Just Enrolled in Medicare? Here’s What To Do First

Stepping into Medicare can feel like learning a new language—Parts A, B, C, D, Medigap, enrollment windows, penalties. The good news: once you understand the basics and take a few clear steps, Medicare becomes far more manageable and can save you serious money on health care.

Below is a simple, practical guide to what to do when you’re new to Medicare, plus where to look next for extra financial help, including government aid and other money-saving options.

1. Know Which “Part” Covers What

Before you make any decisions, get comfortable with the four main parts of Medicare:

  • Part A (Hospital Insurance) – Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, some home health, and hospice.
  • Part B (Medical Insurance) – Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab tests, durable medical equipment.
  • Part C (Medicare Advantage) – Private plans that bundle Parts A and B, often Part D, and may add extras like vision, dental, and hearing.
  • Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) – Helps pay for medications you get at a pharmacy.

You’ll also hear about Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans, which help pay deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

Key takeaway:
Decide early whether you want Original Medicare (Parts A & B) + Part D + optional Medigap, or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that replaces Original Medicare with a bundled option.

2. Review Your Enrollment Timeline (Avoid Penalties)

If you’re new to Medicare, timing matters. Missing key windows can mean late enrollment penalties that last for years.

Main enrollment periods:

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

    • Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65
    • Includes your birthday month
    • Ends 3 months after your birthday month
      Most people sign up for Part A here, and often Part B unless they’re still covered by certain employer plans.

  • Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
    If you (or your spouse) are working past 65 and have credible employer coverage, you may be able to delay Part B and/or Part D without penalty. When that coverage ends, you usually get an 8‑month window to enroll in Part B and a shorter window for Part D or Medicare Advantage.

  • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
    Every year from October 15 – December 7, you can:

    • Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
    • Change or add a Part D plan
    • Move between Medicare Advantage plans

Action step:
Mark your enrollment deadlines on a calendar and, if needed, talk to Social Security or a licensed agent so you don’t miss your window.

3. Compare Your Options: Original Medicare vs. Advantage

When you’re new to Medicare, one of your biggest decisions is how to get your coverage.

Original Medicare + Optional Add‑Ons

  • You get Part A and Part B directly from the federal government.
  • You can add:
    • Part D for prescriptions
    • Medigap for help with out‑of‑pocket costs

Pros:

  • Broad access to providers that accept Medicare nationwide
  • Easier if you travel frequently or live in multiple states
  • Medigap can make costs more predictable

Cons:

  • Separate plans to manage (Medicare, Part D, and Medigap)
  • No built‑in extras like dental or vision
  • Medigap premiums can be higher, especially as you age

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

  • Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare
  • Usually includes Part A, Part B, and often Part D
  • May include extras like fitness programs, limited dental, vision, or hearing

Pros:

  • All‑in‑one plan structure
  • Often lower or $0 premiums (but with copays and restrictions)
  • Extra benefits Original Medicare doesn’t cover

Cons:

  • Network restrictions (HMOs/PPOs)
  • Possible referrals and prior authorizations
  • Out‑of‑pocket costs vary by plan and usage
  • Plans can change yearly

Action step:
List your doctors, medications, and typical medical needs, then compare plans to see which option covers them best and at the lowest total annual cost, not just the lowest premium.

4. Check If You Qualify for Financial Help

Medicare helps, but it doesn’t cover everything. If money is tight, there may be government programs and financial assistance that reduce or even eliminate some of your costs.

Look into:

  • Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
    Can help pay your Part B premium, and sometimes deductibles and coinsurance, if your income and assets are below certain limits.

  • Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy for Part D)
    Reduces your prescription drug premiums, deductibles, and copays.

  • State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (where available)
    Some states offer extra help with medication costs.

  • Medicaid
    If your income is very limited, you may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (called “dual-eligible”), which can significantly lower out‑of‑pocket costs.

Because health expenses can pile up alongside credit card balances, medical bills, or other debt, this is also a good time to:

  • Review your monthly budget and recurring charges
  • Contact providers about payment plans for existing medical bills
  • Explore credit counseling or reputable debt relief resources if you’re falling behind overall

Getting control of your health costs early can free up money for essentials like housing, transportation, and even pet care if you have cats or dogs relying on you.

5. Make a Medication and Doctor Checklist

To avoid costly surprises:

  • List all your current prescriptions

    • Include exact name, dosage, how often you take them
    • Check how each plan covers them (tiers, prior authorization, preferred pharmacies)

  • List your doctors and specialists

    • Ask if they accept Medicare and, if considering Medicare Advantage, whether they are in‑network for the specific plan

  • Consider upcoming needs

    • Planned surgeries, physical therapy, mental health services, or routine specialty care
    • Dental, vision, or hearing needs that may require separate coverage or a plan with added benefits

This step alone can prevent unexpected bills, denied visits, or high drug copays.

6. Set Yourself Up for the First Year

Once you’re enrolled:

  • Create an organized file (paper or digital) for:

    • Medicare card and plan ID cards
    • Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements
    • Important phone numbers and notes from any plan calls

  • Schedule key preventive visits:

    • Your “Welcome to Medicare” visit (within 12 months of Part B starting)
    • Annual wellness visit, screenings, vaccines

  • Review your plan every fall
    Plans change. Your health may change, too. Use the October–December period each year to compare your current plan against others.

7. Think Beyond Medicare: Your Bigger Financial Picture

Medicare is one piece of your overall financial and health security. As you get settled:

  • Revisit your monthly expenses, including:

    • Housing, utilities, food
    • Auto expenses (insurance, maintenance, possible need to downsize vehicles)
    • Pet costs if you care for cats or dogs (food, vet visits, medications)

  • Consider:

    • Building a small emergency fund for medical or car repairs
    • Reviewing credit card interest rates and exploring lower‑cost options
    • Asking about senior discounts or community programs for transportation, meals, and pet support

Medicare can significantly reduce health costs, but the greatest peace of mind comes from aligning your coverage, budget, and lifestyle so they all work together.

High‑Value Topics to Explore Next

Here’s a quick list of related categories you may want to explore for deeper guidance, cost savings, and financial support:

  • 💊 Medicare & Health Coverage

    • Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap
    • How to lower prescription drug costs
    • Understanding Medicare Supplement insurance

  • 🏛️ Government Aid & Benefits

    • Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
    • Extra Help for Part D
    • Medicaid and dual‑eligibility for seniors

  • 💵 Financial Assistance & Debt Relief

    • Managing medical debt and hospital bills
    • Credit card relief and consolidation options
    • Budgeting on a fixed income or Social Security

  • 🚗 Automotive & Transportation

    • Auto insurance discounts for seniors
    • Safe driving programs and low‑cost maintenance tips
    • Transportation assistance for medical appointments

  • 🐾 Cats, Dogs & Pet Care on a Budget

    • Affordable vet care and medication options
    • Low‑cost pet food and supply programs
    • Planning for pet costs in retirement

  • 📚 Senior Financial Planning & Education

    • Retirement income planning with Medicare in mind
    • Long‑term care considerations
    • Estate planning basics (wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives)