SBHIS: South Bay Health & Insurance Services

Turning 65

New to Medicare

Turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare can be a very confusing time.

At South Bay Health and Insurance Services we are your friends and guides in such an important decision. We will help you pick the plan that best suits your needs and saves you the most money at no cost to you.

Over 68,000 people with Medicare have trusted us with their health care choices and thanks to them SBHIS continues to assist our community when it comes to choosing the right Health Care or Prescription Drug Plan at no cost.

Checklist: 6 Things to Do When You Get Medicare

1. Fill out an Initial Enrollment Questionnaire

   Make sure your medical bills are paid correctly and on time by filling out this questionnaire and sending it to Medicare, or complete it over the phone or by mail.

   The Initial Enrollment Questionnaire (IEQ) should come in the mail about 3 months before your Medicare coverage starts. The questionnaire asks about other health insurance you have that might pay before Medicare does, like group health coverage from your or a family member’s employer, liability insurance, or workers’ compensation.

   How to submit the Initial Enrollment Questionnaire (IEQ):

   • Complete the questionnaire online at MyMedicare.gov
   • Mail back the paper copy you got in the mail.
   • Complete the questionnaire over the phone by calling the Coordination of Benefits Contractor at 1-800-999-1118. TTY users should call 1-800-318-8782.
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2. Fill out an Authorization Form

   Medicare can't give personal health information about you to anyone unless you give permission in writing first.

   If you want friends or family to be able to call 1-800-MEDICARE on your behalf, you should let Medicare know in writing now in case you’re unable to do it later. You can give your permission in several ways:

   • Fill out and submit an e-Authorization Form online.
   • Download and complete a .PDF version of the Standard Authorization form. Mail the completed, signed form to Medicare BCC, Written Authorization Department, P.O. Box 1270, Lawrence, KS 66044.
   • Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048, and ask for the Standard Authorization form to complete and mail in. Or, the CSR can help you complete the form over the phone, then mail the form to you to sign and return.
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3. Make a "Welcome to Medicare" Preventive Visit Appointment

   This free, one-time comprehensive visit is offered during the first 12 months you have Medicare.

   The free "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit puts you in control of your health and your Medicare from the start. Offered during the first 12 months you have Medicare, this visit lets you and your doctor discuss steps to prevent disease, improve your health, and help you stay well. The visit is completely covered by Medicare. There is no co-pay or deductible.

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4. Sign up for MyMedicare.gov

   MyMedicare.gov is a secure online service where you can access your personal Medicare information 24 hours a day, every day.

   Here's what you can do with MyMedicare.gov:

   • Complete your Initial Enrollment Questionnaire (IEQ)
   • Track your health care claims
   • Order a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or replacement Medicare card
   • Check your Part B deductible status
   • View your eligibility information
   • Track your preventive services
   • Find information about your Medicare health or prescription drug plan, or search for a new one
   • Keep your Medicare information in one convenient place
   • Sign up to get the "Medicare & You" handbook electronically
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5. Choose and Join a Medicare Drug Plan (Part D)

   If you're new to Medicare, you have 7 months to join a Medicare drug plan.

   If you want Medicare prescription drug coverage, now is the time to join a Medicare drug plan. You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare drug plan at these times:

   • When you first become eligible for Medicare
   • Between October 15 - December 7

   This 7 month period starts 3 months before you become eligible, includes the month you become eligible, and ends 3 months after you become eligible. This is true whether you’re eligible for Medicare because of your age or a disability. If you're eligible for Medicare because of a disability, you'll have another chance to join a Medicare drug plan when you turn age 65.

   Find Medicare drug plans in your area. Once you choose a Medicare drug plan, you may be able to join by completing a paper application, calling the plan, or joining online.

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6. Download a Copy of "Your Medicare Benefits"

   Medicare's official "Your Medicare Benefits" publication explains the rules about which health care services and supplies Medicare covers.

   Medicare's official "Your Medicare Benefits" publication explains the rules about which health care services and supplies Medicare covers, what specific benefits you can get, and when you can get them. It also explains how much Medicare pays for each service, and how much you pay.

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