How Medicare Works and How to Use Your Benefits

Get started with your Medicare coverage 

Now that you’re enrolled in Medicare, it’s time to use your benefits. This guide will help you understand how Medicare works, what Medicare covers and how to get the most from your health care coverage right away. 

What to expect in the mail after you enroll 

About two weeks after you sign up, you’ll get a Welcome to Medicare package from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It will include your red, white and blue Medicare card. 

If you signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare drug plan (Part D), your plan will also send you new member materials and an insurance card. 

Quick refresher: What your Medicare plan may include 

Now that you're enrolled, it helps to know what type of Medicare plan you have so you can use your benefits fully. 

• Original Medicare includes: 
  • Part A (hospital insurance): Covers inpatient care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and some home health services. 
  • Part B (medical insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services and medical supplies. 
• Medicare Advantage plans (Part C): Combine Part A and Part B, often include Part D drug coverage, and may offer extra benefits like vision, hearing and dental services, gym memberships or transportation help. 
• Medicare drug plans (Part D): If you’re not in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have a separate plan that helps pay for prescription drugs. 
• Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap): If you use Original Medicare, you may also have supplemental coverage to help with deductibles and copays. 

Not sure which type of coverage you have? Check your Medicare card, your plan’s insurance card or contact your plan provider. 

Set up your online health care portals 

To manage your health care and access your records, create accounts for: 

• MyMedicare.gov 
• Your health insurance plan’s member portal 

These tools help you review your benefits, check claims and find covered services. 

Choose a primary care physician (PCP) 

A primary care physician is your main doctor. They’ll help you: 

• Manage your ongoing care 
• Coordinate with your other doctors 
• Get faster access to appointments 

If you don’t have a PCP, now is a good time to find one. 

Are you a Banner Medicare member? 

Use Banner Medicare’s Provider Directory to find a doctor near you. 

Book your Welcome to Medicare Visit 

Your Welcome to Medicare Visit is a one-time appointment with your PCP. During this visit, you’ll get: 

• A review of your medical history 
• A basic checkup and screening tests 
• A care plan with preventive services 

This visit is fully covered by Original Medicare and must be completed within your first 12 months of enrollment. After that, you’ll get a yearly Annual Wellness Visit. 

Know what to bring to appointments 

Bring these items when you go to the doctor or pharmacy: 

• Your red, white and blue Medicare card 
• Your health insurance card 
• A photo ID (like a driver’s license) 

Let your provider know about your new Medicare coverage so your bills are processed correctly. 

Use your Medicare drug coverage 

If you have Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, you may be able to: 

• Order medications by mail 
• Save money with generic options 
• Use your plan’s pharmacy network 

Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to start mail-order prescriptions through your plan. 

Take advantage of your extra benefits 

Many Medicare Advantage plans include extra benefits beyond basic health insurance, such as: 

• Vision, hearing and dental services 
• Over the counter (OTC) medication credits 
• Transportation to medical appointments 
• Fitness programs or gym memberships 

Check your plan’s member materials to learn which benefits you have and how to use them. 

Need help understanding your Medicare plan?

Have questions about your Medicare coverage or benefits? Learn more from Banner Health. 

We’re here to help you get the most from your plan and answer any questions you may have. 

Call 833-516-1007 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent. 

• October 1 – March 31: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week 
• April 1 – September 30: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday – Friday