Ready to Enroll? Here’s Your Step-by-Step Minnesota Guide
Medicare can feel complicated — but breaking it down into steps makes it manageable. Use this checklist to make sure you don’t miss deadlines or important decisions.
Step 1: Know Your Enrollment Period
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you’re delaying because of employer coverage, you have 8 months after leaving work to enroll.
- General Enrollment Period (GEP): Jan 1 – Mar 31 each year (may include penalties if you delayed).
Step 2: Decide on Coverage
- Original Medicare (Parts A & B) + Medigap + Part D
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) with or without Part D
Consider your:
- Prescriptions
- Doctors & hospitals
- Budget & out-of-pocket costs
Step 3: Compare Minnesota-Specific Plans
- Medicare Advantage availability varies by county
- Medigap plan rules are unique in Minnesota
- Check which plans cover your medications and preferred providers
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need:
- Birth certificate or proof of age
- Social Security card
- Current insurance information
- List of prescriptions
Step 5: Enroll
- Online via SSA.gov
- Phone or in-person at Social Security
- With guidance from a licensed Medicare advisor
Step 6: Review and Confirm
- Make sure your enrollment confirmation shows the correct start date
- Check your premium amounts
- Review your doctor & pharmacy network if you chose Medicare Advantage
Step 7: Set Reminders for Annual Review
- Medicare plans change every year.
- The Open Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) is your opportunity to adjust coverage.
How YourMedicareMN Can Help
✔ Walk you step-by-step through enrollment
✔ Compare Medicare plans in Minnesota
✔ Ensure your prescriptions and providers are covered
✔ Provide ongoing support after you enroll
Start your Medicare journey with confidence — schedule your free consultation today.
📞 612-361-9367
📍 Serving all of Minnesota
💻 Phone and virtual appointments available