Resources
Medicare Checklist
Most Medicare problems we see start with one missing detail. A drug didn't make the list, nobody checked a specialist, or no one asked HR for a coverage letter.
Go through this list before you compare plans. A licensed agent will ask for the same things, whether you live in Webster Groves, St. Charles or the city.
- What to gather before you compare plans
- Dates you don't want to miss
- Questions to ask any agent
Step 1
Gather your documents
- Your red, white and blue Medicare card, or the letter from Social Security confirming your enrollment
- Your current insurance card and the name of your plan, if you have one
- The Annual Notice of Change your plan mailed this fall, if you got one
- A creditable coverage letter from an employer, TRICARE or the VA
- A rough idea of your household income, in case you qualify for Extra Help
Step 2
Write down the care you use
-
Doctors and hospital
Your family doctor, each specialist, and the hospital you'd choose, like Barnes-Jewish, Mercy, SLU Hospital or St. Luke's. -
Prescriptions
Each drug's name, dose and how often you take it, plus your pharmacy. A phone photo of the bottle labels works too. -
Expected care
A surgery you have scheduled, ongoing therapy or regular lab work can change which plan makes sense.
Step 3
Know your dates
- Your 65th birthday and the 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around it
- The date your Part B starts, since that opens your 6-month Medigap window
- Your Medigap policy's anniversary date, since Missouri lets you switch to the same plan letter within 30 days of it
- October 15 through December 7 for Annual Open Enrollment
- January 1 through March 31 if you're already on a Medicare Advantage plan
- Your last day at work, if you're putting off Part B because of job coverage
Which window fits you?
Read Turning 65 if you're new to Medicare, or Switch Your Plan if you're already enrolled.
Step 4
Questions to ask any agent
Any independent agent should be able to answer these right away. Which carriers have appointed you? Are my doctors in this exact plan's network for next year? What will each of my prescriptions cost on this plan's drug list? What should I expect to spend in a full year, counting more than the premium? What can I do if I want to switch later?
If you get vague answers, ask someone else. Missouri SHIP, the state's free Medicare counseling program, gives unbiased help at 800-390-3330. You can also read about how we work or start with the FAQs.
Next step
Have a licensed agent compare plans with your list
When your list is done, a licensed insurance agent can check your doctors and prescriptions in the Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans we represent. Leave your number and we'll call you back on a weekday, or call 314-463-5815.
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 314-463-5815 now.
Finished the checklist?
Call with what you've gathered. We'll compare the plans we represent in your St. Louis area ZIP code using your doctors and prescriptions.