Medicare Guide

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First-Time Medicare Enrollment

A practical roadmap for people approaching Medicare eligibility and trying to understand what needs to happen first.

Start with your timeline

Your enrollment timing depends on why you are becoming eligible and whether you have current coverage through work or another source.

Review current coverage

Before making changes, understand whether your employer or other coverage is considered creditable and how it coordinates with Medicare.

Build the coverage picture

After Parts A and B, evaluate prescription coverage and whether Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with a Supplement better matches the factors you care about.

Related Medicare topics

Important: We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. This page is general education. Availability, eligibility, costs, and benefits can vary by plan and area.
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