Medicare checklist: 7 simple steps to sign up for benefits

Looking for a Medicare checklist to help you sign up for benefits?

If your 65th birthday is coming up, it’s time to start thinking about Medicare. The process can seem overwhelming, but with a Medicare checklist, you can enroll in just seven simple steps.

This step-by-step guide will help you:

Understand your options
Mark important deadlines, and…
Complete the Medicare enrollment process

Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps…

Step 1: Review your Medicare options early

Medicare has different parts, and understanding them ahead of time will help make enrollment easier.

FYI… there are different options to consider. Don’t procrastinate. It’s best to start learning about Medicare at least six months before your 65th birthday.

Medicare coverage options

There are two main ways to receive Medicare benefits:¹

Original Medicare (Part A & Part B): Covers hospital stays (Part A) and medical care (Part B)
Medicare Advantage (Part C): A private plan that includes Parts A & B and often Part D (prescription drugs), plus additional benefits

If you choose Original Medicare, consider:

Adding a Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.
Checking if you need separate dental and vision coverage

If you choose Medicare Advantage, check:

Whether your doctors accept the plan
If your prescriptions are covered
Any additional benefits

Step 2: Know your Medicare enrollment dates

Your Initial Medicare Enrollment Period lasts seven months:²

Starts: 3 months before your 65th birthday
Ends: 3 months after your 65th birthday

Medicare enrollment start dates

If you enroll before your birthday month, your Medicare coverage begins the first day of your birthday month.
If you enroll during or after your birthday month, your coverage starts the following month.
If your birthday falls on the first of the month, your coverage will start on the first day of the prior month.

Missed your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?

You can enroll during the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31), but you may face late penalties.

If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’re automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A & B and will receive your Medicare card by mail.

Step 3: Set up a “My Social Security” account

Medicare enrollment is handled by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you plan to enroll online, you’ll need a My Social Security account.³

Sign up at ssa.gov using your:

Social Security number
U.S. mailing address
Email address

Note: If you already use Login.gov or ID.me, you can log in without creating a new account.

Step 4: Sign Up for Medicare

Once you’ve reviewed your options, enrolling is simple. You can sign up:

Online: Visit ssa.gov/medicare and apply in minutes
By phone: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
In person: Visit your local Social Security office (schedule an appointment to avoid long wait times)
For Railroad Workers: Call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772

Step 5: Watch for your Medicare card in the mail

About two weeks after enrolling, you’ll receive:⁴

Your Medicare card
A “Welcome to Medicare” packet

The “Welcome to Medicare” information includes additional information about decisions you may need to make before your Medicare benefits begin.

Tip: Store your Medicare card in a safe place. You’ll need it for medical appointments.

Step 6: Make 2 important Medicare coverage decisions

Once enrolled, you need to decide:

Should you keep or delay Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B has a monthly premium (adjusted yearly). The 2025 standard premium is $185/month.⁵

If you still have health benefits through an employer:

You may be able to delay Part B without penalty.
If you lose health insurance through your job later, you’ll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Choose between Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage

Consider both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage:

Research each option to determine which one best suits your needs.

If you take prescription drugs that need coverage:

Check the Part D formulary. You can check this list to see if your prescription drugs are covered by a Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.

Step 7: Schedule a “Welcome to Medicare” visit

Once enrolled in Medicare Part B, schedule your no cost preventive care visit within the first 12 months you have Part B.⁶

During this visit, your doctor will:

Check blood pressure, vision, and overall health.
Provide recommended vaccinations and screenings.
Review your medical history and medications.

It’s a smart way to start your Medicare coverage, take advantage of your “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit with no copay or deductible, and help protect your health.

Follow this 7-step Medicare checklist to help you enroll

Enrolling in Medicare doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this Medicare checklist, you can break the process down into simple steps to help you make informed decisions about your coverage…

Start early. Learn about your Medicare options at least six months before turning 65.
Mark your calendar. Know your Initial Enrollment Period (based on your birthday, you have seven months to enroll), to avoid penalties.
Set up a My Social Security account. This makes online enrollment quick and easy.
Compare Medicare Plans. Decide between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Check the mail and watch for your Medicare card. It arrives about two weeks after enrollment.
Use your benefits. Schedule your free “Welcome to Medicare” visit to get started.

Get help with Medicare enrollment

Want a little help to enroll in Medicare? Our licensed health insurance agents can help you determine which type of Medicare plan makes sense for your needs and simplify the enrollment process. Just give us a call at (800) 827-9990 or find a licensed agent in your area.