Checklist after signing up for Medicare

Application and card

• Save the Social Security submission confirmation and every request for additional evidence.
• Read the approval or enrollment notice and verify the Part A and Part B start dates.
• Check the welcome package and Medicare card. Print an official copy from the secure Medicare account if needed.
• Correct a legal-name mismatch through Social Security.

Coverage choices

• Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage using official Medicare tools.
• If choosing Original Medicare, decide whether to add a standalone Part D plan and whether a Medigap policy fits the situation.
• If choosing Medicare Advantage, confirm that Part A and Part B are active and compare provider networks, drugs, prior authorization, costs, and service area.
• Do not cancel employer, retiree, union, VA, TRICARE, Medicaid, or other coverage until the responsible program explains how it coordinates with Medicare.

Important timing

• Record the deadline for joining a Medicare health or drug plan after Part A or Part B begins.
• Avoid going 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage if you want to avoid a possible Part D late penalty.
• If considering Medigap, check the federal six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period and any additional state protections.

Using the coverage

• Create a secure Medicare account after receiving the Medicare number.
• Choose providers and pharmacies that work with the selected coverage.
• Carry the correct card: Medicare card for Original Medicare or the plan card for Medicare Advantage.
• Review how premiums will be paid or deducted and watch for a CMS-500 bill when applicable.

Keep a decision file

Preserve the Medicare card, plan enrollment confirmations, notices of creditable drug coverage, employer-benefit records, premium notices, and notes from calls. Do not place a full Medicare number in ordinary email or unsecured notes.

Check income-related premium notices

• Save any IRMAA notice sent by Social Security.
• Compare the tax year in the notice with the most recent return information available.
• Identify whether a listed life-changing event caused a later income reduction.
• Use SSA-44 for the life-event route or the appeal instructions for a different disagreement.

Check the IRMAA life-changing events.

Official sources

• Medicare.gov — what to do after signing up
• Medicare.gov — Medicare card
• Medicare.gov — coverage options
• Medicare.gov — when to join a plan

Related resources

• Sign up for Medicare
• Replace a Medicare card
• Automatic enrollment at 65
• Part B Special Enrollment Period
• Can I join a Part D plan with only Part A?
• Original Medicare appeal checklist
• Medicare Advantage appeal checklist