Medicare Toolkit

Medicare is the federal health insurance program available to older Americans and to many adults with disabilities. In most cases, you become eligible for Medicare at age 65 or if you have a disability. 

The resources in this toolkit will help you choose the plan that’s right for you, determine what your costs will be, and find answers to your questions about Medicare. The two websites below have up-to-date information on enrollment, plan information, costs, prescription drug coverage, and more. The more you understand about Medicare, the better you’ll be able to enjoy the full benefits of the program. 

Medicare.gov 
This government website offers the most up-to-date information about Medicare, from how to enroll, to choosing supplemental insurance and prescription drug coverage, to determining what your Medicare costs will be. The site includes resources on how to find doctors, providers, and hospitals, outlines the rights and responsibilities of Medicare recipients, and has information on how to file a claim or appeal or report fraud or abuse. The site is easy to navigate and the information on it is clearly written and easy to understand. Click here to link to the Medicare website. 

MedicareInteractive.org
Medicare Interactive is a free and independent online reference tool provided by the Medicare Rights Center, a national, nonprofit consumer service organization. It provides a wealth of answers to Medicare questions in a variety of formats. Medicare Interactive addresses common topics such as what Medicare covers, programs to help pay Medicare costs, and your rights and protections as a Medicare recipient. The site is easy to navigate and the information on it is clearly written and easy to understand. Visit the Medicare Interactive tool here. 

If you’re not yet 65, you won’t likely need this information until then, and of course, laws and regulations may change over time. Normally, you will enroll in at least Medicare Part A within a seven-month window around your 65th birthday. When you do, you’ll have this toolkit to help you get started.