New to Medicare

Medicare takes quite a bit of time and knowledge to understand. If you’re new to Medicare, you may be overwhelmed with no clue where to start. Don’t stress—here are some of the first steps you need to take in your Medicare journey.

Where to Start When You’re New to Medicare, Eligibility

If you are interested in entering the world of Medicare, the first thing you need to know is whether or not you are eligible. Eligibility is based on your citizenship and age or disability status. If you are a legal U.S. citizen and have been for at least 5 years, and you are age 65 or older, or if you have a qualifying disability, you can enroll in Medicare.

You may even be enrolled automatically. How are you enrolled automatically? Based on your Social Security (SS) or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits. If you are receiving these benefits for at least four months by the time your 65th birthday comes around, you should simply receive a letter in the mail indicating your new Medicare enrollment.

Next Step, Determining the Coverage You Need

What, then, are your Medicare plan options? There are 4 distinct parts to Medicare—Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and supplements. Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B, and is the traditional Medicare plan you may be enrolled in automatically. You have to enroll yourself into any other plans.

Parts A and B cover inpatient and outpatient care and general medical items and services for things such as diagnostic, preventative, and treatment care.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) coordinates a network of healthcare providers to reduce your overall out-of-pocket costs you would otherwise pay under Original Medicare. It may also come with Part D included along with other benefits, but this really just depends on the plan. For more information about how Advantage plans work, feel free to reach out to us today!
Part D provides prescription drug coverage, and can be added to Original Medicare to reduce costs that you would otherwise be paying almost entirely out-of-pocket.
Medicare Supplements cover a variety of out-of-pocket expenses, including copayments, coinsurance fees, deductibles, and more. Adding one to your Original Medicare plan will greatly reduce those often unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Final Move, Go Shopping

Now that you have a brief introduction to Medicare and your available options, what do you do next? One of the best ways to prepare for Medicare enrollment if you are interested in Advantage Plans, Part D, or a supplement plan, is to work with Medicare Detective to find the best providers in your area.

We have all the resources needed to help you compare your options.

Navigating Medicare as a Beginner?
Call Medicare Detectives

Understanding Medicare and finding the right coverage is not easy. With so much information and so many options to consider, you need one of our agents on your side. Medicare Detectives will take away your worries and get you the Medicare plan you need to feel confident in your coverage. To get started, give us a call today or visit either of our offices in St. Charles, Missouri and Sarasota, Florida.