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Turning 65 / New to Medicare
You have limited time when you turn 65 or start Medicare through disability or ESRD. This checklist helps you meet key deadlines.
- Note your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) dates and deadlines.
- Decide between Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or Medicare Advantage (Part C).
- Consider whether you need Part D (prescription drug coverage) or want to enroll later.
- If switching from employer coverage, understand your Special Enrollment Period.
- Compare Medigap plans if you choose Original Medicare — once you're 65 or older and have Part B, you get a 6-month window with guaranteed acceptance. (Under 65 on Medicare? Medigap rights depend on your state.)
- Check whether your current doctors and medications are covered under your chosen plan.
- Set up your free Medicare.gov account to track enrollment, view your benefits, and access resources.
Learn more about turning 65 and enrollment deadlines
Annual Review (Every Fall)
The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7. Review your plan even if you want to keep it.
- Request or download your plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) — sent to you in the fall.
- Check for changes: premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums.
- Check your medications against the new drug formulary.
- Verify your doctors are still in your plan's network for next year.
- Use Medicare's Plan Finder tool to compare available plans in your area.
- Switch plans by December 7, or stay put with your current plan.
Learn more about enrollment periods and deadlines
Before You Appeal a Denial
If your claim is denied, you can appeal. Here's how to prepare and meet your deadline.
- Find your denial notice — it includes your appeal deadline and instructions.
- Find your appeal level: redetermination, reconsideration, hearing, or higher.
- Gather supporting records: invoices, medical records, explanation of benefits (EOB), doctor's statement.
- Ask your doctor for a letter of medical necessity if it helps your case.
- Note the deadline for filing your appeal and the method (mail, phone, online).
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
- If you're unable to appeal yourself, consider help from a SHIP advisor or legal aid in your state.
Get step-by-step guidance on how to appeal · Understand your appeal rights · See appeal deadlines and procedures
Caregiver Document Kit
Caregivers managing someone's healthcare need key documents organized and easy to find. Collect and keep these together.
- Insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental insurance, prescription drug plan) — front and back.
- Plan name, member ID number, and group number.
- List of current doctors: names, phone numbers, specialties, and office addresses.
- List of current medications (names, dosages, frequency) and pharmacy contact info.
- Copy of any durable power of attorney (POA) or authorized-representative paperwork.
- Key online login information (or secure password manager access) for mail, benefits, and health portals.
- Upcoming appeal deadlines and claims waiting for decisions.
- Emergency contact numbers and after-hours plan support lines.
Learn more about supporting a loved one
Applying for Medicaid / Help Paying
If your income is low, you may qualify for Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, or other aid. Gather your documents before you apply.
- Gather income proof: last 2 months of pay stubs, tax return, or Social Security statement.
- Gather household info: number of people in your household, their income, and relationship to you.
- Keep current contact information: address, phone, and email.
- Check your state's income limits for Medicaid eligibility.
- Apply through your state's Medicaid agency — find your state on medicaid.gov or apply through Healthcare.gov.
- Ask about Medicare Savings Programs — they help pay premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
- If eligible for Part D coverage, apply for Extra Help to lower your prescription drug costs.
- Follow up: keep your contact information current so the agency can reach you with updates.
Learn what help is available for people with low income · Find your state Medicaid office