Why Preparation Makes the Difference
A Medicare review appointment with a licensed agent is one of the most valuable conversations you can have about your healthcare costs and coverage. In 30 to 60 minutes, a knowledgeable agent can compare dozens of available plans against your specific situation and potentially save you hundreds or thousands of dollars per year. But the quality of that review depends entirely on the information you bring to the appointment. An agent who does not know your medications cannot compare drug costs accurately. An agent who does not know your doctors cannot verify network participation. The more complete your information, the more accurate and useful the review will be.
This checklist covers everything you should bring (or have ready for a phone appointment). Most items are things you already have at home. Gathering them takes 15 to 20 minutes and dramatically improves the value of your review.
Your Medicare and Insurance Documents
- Your Medicare card: This shows your Medicare number, your Part A effective date, and your Part B effective date. These dates determine your enrollment timeline and penalty history.
- Your current plan ID card: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, Medigap plan, or standalone Part D plan, bring the plan card. It shows the plan name, carrier, plan number, and member ID, which allows your agent to look up your current plan's terms and compare them to alternatives.
- Your current monthly premium amount: Know what you are paying now for each component of your coverage (Part B premium, plan premium, drug plan premium if separate). This establishes a baseline for comparison.
- Your most recent Explanation of Benefits (EOB): If you have received care recently, your EOB shows what services were billed, what Medicare paid, and what you owed. This can reveal cost-sharing patterns and potential savings.
- Your Annual Notice of Change letter: If you received an ANOC in September (you will if you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan), bring it. It summarizes every change coming to your plan on January 1 and is the starting point for an AEP review.
Your Medication List
- Write out every prescription drug you take, including the exact drug name (both generic and brand name if you know both), dosage (strength), and frequency (how many times per day or week you take it).
- Include the dosage form (tablet, capsule, patch, injection) if you know it, as some drugs are covered differently depending on the delivery method.
- Note your preferred pharmacy (name, address, and whether it is a chain or independent pharmacy). Plans have preferred pharmacy networks that significantly affect cost-sharing for Tiers 1 and 2 drugs.
- Include any medications you take occasionally or seasonally, not just daily maintenance medications. Seasonal inhalers, migraine medications, or antibiotics prescribed regularly should be included.
Your Healthcare Providers
- The full name and practice address of your primary care physician.
- The full name and practice address of every specialist you currently see or plan to see. Include cardiologists, oncologists, orthopedists, endocrinologists, and any other specialty care providers.
- The name of your preferred hospital or hospital system, especially if you have a specific hospital where you prefer to receive care or where your specialists have privileges.
- Any outpatient surgery centers, imaging centers, or other facilities you use regularly.
Upcoming Healthcare Needs
- Any surgeries or procedures you have scheduled or that your doctor has recommended for the coming year.
- Any anticipated changes in your health situation (starting chemotherapy, upcoming joint replacement, planned cardiac procedure) that would significantly affect your healthcare utilization next year.
- Whether you anticipate needing skilled nursing facility care, home health services, or durable medical equipment in the coming year.
Financial Information (Optional but Helpful)
- If you are concerned about IRMAA (the income-related Part B premium surcharge), bring your most recent tax return or a sense of your modified adjusted gross income. IRMAA is based on income from two years prior (your 2025 IRMAA is based on 2023 income).
- If you believe you may qualify for Medicare's Extra Help program (low-income subsidy for Part D costs), bring information about your monthly income and assets. Extra Help eligibility is based on income and resources, and can significantly reduce drug costs for qualifying beneficiaries.
Ready to Schedule Your Review?
Insurance Innovators LLC provides Medicare reviews at no cost to you. We are licensed to represent multiple carriers and can compare plans from different insurers side by side with your actual drug list and providers. Call us at (530) 395-5309 to schedule your appointment. Gather the items on this checklist beforehand, and you will get the most complete and accurate review possible.