Medicare Insurance Checklist – Popel Insurances

Before You Turn 65

Understand if You’re Eligible for Medicare

You’re typically eligible for Medicare at age 65 if you’re a U.S. citizen or have been a legal resident for at least five years.

Know When Your Enrollment Period Begins

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after.

Find Out if You’ll Be Automatically Enrolled

If you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

When You’re Ready to Enroll

Part A: Covers hospital stays, hospice, and skilled nursing facilities.
Part B: Covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and preventive care.

Set up an account at ssa.gov/myaccount to streamline the enrollment process.

Apply easily at ssa.gov/medicare — it takes less than 15 minutes and is completely secure

Most people pay the standard Part B `premium, but higher earners may pay more due to IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount).

Still working? Compare your employer health insurance to Medicare to see if you should delay Part B to avoid paying for duplicate coverage.

keep Track of Your Medicare Card

You’ll receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail soon. Keep it safe.

Explore Additional Medicare Coverage

You may choose to add a Medigap Plan, Part C Advantage Plan, or a Part D Drug Plan.

Ask About Financial Assistance

If you qualify, programs like Medicaid or Extra Help can lower your Medicare costs.

Final Thought

Enrolling in Medicare Part A and B doesn’t have to be stressful. Think of this checklist as your roadmap—and remember, we’re here to help every step of the way. Our licensed Medicare experts can answer your questions, guide you through enrollment, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
We’re not just here to give you information—we’re here to support you like family

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Enrollment Checklist

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a Medigap Plan

Medicare Supplement Plan helps pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

You must have both Medicare Part A and Part B to purchase a Medicare Supplement policy.

This six-month period starts when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this time, you can buy any Medicare Supplement Plan without medical underwriting.

Plans are standardized and offer the same benefits across insurers. Popular plans include Plan G and Plan N.

Think about how often you go to the doctor, whether you travel, and how much you can comfortably spend each month.

Some Medicare Supplement Plans offer limited emergency medical coverage outside the U.S.

Medicare Supplement Plans allow you to see any doctor who accepts Medicare—no networks or referrals needed.

Medicare Supplement Plan do not include dental, vision, hearing aids, or prescription drug coverage.

If you choose Medicare Supplement Plans, you’ll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan to cover prescriptions.

We can guide you in selecting the best Medicare Supplement Plans for your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Final Thought

Your prescriptions matter—so should your plan. Let us simplify the process and help you stay healthy without overpaying.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan Enrollment Checklist

How to Choose the Right Medicare Advantage Plan for Your Needs

These plans bundle Medicare Part A, Part B, and usually Part D, plus extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.

You must have both Medicare Part A and Part B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, Annual Enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7), or Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan. 1–Mar. 31).

Think about your preferred doctors, travel habits, and whether you need additional benefits.

HMOs usually require in-network care and referrals; PPOs offer more flexibility but may cost more.

Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D. Confirm that your prescriptions are covered.

Unlike Original Medicare, Advantage plans have an annual cap on what you’ll pay out-of-pocket.

Some plans include fitness programs, telehealth, OTC benefits, and even meal delivery.

Make sure your preferred doctors and hospitals are in the plan’s network.

We’ll help you compare plans side-by-side and enroll in one that aligns with your priorities

Final Thought

Medicare Advantage plans can offer great value—but choosing the right one takes clarity. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.