Preparing for Medicare

We recommend beginning Medicare planning 6 to 12 months in advance of eligibility. Take time to evaluate your needs and preferences. Consider the following questions:

• Will you continue working past age 65?
• Will you begin taking Social Security at age 65?
• Do you plan to travel?
• Do you have ongoing health conditions or expensive prescriptions?
• Do your preferred providers accept the plan you’re considering?
• Do your providers accept Original Medicare?

Setting Up Medicare Parts A & B

The typical enrollment process includes:

• Apply for Medicare Parts A & B online through the Social Security Administration website
• Save your enrollment confirmation or confirmation number
• If unable to enroll online, contact Social Security at (800) 772-1213
• Review health plan options with an agent 6 – 12 months before your Initial Enrollment Period
• Complete your Medicare plan application at least one month before your effective date
• Pay your first premium to activate coverage if your plan has a premium
• If receiving Social Security benefits, you may choose to have your Medicare Advantage premium deducted from your Social Security check

Selecting and Enrolling in Your Medicare Plan

Once enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and after deciding whether to begin Social Security benefits, you may:

• Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD), or
• Enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan and a separate Prescription Drug Plan (PDP)

We represent numerous leading Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Prescription Drug plans in Oregon and Washington. Some plans allow online enrollment after consultation with an agent.

If you would like assistance reviewing your Medicare options, please complete a Scope of Appointment form (found under the resources tab of our website) and call our office to schedule an appointment.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.