Gathering a few items before your call - like your Medicare card - will help things move along more quickly.
Congratulations! You scheduled an appointment to talk to a licensed agent about your Medicare options. That’s a big step – and it can feel a little intimidating, too. But no worries. We’ll walk you through everything you need to do to prepare for that meeting.
And don’t worry if you don’t have all these things! We’ll work with you to gather any necessary information on our call.
Before your appointment
Take stock of your current coverage before the meeting, including:
- Any extra benefits your Medicare plan covers.
- Any medical conditions and/or medications you take.
- How much you pay, including premiums, copays, deductibles, and the yearly out-of-pocket max, if there is one.
- Everything you like – and dislike about your current plan.
Write everything down, so you can access it easily during your meeting. And again, don’t worry if you don’t have all these things!
The day of your appointment
Start by gathering your notes about your current coverage, but also have these items handy.
- Your Medicare Card
- Your list of current prescriptions (including dosages and whether they are brand name or generic)
- Your list of doctors that are important to you
If possible, find a quiet place with few distractions. This will make it easier for you to focus on your meeting.
Don’t be afraid to ask your agent to speak more slowly, or maybe a little louder if needed. They want you to hear and understand them as much as you do. And always remember: There are no dumb questions. If you don’t understand something the agent is explaining, don’t hesitate to ask them to clarify. Or, repeat what you think they meant, and the agent can clarify further or say, “Yes, you got it.”
Take notes of your conversation, too, so you can go back and refer to them later if you’re still comparing your plan options.
Our goal is building a lifelong relationship with you, not the insurance company. That’s why we want to ensure you understand your options and get the right plan for you.
After your appointment
If you signed up for a plan during your ClearMatch appointment, be on the lookout for your new plan materials, which will include your Summary of Benefits and Coverage, as well as your member ID or card. And don’t forget our monthly newsletter. Each month, we share articles about Medicare, retirement, and health, full of actionable, relevant information for the 65+ crowd.