Resources
Medicare Checklist
You'll choose well when you have the facts in front of you. Most trouble starts with one thing left out. Maybe a drug didn't make the list, nobody looked up a specialist, or an old employer's letter sat unopened in a drawer.
Work through this list before you compare plans. A licensed agent will ask for the same things whether you live in Greenville, Celeste or out near Lake Tawakoni.
- What to gather before comparing plans
- Deadlines worth marking
- Questions for any licensed agent
Step 1
Pull together your paperwork
- Your red, white and blue Medicare card, or the Social Security letter confirming you're enrolled
- The card and plan name for any coverage you have now
- This fall's Annual Notice of Change from your plan, if one came
- A creditable coverage letter from a past employer, TRICARE or the VA
- A rough idea of household income, in case you qualify for Extra Help
Step 2
Write down your doctors, drugs and care
-
Doctors and hospital
Your regular doctor, each specialist, and the hospital you'd choose, like Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville or a Dallas hospital where a specialist practices. -
Prescriptions
The name, dose and schedule for each drug, plus your pharmacy. Photos of the bottle labels on your phone work fine. -
Expected care
A planned surgery, ongoing therapy or regular lab work can change which plan makes the most sense.
Step 3
Circle the deadlines on your calendar
- The 7-month Initial Enrollment Period built around your 65th birthday
- The day Part B starts, which begins your 6-month Medigap window
- October 15 to December 7, Annual Open Enrollment
- January 1 to March 31, if you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan
- The day you retire, if a job plan let you hold off on Part B
Which window applies to you?
Just starting with Medicare? Read Turning 65. Already enrolled? Read Switch Your Plan.
Step 4
Questions for any licensed agent
A licensed agent should answer these without hesitation. Which carriers appointed you? Are my doctors in this plan's network for the coming year? How much will each drug I take cost here? What's my likely total for the year, premium included? What can I do if I want to change plans later?
If the answers aren't clear, talk to someone else. HICAP (the Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program of Texas) offers free, unbiased counseling at 800-252-9240. To learn more about us, see how we work, or browse our Medicare FAQs.
Next step
Bring your list to a licensed agent
With your list in hand, a licensed insurance agent can look up your doctors and price your prescriptions. We'll check them on the Medicare Advantage, Medigap and drug plans our carriers offer. Ask for a callback during office hours, or call 903-395-5282.
Thanks, we have your request.
A licensed agent will call you during business hours, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:30pm CT. If you'd rather not wait, call 903-395-5282 now.
List finished? Let's compare.
Send us what you gathered and we'll price the plans we represent in Hunt County with your doctors and prescriptions.