If you are going to become eligible for Medicare in the next year, then you are probably looking forward to finally receiving the health insurance that you have paid taxes on for so many years. Plus, Medicare is one of the most essential senior citizen benefits that the U.S. government offers. It enables countless people to receive quality medical care that they might not otherwise be able to afford. 
Once your Medicare benefits start, you will be able to immediately use your plan. However, as you become accustomed to the Medicare system during your first year as a participant, you will still have to keep a few essential tasks in mind. Let’s take a closer look.
During Your First Year on Medicare
As someone who is new to Medicare, you must remain conscious of the tasks required of you to help you finalize your enrollment, pay for your care and coordinate your benefits. As your first year on Medicare begins, keep a few things in mind:
- Make sure the information on your Medicare card is correct.
- Check the Medicare provider network to see which hospitals, physicians, pharmacies accept Medicare benefits. If you see a doctor who is within your network, then they will accept payment from Medicare and you will receive optimized costs for your benefits.
- Familiarize yourself with the coinsurance, copayments and deductibles of your plan, and learn about how they apply to different services.
- Schedule a “Welcome to Medicare” health visit with your physician. This free check-up is only offered during your first year in the program and will let your doctor conduct a thorough exam to establish your baseline health record.
- If you receive Social Security benefits, then your Medicare Part B premium will be automatically withdrawn from those. Otherwise, you will have to pay your premium yourself. You can do so via check, credit card or EFT from your bank account.
- Review your Medicare & You handbook, which is provided each year to all Medicare enrollees, to learn more about how your coverage works.
You can find out more information about benefits, billing, claims, plan changes and more by setting up a MyMedicare.gov account, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Additionally, you will be mailed or emailed copies of essential documents as you finalize enrollment and receive care.
If you are interested in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D or Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) plans, then speak to one of our agents today. These are separate, private plans that have different networks, billing rules and covered care than traditional Medicare. The best time to enroll in these plans is when you are finalizing your standard Medicare enrollment.