California Medicare Guidance
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Operated by HealthBenefitsCompass LLC, a subsidiary of HealthcareGPS Inc.Medicare education · Not a government websiteReviewed by Lauri Middleton, RN, MSN (licensed Medicare agent) and Karen OrillaHow we prepare our guidance →Meet our reviewers →

Reviewed for accuracy by Lauri Middleton, RN, MSN, licensed Medicare agentReviewed for clarity by Karen OrillaMeet our reviewers →

Medicare checklists

The steps for turning 65, working past 65, every fall, and helping someone else. Tick them off on your own dates page; nothing is stored unless you press Save.

Turning 65

  1. Write down the seven-month window and the earliest Part B start
  2. Decide whether to sign up through Social Security online, by phone or in person
  3. List every prescription with dose and pharmacy before comparing drug coverage
  4. List the doctors and hospitals that matter, then verify each against the exact plan
  5. If choosing Original Medicare, note the six-month Medigap window
  6. Book a free HICAP counseling session before deciding

Working past 65

  1. Confirm with the benefits office whether the employer has 20 or more employees
  2. Get the yearly letter saying whether the drug coverage is creditable
  3. If contributing to an HSA, plan the month contributions stop
  4. Mark the estimated Part B window after employment or job coverage ends, whichever happens first
  5. Ask the employer to complete form CMS-L564 when the time comes

Every fall

  1. Read the Annual Notice of Change when it arrives by September 30
  2. Check each prescription against next year's drug list
  3. Confirm the doctors that matter are still in network
  4. Note the new premium, deductible and yearly maximum
  5. Decide by December 7 — including deciding to change nothing

Helping someone else

  1. Ask the person whether they want you involved, and how much
  2. Print the plan and bring it to the counseling appointment together
  3. If they want you to speak with Medicare for them, complete form CMS-10106
  4. Remember: the person with Medicare makes every decision

To tick items off with your own dates, start with My Medicare checklist (turning 65)

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Free Medicare counseling

California HICAP offers free, confidential Medicare counseling. Ask the local program about language and appointment availability.

California HICAP

1-800-MEDICARE

Call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for an interpreter. TTY: 1-877-486-2048.

Call Medicare · 1-800-633-4227Official information in other languages ↗

External resource. Some pages are in English; ask for language assistance if needed.