Are you preparing for a Medicare consultation but unsure what documents you need? Many people arrive at their appointments missing critical paperwork, only to leave with incomplete advice or delayed enrollment.
A Medicare consultation checklist can prevent these issues by making sure you have all necessary documentation from the start.
A Medicare consultation is your chance to get personalized guidance on plans, costs, and coverage options. But without the right documents, your advisor can’t give you accurate recommendations. Whether you’re meeting with a broker, SHIP counselor, or insurance agent, being prepared saves time and ensures you get the best possible Medicare plan for your needs.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essential items to bring to your Medicare consultation checklist, so you can walk in confident and walk out with a clear action plan.
Why Preparation Matters for Medicare Consultations
Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your ideal plan depends on factors like your current health needs such as the doctors you see, medications you take, and any expected procedures. Your budget also plays a key role, including what you can afford in premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. In addition, your future plans, like travel frequency or the timing of your retirement can influence which Medicare options are best suited for you.
Using a Medicare consultation checklist ensures you provide the detailed information needed to align your health and financial goals with the right coverage. Without this preparation, advisors may only be able to offer generic plan suggestions that don’t fully meet your unique needs.
Types of Medicare Consultations
Not all consultations are the same. Each one focuses on different decisions and may require slightly different documentation. Regardless of the type, this Medicare consultation checklist will help ensure you’re fully prepared.
- Initial Enrollment Meetings
For individuals turning 65 or newly eligible due to disability. Focuses on setting up Medicare Part A and B, and reviewing options like Medicare Advantage (Part C), Part D (prescription drugs), and Medigap (supplemental coverage). A tailored Medicare consultation checklist can help first-time enrollees avoid delays. - Annual Plan Reviews
Scheduled during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). These meetings compare your current coverage with next year’s options to ensure you’re not overpaying or missing key benefits. - Special Circumstance Meetings
Triggered by events like losing employer coverage, moving to a new state, or gaining Medicaid eligibility. These consultations help adjust your Medicare plan to fit your new situation, often during a Special Enrollment Period. A Medicare consultation checklist is especially helpful when your circumstances are in transition.
Medicare Consultation Checklist: 7 Essential Items
1. Medicare Card (If Already Enrolled)
Your Medicare card shows your Part A and Part B effective dates, which are essential for enrollment in supplemental coverage, Medicare Advantage (Part C), or prescription drug plans (Part D). This is one of the most fundamental items on your Medicare consultation checklist, and forgetting it can delay your ability to compare or enroll in plans.
2. List of Current Medications
Include the names and dosages of your current medications, how often you take each one, and the pharmacy you use regularly. Providing this information allows your advisor to verify which Medicare plans fully cover your prescriptions. Be sure to update this section of your Medicare consultation checklist before each appointment to ensure accurate plan recommendations.
3. Doctor and Hospital Preferences
Bring the names of your primary care doctor, any specialists you see such as a cardiologist or oncologist and your preferred hospitals. These details are key elements of any thorough Medicare consultation checklist and help ensure your chosen plan includes providers you trust.
4. Current Insurance Information
Include cards or policy information for all your current insurance coverage, such as employer-sponsored or retiree plans, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medicaid, and any supplemental or international insurance. This information is essential for proper coordination of benefits and avoiding claim issues. Keeping these details organized in your Medicare consultation checklist helps streamline the process.
Also, come prepared with your estimated monthly budget for premiums and out-of-pocket costs, along with proof of income if you’re applying for Extra Help or other assistance programs. For 2025, Extra Help income limits are less than $22,590 per year for individuals and less than $30,660 per year for married couples.
If you’re seeking help from Medicare Savings Programs, bring asset and income documentation as well. Your Medicare consultation checklist should always include an updated financial overview. For more information, visit Medicare.gov to get help with costs.
5. Financial Information
Come prepared with your estimated monthly budget for premiums and out-of-pocket costs, along with proof of income if you’re applying for Extra Help or other assistance. For 2025, the Extra Help income limits are less than $22,590 per year for individuals and less than $30,660 per year for married couples.
If you’re seeking assistance through Medicare Savings Programs, be sure to bring documentation of your assets and income. Keeping this financial information up to date is an important part of your Medicare consultation checklist. For more details, visit Medicare.gov to learn about help with costs.
6. Questions to Ask
Write down any questions or concerns you want to address during your consultation, such as “Will this plan cover my upcoming knee replacement?”, “What’s the maximum I could spend in a bad health year?”, or “Are my medications on this plan’s preferred formulary?” Including your questions on your Medicare consultation checklist helps ensure you leave the meeting well-informed and confident in your plan choices.
7. Notebook and Pen
Bringing a notebook and pen is a simple but important item on your Medicare consultation checklist. Use it to jot down next steps after the meeting and important enrollment deadlines to stay organized and on track.
Common Medicare Consultation Mistakes
Mistake #1: Not Bringing Medication Lists
One common mistake is not bringing an updated medication list to your consultation. Without this, advisors can’t properly check your drug coverage. To avoid this, use a pharmacy printout or Medicare.gov’s drug list tool. It’s a good idea to keep an updated copy in your Medicare consultation checklist at all times.
Mistake #2: Forgetting Doctor Details
Another common issue is choosing a plan that your healthcare providers don’t accept. To prevent this, call your doctors beforehand to confirm which plans they accept. Use your checklist to verify that every provider is in-network before making a decision.
Mistake #3: Not Disclosing All Insurance
Incomplete or missing insurance information can disrupt coordination of benefits and lead to claim denials. To avoid this, bring all your insurance cards, including secondary or less frequently used plans. Always double-check this section in your Medicare consultation checklist before your appointment.
Case Study: How Preparation Saved Linda $1,200/Year
Linda’s preparation for her Medicare consultation made a significant difference. She brought a list of 12 medications, including a specialty drug, contact information for her oncologist, and a strict monthly budget of $150. With this information, her advisor found a plan that covered all her medications with $0 copays, included her cancer specialist in-network, and cost only $98 per month.
Her results clearly show the power of using a complete Medicare consultation checklist before your appointment. Without these documents, she might have chosen a plan costing $218 per month with less favorable coverage.
FAQ: Medicare Consultation Prep
Q1: How early should I prepare these documents?
Start at least 1 week before your consultation to avoid scrambling at the last minute. Use your consultation checklist as a step-by-step guide during prep week.
Q2: What if I’m not enrolled in Medicare yet?
Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of U.S. citizenship or residency instead of a Medicare card. Your Medicare consultation checklist should reflect these alternative items.
Q3: Can I do a consultation without paperwork?
Yes, but your advisor will likely need a follow-up appointment once you provide missing documents. A complete consultation checklist reduces the need for repeat meetings.
Conclusion
Being prepared for your Medicare consultation ensures you get personalized, accurate advice tailored to your health needs and budget. With this Medicare consultation checklist, you’ll avoid wasted time and potentially save thousands in healthcare costs.
Don’t do it alone when it comes to Medicare planning. Our experienced brokers are here to help you every step of the way. Call us today at 734-740-3997 or visit our Contact Us page for a free, no-obligation consultation.
