Congratulations on enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan! ๐ Now that youโre covered, there are a few important steps to take so you can get the most out of your new benefitsโand avoid any surprises later.
๐ฌ Watch for Your Welcome Kit & ID Card
Youโll receive your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card in the mail soon. This card is different from your red, white, and blue Medicare cardโyouโll use your plan ID card at all appointments and pharmacies.
๐ฉบ Find a Primary Care Doctor
If you donโt already have a primary care doctor (PCP), nowโs the time to choose one who accepts your Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Log into your plan providerโs website or call their customer service line.
- Need help? Call us at 844-329-1444โweโll walk you through it!
๐ Schedule Your โNew Patientโ Visit ASAP
If you already have a primary care doctor, move to Step 4.
If not, many doctors require a New Patient Orientation visit before theyโll treat you when youโre sick. Donโt delay!
โ When scheduling, let them know what Medicare Advantage plan you haveโitโs listed on your plan ID card.
๐งโโ๏ธ Take Advantage of Free Preventive Benefits
Medicare Advantage plans include a free annual wellness visit and other preventive services to keep you healthy.
Here are some of the most popular covered services:
- ๐ฉบ Annual Wellness Visit
- ๐งช Lab work & screenings (cholesterol, diabetes, etc.)
- ๐ Vaccines (flu, pneumonia, shingles)
- ๐๏ธ Vision screening
- ๐ฆท Dental cleanings/exams (if included in your plan)
- ๐ง Mental health & cognitive checks
- ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Womenโs Health โ mammograms, pap smears, bone density
- ๐ด Prostate and colorectal screenings
๐ Most of these are 100% coveredโuse them!
๐ Review Optional Extras
Many Medicare Advantage plans include:
- Dental, Vision, Hearing
- OTC allowances
- Gym memberships and more
Log in to your planโs member portal to see what extras you get!
๐ฒ Create an Online Account With Your Medicare Plan Provider
With an online account, you can:
- Find in-network providers
- View your coverage and claims
- Track drug costs
- Message customer service
Itโs quick and easy to set up with your Member ID.
โ๏ธ Save Important Numbers
Keep these handy:
- Plan Member Services
- Primary Care Doctor
- Our Office: 844-329-1444 โ Weโre here to answer your questions and help you get the most out of your plan.
๐ Review Your Prescription Drug Coverage
Check your planโs formulary to make sure your prescriptions are covered and affordable.
- Talk to your doctor about alternatives if needed
- You can also request a formulary exception
๐ Know Where to Go for Urgent Care
Avoid unnecessary ER costs:
- Find your planโs preferred urgent care centers
- Know what counts as a true emergency under your plan
๐ณ Understand Copays & Out-of-Pocket Costs
Know what youโll pay for:
- PCP & specialist visits
- Emergency care
- Out-of-pocket max
Check your Summary of Benefits or call us if youโre unsure.
Donโt have a Medicare Advantage plan?
๐ Click here to read: โWhat to Do After Enrolling in Original Medicare + a Supplementโ
๐จ Beware of Unsolicited Calls
You may receive calls from people claiming to be with Medicare or your plan, saying:
โWe found a better plan,โ
โWeโre calling on behalf of Medicare,โ or
โYou need to change plans immediately.โ
โ These are often misleading or unauthorized.
โ
HANG UP and call your agent or Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.
You can always call us at 844-329-1444 if youโre unsure.
This blog is for educational purposes only and does not provide advice or recommendations for any specific Medicare plan. For full benefit details, please contact your Medicare plan provider directly or visit www.Medicare.gov.
Our agency is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.