Turning 65 in Nebraska: A Medicare Enrollment Checklist

Three months before: confirm enrollment

Your Initial Enrollment Period generally lasts seven months: the three months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the three months after. Some people receiving Social Security benefits are enrolled automatically; others must apply.

• Check your Social Security and Medicare status.
• Do not assume COBRA or retiree coverage counts as active-employer coverage.
• Ask the employer benefits administrator for written coordination details.

Build your comparison list

Write down every prescription with dosage and frequency, preferred pharmacies, doctors, hospitals, anticipated procedures, travel patterns, and a realistic monthly budget. These details make a plan comparison meaningful.

Compare the complete annual picture

Consider premiums, deductibles, copays or coinsurance, drug costs, provider access, and the financial protection built into the coverage. An attractive extra benefit should not replace checking doctors, drugs, and total costs.

Keep a decision record

Save enrollment confirmations, plan documents, drug and provider checks, and the name and date of anyone you spoke with. Review new member materials when they arrive and confirm coverage before using services.