverage (if applicable)
Tax returns or income verification (if applying for financial assistance)
Employer coverage documents (if delaying Medicare due to work coverage)

Step 4: Decide Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

Covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and outpatient care.
Requires a separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.
Consider adding a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan for out-of-pocket cost protection.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Bundles Parts A and B, often includes Part D (drug coverage), dental, vision, and extra benefits.
May have lower out-of-pocket costs but requires using network providers.

Step 5: Choose Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D or Included in Advantage Plan)

Check if your medications are covered under the Medicare Part D formulary.
Compare different plans to find the best coverage and lowest prescription costs.
Review your preferred pharmacies to ensure they accept the plan.

Step 6: Consider Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)

Covers out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
Can be added only if you choose Original Medicare (not Medicare Advantage).
Best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you first enroll in Part B at age 65.

Step 7: Apply for Medicare

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
If not automatically enrolled, apply:
- Online at SSA.gov
- By calling 1-800-772-1213 (Social Security Office)
- At your local Social Security office
If delaying Part B due to employer coverage, complete CMS Form 40B and CMS L564 to avoid penalties.