Updated for plan year 2026 on 2026-07-25
What should I do first when I am turning 65 and new to Medicare?
Start with your Medicare Part A and Part B timing, then compare Original Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Part D. Your doctors, prescriptions, travel, and budget should guide the next step.
What to check before you choose
Medicare choices depend on your dates, county, prescriptions, doctors, pharmacies, and how much risk you are comfortable carrying during the year.
- Confirm the beneficiary's Medicare effective dates, county, prescriptions, doctors, and coverage goals.
- Separate general education from plan-specific recommendations and document consent before marketing discussions.
- Check current plan-year rules, premiums, formularies, pharmacy pricing, networks, and enrollment-window eligibility.