What information should I prepare before learning about Medicare for the first time?

Updated: 08/01/2026

When first learning about Medicare, many people ask, "What do I need to prepare first?"

Preparing basic information in advance can help you understand your application timeline, existing coverage, and matters that need to be verified later.

This list is for general educational purposes only and does not involve recommendations for specific insurance companies or programs.

I. Confirm basic qualifications and important dates

You can organize it first:

• Date of birth;

• Expected retirement or cessation of work date;

• Are you currently receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits?

• Whether the group medical insurance is still provided by the employer currently employed by the individual or their spouse;

• If you have received your Medicare card, confirm the effective dates for Part A and Part B.

Do not send photos of your Medicare card, your full Medicare number, your Social Security number, or other sensitive personal information in regular emails, text messages, or private social media messages.

Medicare.gov An interactive tool is provided to allow users to confirm when and how to apply based on their individual circumstances:

View Medicare official application preparation information

II. Reviewing the current medical insurance system

If you already have other coverage, you can record the type of insurance, for example:

• Group insurance provided by the employer of the applicant or their spouse;

• Retired employee medical insurance;

• COBRA;

• VA or TRICARE;

• Medicaid/Medi-Cal;

• Marketplace Personal Health Insurance.

Different types of coverage may affect when to apply for Part B, and the order of payments between Medicare and existing insurance.

Being still employed and having employer insurance does not necessarily mean you can directly defer Part B. Before making a decision, you should confirm whether the coverage is based on your or your spouse's current employment, the size of the employer, and relevant Medicare rules.

III. Compiling a list of commonly used doctors and medical institutions

The following can be listed:

• Family doctor;

• Specialist physicians who are frequently seen by patients;

• Preferred hospitals or healthcare systems;

• Frequently used pharmacies;

• Do you frequently live or travel across state lines?

This data can be used to understand the physician availability, service areas, and network regulations that may be involved in different Medicare coverage options.

Whether a doctor is covered by Medicare or participates in a specific program network may change over time. Before making a coverage choice, you should directly confirm with your healthcare provider and the relevant program.

IV. Compiling a list of prescription drugs

You can record it yourself:

• Drug name;

• Dosage;

• Frequency of use;

• Preferred pharmacies.

Different Part D or Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage may have different drug lists, drug tiers, pharmacy networks, and out-of-pocket costs.

You can use the official Medicare Plan Finder to view available plans and estimated costs based on your location and medication information:

Using Medicare Plan Finder

To protect your privacy, please do not send complete prescriptions, medical information, or Medicare numbers via regular email, private social media messages, or unverified links.

V. Understanding the basic components of Medicare

Medicare mainly includes:

• Part A: Primarily covers inpatient care, qualified professional nursing care, palliative care, and some home-based medical care;

• Part B primarily covers physician services, outpatient services, preventative services, and durable medical equipment;

• Part C: Medicare Advantage, provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies;

• Part D: Assist in paying for eligible outpatient prescription drug costs.

After enrolling in Medicare Advantage, you retain your Medicare status, but services covered by Part A and Part B are typically managed and paid for by the plan you join. Plan networks, fees, drug lists, and other regulations may differ.

To further understand each part:

Medicare Basics

VI. List your protection needs

When comparing different protection methods, consider the following:

• The usage needs of doctors and hospitals;

• Insurance coverage for prescription drugs;

• Monthly premium and estimated annual expenses;

• Deductible, fixed deductible, and co-insurance;

• Do you travel frequently or live in different states?

• Can you accept the requirements of the medical network, referral, or prior authorization?

• Original Medicare itself does not have a typical annual maximum deductible;

• Future purchases or replacements of Medigap may be affected by application time, state laws, and health underwriting regulations.

No single type of insurance is suitable for everyone. Available options should be reviewed based on individual circumstances, and decisions should not be made solely based on monthly premiums or additional benefits.

VII. Data will be re-verified annually.

The following details regarding Medicare Advantage and Part D plans may change annually:

• Premium;

• Fixed out-of-pocket expenses and co-insurance;

• Healthcare service network;

• Drug lists and pharmacy networks;

• Prior authorization requirements;

• Other benefits options.

Those who have already enrolled in the relevant plan should read the Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage received each year, and use the Medicare Plan Finder to recheck the data for the next year.

Privacy Reminder

Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, full addresses, and health information are all considered sensitive information.

• Do not publicly upload photos of your Medicare card;

• Do not send sensitive information via unverified emails, text messages, or private social media messages;

• Do not respond to unknown calls that ask for your Medicare number under the guise of a gift, refund, or extra benefit;

• Applications are processed only through Medicare.gov, Social Security, and other verified secure channels.

If you suspect Medicare fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Official resources

• Medicare: Get to know Medicare https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare

• Medicare: Preparing to Apply https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up

• Medicare: Preparing to Apply for Part A and Part B https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/ready-to-sign-up-for-part-a-part-b

• Medicare: Basic Knowledge https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics

• Medicare Plan Finder https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/

• Social Security: Apply for Medicare https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up

  
  

Data Statement

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, tax, or specific insurance advice. Medicare rules, fees, coverage, healthcare networks, drug lists, and program availability are subject to change and may vary depending on location and individual eligibility. Please refer to the latest official documents from Medicare.gov, CMS, Social Security, state governments, and relevant programs.

——Ivy Yang Insurance Services | Caring for Your Every Step in Retirement Medical Planning