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What do I need to know after I sign up for Medicare?
Do I want to keep Part B (Medical Insurance)?
Most people are automatically enrolled in Parts A & B. If you don’t want Part B (Medical Insurance), be sure you follow the instructions on the back of the form that contains your ID card. You need to check the box on the back side of the card, sign, and return the entire form in the envelope provided. A new ID card will be mailed to you showing only Part A, Hospital Insurance.
If you keep the ID card, you keep Part B, Medical Insurance, and you will pay your Part B premium.
Decide how to get your Medicare coverage
If you keep Part B, you can choose how to get your health coverage. You can choose from Original Medicare (run by the Federal government) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (run by private insurance companies approved by Medicare). You are automatically placed in the Original Medicare program unless you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Decide if you want/need Medicare Prescription Drug coverage
If you stay in the Original Medicare program, you need to enroll in a stand-alone Part D Prescription Drug plan if you want drug coverage. If you joined a Medicare Advantage plan, most Medicare Advantage plans automatically include prescription drug coverage.
Decide if you want or need a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy
If you stay in the Original Medicare program, you may want to buy a policy that helps pay some of the costs Medicare doesn’t cover such as deductibles and coinsurance. You don’t need and can’t use a Medigap policy if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Fill out an Initial Enrollment Questionnaire
Make sure your medical bills are paid correctly and on time. The Initial Enrollment Questionnaire (IEQ) should arrive by mail about 3 months before your Medicare coverage starts. The IEQ ask about other health coverage you may have that pays before Medicare pays, such as group health coverage from your or a family member’s employer. You can complete the IEQ in one of three ways:
- Mail back the paper copy you received in the mail
- Complete the questionnaire online at MyMedicare.gov
- Complete the questionnaire over the phone by calling the Coordination of Benefits contractor at 1-800-999-1118. TTY users please call 1-800-318-8782.
Fill out an Authorization Form
Medicare can’t give personal health information about you to anyone unless you give permission in writing first. If you want a family member or friend to be able to call 1-800-MEDICARE on your behalf, you need to let Medicare know in writing now in case you’re unable to do it later. You can do one of the following:
- Fill out and submit an e-Authorization Form online
- Download, print, and complete the Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information form. Mail the completed, signed form to Medicare BCC, Written Authorization Department, P.O. Box 1270, Lawrence, KS 66044
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048, and ask for the Standard Authorization form to complete and mail in. You can also ask the Customer Service Representative who answered your call to help you complete the form over the phone, then mail the form to you to sign and return.
Call your doctor and schedule your “Welcome to Medicare”
physical exam.
This is a free, comprehensive exam that is provided to you during the first 12 months of your Medicare coverage. It lets you and your doctor discuss steps to prevent disease, improve your health, and help you stay well. This exam is completely covered by Medicare. There is no copay or deductible. After the first year, you can get a yearly “Wellness” exam for free. Click here to see what you should expect during the exam and what you should bring. Don’t have a family doctor? Click here to search for providers in your area.
Sign up for MyMedicare.gov
This is a secure online service where you can access your personal Medicare information 24 hours a day. Here are some of the items you can do on MyMedicare.gov:
- Complete your Initial Enrollment Questionnaire (IEQ)
- Track your health care claims
- Order a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)
- Order a replacement Medicare ID card
- Check your Part B deductible status
- View your eligibility information
- Track your preventive services
- Find information about your Medicare health or drug plan, or search for a new one
- Keep your Medicare information in one convenient place
- Sign up to receive your annual copy of the “Medicare & You” booklet electronically
Download a copy of “Your Medicare Benefits” 2011
This official Medicare publication explains the rules about which health care services and supplies Medicare covers under Part A and Part B (60 pages).
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Medicare Basics 
